Status Restoration in Canada
What is Status Restoration?
Status restoration is a process that allows foreign nationals in Canada to regain their temporary resident status after it has expired. If your visitor visa, work permit, or study permit has expired, you may apply to restore your status within 90 days from the date of expiry. During this period, you remain in Canada without legal status until a decision is made. Restoration is not automatic and is assessed by IRCC on a discretionary basis.
Who needs Status Restoration?
You need to apply for restoration if your status has expired and you did not submit an extension application before the expiry date. This often happens when an individual misses the extension deadline, receives a refusal after their status has already expired, or misunderstands the conditions of their stay. If you applied before expiry, you may have maintained status and restoration would not be required.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for restoration, your status must have expired less than 90 days ago, and you must have remained in Canada since that time. You must also have complied with the conditions of your previous status and continue to meet the requirements of the category you are applying under. If more than 90 days have passed since the loss of status, restoration is no longer available and you will generally need to leave Canada and apply again from outside.
What status can you restore?
You may restore your status as a visitor, worker, or student. In most cases, you must submit a new application at the same time as the restoration request. For example, if you previously held a work permit, you must submit a new work permit application together with your restoration request, and the same principle applies to study permits.
Restrictions while restoration is in process
While your restoration application is being processed, you are not authorized to work or study in Canada, and you must remain in Canada during this period. If you leave Canada, your restoration application is considered abandoned and will not be processed further.
Restrictions while restoration is in process
While your restoration application is being processed, you are not authorized to work or study in Canada, and you must remain in Canada during this period. If you leave Canada, your restoration application is considered abandoned and will not be processed further.
How to apply for Status Restoration
The application is submitted online through the official Canadian government website. A proper application must include a detailed explanation of why your status expired and why restoration should be granted, along with supporting documents confirming your previous legal status, demonstrating compliance with conditions, and supporting any new permit application being submitted. Government fees apply, including a restoration fee in addition to the standard application fees.
How IRCC assesses restoration applications
IRCC officers assess the reason your status expired, how quickly you acted after losing status, and whether you complied with your previous conditions. They also review your overall immigration history and whether you continue to meet the requirements of the status you are seeking, and a weak or unsupported explanation significantly increases the risk of refusal.
Processing times and outcome
Processing times vary and are not predictable but typically takes from one month to a few months. If your application is approved, your status will be restored and a new permit may be issued if applicable, but if the application is refused, you will remain out of status and may be required to leave Canada.
Common mistakes
Many applications are refused because they are submitted after the 90-day deadline or include a vague and unsupported explanation, and working or studying after losing status is also a serious issue that negatively affects the application. Another common mistake is failing to submit a complete new permit application together with the restoration request.
When Status Restoration may be refused
Restoration may be refused if the application is submitted after the 90-day deadline, if there are violations of previous conditions, or if the explanation provided is not credible or supported by evidence. Refusal may also occur where there are concerns about misrepresentation or other inadmissibility issues.
When Status Restoration may be refused
We handle restoration applications from start to finish, including assessing eligibility, preparing a strong explanation, and ensuring that all documents are complete and consistent. Restoration applications are often refused when they are prepared incorrectly, and a properly prepared application significantly improves the chances of approval.
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