A visitor, student or worker who has lost temporary resident status in Canada may be able to apply for restoration if they meet IRCC's conditions. In most cases, the application must be made within 90 days of losing status. This is different from applying to extend valid status before it expires. Special public policies can alter the deadline for people who qualify, so check the rule that applies to the person and date.
First, reconstruct the timeline
Gather the last permit or visitor record, its expiry date, any extension application and submission confirmation, IRCC decisions and dates of work, study or travel. An application submitted before expiry can produce different rights while it is processed than an application submitted after status has been lost. Do not assume that submitting a restoration request lets a person continue working or studying.
For a worker, the employer's LMIA or exempt-offer steps may also need to be completed before a new work-permit application. For a student, admission and study-permit conditions remain relevant. Restoration does not bypass the requirements for the underlying permit.
Questions to answer before filing
- What exact date did the person's temporary status end?
- Was an extension submitted before expiry, and was it complete?
- Which conditions were breached, if any?
- Is the person still in Canada, and has work or study continued?
- Which visitor, study or work status is requested now, and what evidence supports it?
If a refusal caused the loss of status, review the decision and officer note as well. The correct response depends on both the refusal and the status timeline.
Do not confuse restoration with a new permit
Restoration is not automatic. IRCC decides whether the person meets the restoration conditions and the requirements for the requested document. A pending request generally does not authorize work or study merely because it was submitted. Get the timeline checked promptly, especially when the 90-day period may be near its end.
Bring all status documents and application receipts to a consultation. The initial consultation is $180 plus applicable provincial taxes; further representation is separate. Consultations are available in English and Russian.