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Client Guide

What should I do before my status expires?

The safest time to solve a status problem is usually before the expiry date.

Reviewed · September 10, 2026

General information only. A lawyer should review the facts, documents and current rules before you rely on this information for an application or deadline.

Confirm the actual expiry date

For permit holders, the permit normally shows the expiry date. Visitor status may require looking at the entry stamp or visitor record rather than the expiry date of a visa counterfoil.

Decide what status you actually need next

Extending as a worker, changing to visitor status and applying for a study permit can have different consequences. The application category matters.

Maintained status is application-specific

A worker who files a qualifying work-permit extension/change before expiry may be able to continue working under the original conditions while the application is processed. If the worker instead applies for visitor status or a study permit, work authorization does not simply continue after the original work permit expires.

After expiry, restoration may be the issue

Ordinarily, an eligible person may have a 90-day restoration period, but special measures can alter this for qualifying groups. Get advice quickly rather than assuming the same rules apply to everyone.

Official source reviewed:
IRCC / Canada.ca