Restoration of Status
Apply within 90 days of losing status to legally remain in Canada and request the same permit type back.
Who qualifies for restoration
Restoration is available to former visitors, workers and students who lost status within the last 90 days. You must continue to meet the requirements of the permit you're asking to be restored, and you cannot work or study during the restoration period until a decision is made.
What it costs and how long it takes
Restoration carries a $239.75 government fee on top of the underlying permit fee. Processing varies — typically 90–180 days for restoration of work or study permits. You remain in Canada legally while IRCC processes the request.
When restoration is the wrong answer
If your status expired more than 90 days ago, restoration is not available and you must leave Canada and apply from outside. We will tell you in the free assessment whether restoration is viable or whether departure-and-reapply is the cleaner path.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep working during restoration?
No. Once your work permit expires, you must stop working immediately even if you file for restoration. Continuing to work creates a separate non-compliance issue that complicates the file.
What if I'm at day 95?
Restoration is not available after day 90. We assess whether a fresh application from outside Canada, or in narrow cases an authorization to return to Canada (ARC), is required.
Will restoration affect future applications?
A successful restoration restores your legal status and the gap is recorded but not held against you. A pattern of repeated non-compliance does affect future officer discretion.
Related pages
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Quick answer
How does status restoration work in Canada?
Status restoration is a formal application to regain expired visitor, worker or student status. It must be filed within 90 days of losing status, while the applicant remains in Canada and still meets the original permit conditions. Both the restoration fee and the permit fee apply. Work and study are prohibited until Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issues the new permit.
Quick summary
Restoration reinstates temporary resident status after expiry. Eligibility requires filing within 90 days, remaining in Canada, and continuing to meet the requirements of the permit being restored. Applicants may not work or study while the application is pending. Approval is discretionary, and a clear explanation of the reason for the lapse strengthens the application. After 90 days, restoration is unavailable. Careful preparation matters because a refusal leaves the applicant without status and expected to leave Canada.
Key takeaways
- Restoration must be requested within 90 days of losing status.
- The applicant must be physically in Canada to apply.
- Work and study are not permitted while restoration is pending.
- Restoration requires both a restoration fee and the underlying permit fee.
- The applicant must still meet the requirements of the original permit.
- Restoration decisions are discretionary.
- A refusal leaves the applicant without status and expected to leave Canada.
Frequently asked questions
- What evidence supports a restoration application?
- A written explanation of why status lapsed, evidence that the original permit requirements are still met, proof of funds, and any documents showing the lapse was inadvertent.
- How long does restoration processing take?
- Processing varies by permit type and is published by IRCC. Applicants remain unable to work or study for the entire processing period.
- Can restoration be applied for twice?
- A further restoration is possible only if status was validly regained and lost again, and repeated lapses weigh against a discretionary approval.
Key terms explained
- 90-day window
- The period after losing temporary resident status during which a restoration application may still be filed. After it closes, you must apply from outside Canada.
Continue with Status Restoration
Your next step
Last reviewed on August 3, 2026 by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) at CAN-MIGRATE.
Official reference: IRCC — Restore your status
This page is general information, not legal advice. Program rules change — confirm details with IRCC or book a consultation before you apply.
Requirements marked as official reflect published IRCC guidance. Recommendations reflect our RCIC team's professional judgement. Explanations are editorial context and are not legal advice.
We re-review this page when:
- IRCC changes program requirements
- Processing times change significantly