Status Lost. Act Without Delay.
Assess whether restoration may still be available, identify the status and permit you need, explain the loss of status and prepare a complete request within the applicable window.
Know What Restoration Can Do.
Restoration asks IRCC to return temporary resident status after it has been lost. It is different from a timely extension and must be matched to the status and authorization requested.
Lost Status
Pinpoint the controlling document, expiry date and condition that was not respected.
90-Day Window
Restoration is generally requested within 90 days of losing temporary resident status.
No Maintained Status
Filing after expiry does not continue the previous authorization while IRCC decides.
Correct Fees
Restoration fees and any visitor, study or work authorization fees must be handled correctly.
Match Status With Authorization.
Select the closest situation. This tool organizes the file questions; it does not determine eligibility or approval.
Rebuild A Lawful Visitor Position
Document the status-loss date, explain what happened, show continued visitor eligibility and address funds, purpose and temporary intent.
Build A Credible Restoration Record.
The application should connect the exact status breach, a truthful explanation, continued eligibility and the temporary status or permit requested.
Status-Loss Timeline
Show when status ended, how the breach occurred and what happened afterward.
- Expiry date
- Immigration record
- Detailed chronology
Restoration Explanation
Provide a candid, consistent explanation supported by documents where possible.
- Reason for non-compliance
- Corrective action
- Supporting proof
Continued Eligibility
Demonstrate that you still meet the requirements of the status or permit requested.
- Visitor purpose
- School records
- Employment evidence
Compliance Forward
Show how you will follow future conditions and leave Canada when required.
- Financial capacity
- Temporary intent
- Future plan
Organize The Recovery File.
Use this private checklist to identify the central items for a restoration request and any associated permit application.
Is The 90-Day Window Open?
Enter the date your temporary status expired. The tool estimates elapsed days for planning only; IRCC determines whether restoration requirements are met.
Respond With A Clear Sequence.
Stop unauthorized activity, calculate the window, build the explanation and submit the correct restoration and authorization requests.
End Unauthorized Activity
Stop work or studies that require valid authorization as soon as status is lost.
Confirm The Window
Establish the exact expiry date and whether the 90-day restoration period remains open.
Build The Full Request
Combine the explanation, eligibility proof, correct application and required fees.
Respect The Conditions
Remain compliant and do not resume work or study until the required approval is issued.
Do Not Assume Authorization.
A restoration request does not continue the expired status or permit. The activities allowed while waiting depend on the person’s circumstances, and work or study generally cannot resume before approval.
Read official restoration guidance ↗Restore Visitor Status
Address purpose, financial support, temporary intent and compliance after the status loss.
Restore And Study Again
A student generally cannot continue or restart studies until restoration and the new study permit are approved.
Restore And Work Again
A worker generally cannot resume work until restoration and the associated work permit are approved.
File Separately
Restoration applies to each family member who lost status; one request does not automatically restore everyone.
Do Not Assume Restoration Remains Available.
If the usual restoration period has passed, an in-Canada restoration request may no longer be available. The next lawful step can depend on status history, eligibility and whether departure and a new application are required.
- Do not work or study without authorization.
- Obtain case-specific advice before submitting anything.
- Do not treat a visitor application as a way to revive an expired work or study permit.
Get Clear Answers.
Understand the 90-day period, work and study restrictions, permit applications, family files and outcomes after the window closes.
Discuss your status →It is a request asking IRCC to restore visitor, student or worker status after it has been lost. Approval is discretionary and not guaranteed.
A restoration request generally must be made within 90 days of losing status. Calculate the date precisely and obtain advice immediately if the deadline is close.
Generally, no. A worker who lost status must stop working and normally wait until restoration and the required new work permit are approved.
Generally, no. A student who lost status cannot continue or restart studies until status is restored and a new study permit is issued.
No. Restoration applies separately to every family member who lost status, with the appropriate application and fees for each person.
The usual restoration route may no longer be available. You may need to leave Canada and apply again from outside, depending on the facts and the authorization requested.
Turn Urgency Into A Clear Plan.
Review the status-loss date, 90-day window, explanation, continued eligibility, permit needs and family applications before you submit.