In the Marriott Bonvoy program, elite status is typically earned in one calendar year and remains valid through February of the following year. For example, if you achieve "Gold Elite" status by staying the required nights between January 1 and December 31, 2025, you will keep that status for the remainder of 2025, all of 2026, and through February 28, 2027. This 14-month "grace period" at the end of the earnings year is designed to give travelers time to re-qualify during the new year without losing their benefits. If you fail to stay the required number of nights during the subsequent year to maintain your tier, your status will be "downgraded" on March 1. However, if you have achieved "Lifetime Status" (such as Lifetime Silver, Gold, or Platinum), you will keep that status forever regardless of your annual stay activity. Additionally, some Marriott-branded credit cards provide "automatic" status; as long as the credit card account remains open and in good standing, you will keep that associated status indefinitely. It is always a good idea to check your Bonvoy app in January to see your "Qualifying Nights" reset and confirm your status expiration date.