Finding out that your permit has expired is one of the most stressful moments of an immigration journey. The good news is that in many cases, all is not lost: Canadian regulations provide a restoration of status procedure, with a 90-day window to regularize your situation without leaving the country. But you have to act quickly, and correctly.
Who can apply for restoration
Restoration is for people who held valid temporary status (student, worker or visitor) and lost it, most often because a permit expired before an extension application was submitted. The application must be made within 90 days of losing status, and from inside Canada. After that deadline, restoration is no longer possible and the options become much more limited.
What you cannot do while you wait
This is the point too many people discover too late: until your status is restored, you are not allowed to work or study. Continuing to work on an expired permit, even “while waiting for the answer”, makes the situation worse and can jeopardize the application itself. The top priority is therefore to apply quickly, to keep this period of uncertainty as short as possible.
How to build a strong application
Restoration is not automatic: it is a discretionary decision by the officer. The file must clearly explain why status was lost, show that the conditions of the previous permit were respected, and establish that you meet the requirements of the new permit you are applying for. The restoration fee is added to the fee for the permit you are applying for. An incomplete file or a vague explanation are the most common reasons for refusal, and there is generally no second chance.
The special case of graduates
A student who finishes their program and lets their study permit expire can, under certain conditions, restore their status while applying for a post-graduation work permit, if they are still within their application window. The rules then combine two separate timelines, one for restoration and one for the PGWP, and a mistake on either can cost you both. This is typically a situation where professional support changes the outcome.
Responding the right way, starting today
If your permit has expired or is about to expire: check the exact date, stop any unauthorized activity, gather your evidence (previous permits, enrolments, employment records, explanation of the delay) and have your situation assessed without waiting. Every day spent preparing the file properly counts; so does every day lost hesitating.
Frequently asked questions
When do the 90 days start?
As a general rule, from the date you lost status, most often the expiry date of the permit or the date an extension application was refused. The exact date must be checked for each situation.
Can I work while my restoration is being processed?
No. Work and study are not allowed until status is restored. This is one of the major differences from maintained status.
Is restoration guaranteed if I apply within the deadline?
No. Applying on time is a necessary condition, not a sufficient one: the officer assesses the explanation and your past compliance with conditions. The quality of the file makes the difference.
Can I leave Canada during the 90-day period?
Leaving Canada ends the possibility of restoration from inside the country. Before any travel, have the consequences for your situation checked.
Has your permit expired? Our regulated consultants (RCIC) assess your eligibility for restoration and get back to you the same day. Contact us now.
