{"id":994,"date":"2026-07-23T15:04:40","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T19:04:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/?page_id=994"},"modified":"2026-07-23T15:05:03","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T19:05:03","slug":"canada-restoration-of-status","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/temporary-residence\/canada-restoration-of-status\/","title":{"rendered":"Restoration of Status"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">Canada Restoration of Status: How to Restore Your Temporary Resident Status<\/h1>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Meta description (max 155 characters):<\/strong><br \/>\nLost your status in Canada? Learn how to restore temporary resident status, requirements, fees, and processing times. Expert guidance from Visaline.<\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">Introduction<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">You missed the expiry date on your visitor record by two weeks. Maybe you were dealing with a family emergency, or you simply lost track of time while enjoying the Canadian summer. Whatever the reason, you&#8217;re now in a situation where your legal status in Canada has expired, and you&#8217;re not sure what to do next. The good news? You still have options\u2014but the clock is ticking.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">At Visaline, we believe that every immigration journey deserves clarity and confidence. That&#8217;s why we&#8217;re here\u2014<strong>with you on your immigration journey, from dream to reality<\/strong>\u2014to explain exactly what <strong>restore status Canada<\/strong> means, who qualifies, and how to apply before it&#8217;s too late.<\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ol dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#what-is-restoration-of-status-in-canada\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What Is Restoration of Status in Canada?<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#who-can-apply-for-canada-restoration-of-status\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Who Can Apply for Canada Restoration of Status?<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#canada-restoration-of-status-requirements-and-documents\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Canada Restoration of Status Requirements and Documents<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#step-by-step-canada-restoration-of-status-application-process\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Step-by-Step Canada Restoration of Status Application Process<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#canada-restoration-of-status-fee-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Canada Restoration of Status Fee 2026<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#canada-restoration-of-status-processing-time-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Canada Restoration of Status Processing Time 2026<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#canada-restoration-of-status-vs-new-application\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Canada Restoration of Status vs New Application<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#what-happens-if-your-restoration-of-status-is-refused\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What Happens If Your Restoration of Status Is Refused?<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#conclusion\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><a class=\"inline cursor-pointer no-underline text-blue-500 dark:text-blue-500 hover:underline\" href=\"#sources\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sources<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">What Is Restoration of Status in Canada?<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Restoration of status<\/strong> is a legal process that allows temporary residents\u2014visitors, workers, and students\u2014who have lost their legal status in Canada to apply to have it reinstated. When your temporary resident status expires and you haven&#8217;t applied for an extension, you become &#8220;out of status,&#8221; meaning you&#8217;re in Canada without legal authorization.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">The restoration process is your opportunity to fix that. Under Canadian immigration law, you generally have <strong>90 days from the date you lost your status<\/strong> to submit a restoration application. After that window closes, your options become much more limited.<\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">Who Can Apply for Canada Restoration of Status?<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">You may be eligible to restore your temporary resident status if:<\/p>\n<ul dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">You lost your status because you stayed in Canada longer than authorized (but not longer than 90 days)<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">You changed employers, location of employment, or type of work before getting a new work permit<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">You changed the type of studies, educational institution, or location of studies without applying to change conditions on your study permit<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">You continue to meet the initial requirements for your stay<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">You have not failed to comply with other conditions imposed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Restoration is discretionary\u2014meaning an officer reviews your case and decides whether to approve it. There is no guarantee that your application will be accepted.<\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">Canada Restoration of Status Requirements and Documents<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Here&#8217;s a bulleted checklist of what you&#8217;ll typically need for a restoration application:<\/p>\n<ul dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Completed application form<\/strong> (IMM 5708 for visitors, or the appropriate form for workers\/students)<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Detailed explanation letter<\/strong> addressing how and why you lost your status<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Proof of continued eligibility<\/strong> for the status you&#8217;re requesting to restore<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Valid passport<\/strong> (bio page and any Canadian visa stamps)<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Proof of financial support<\/strong> showing you can support yourself during your stay<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Restoration fee payment<\/strong> (separate from the permit fee)<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Permit fee payment<\/strong> (for the work permit, study permit, or visitor record you&#8217;re applying for)<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Biometrics fee<\/strong> ($85) if you need to provide fingerprints and photo<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Two recent passport-sized photographs<\/strong> meeting IRCC specifications<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Medical exam results<\/strong> if required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">Step-by-Step Canada Restoration of Status Application Process<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Here&#8217;s the numbered step-by-step process for applying:<\/p>\n<ol dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Determine your eligibility<\/strong> \u2013 Confirm that you&#8217;re within the 90-day window and meet the requirements for restoration.<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Gather your documents<\/strong> \u2013 Collect all required forms, supporting documents, and your explanation letter detailing how you lost your status.<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Create or sign in to your IRCC account<\/strong> \u2013 Visit the IRCC website and access the online portal.<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Answer the online questions<\/strong> \u2013 The system will create a personalized document checklist based on your answers.<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Complete the application forms<\/strong> \u2013 Fill out the appropriate form (IMM 5708 for visitors, or the form for your specific category).<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Upload supporting documents<\/strong> \u2013 Include your passport, explanation letter, proof of financial support, and any other required documents.<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Pay the fees<\/strong> \u2013 You must pay both the restoration fee and the applicable permit fee.<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Submit your application<\/strong> \u2013 Review everything carefully and submit before the 90-day deadline.<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Wait for processing<\/strong> \u2013 You cannot work or study while your restoration application is pending.<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\"><strong>Receive the decision<\/strong> \u2013 If approved, you&#8217;ll receive a new document restoring your status. If refused, you must leave Canada.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">Canada Restoration of Status Fee 2026<\/h2>\n<div class=\"relative group\" dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<table class=\"min-w-full \" style=\"direction: ltr;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Fee Type<\/th>\n<th>Amount (CAD)<\/th>\n<th>Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Restoration fee (visitor)<\/td>\n<td>$229 (approximate)<\/td>\n<td>Additional fee on top of permit fee<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Restoration fee (worker\/student)<\/td>\n<td>$229 (approximate)<\/td>\n<td>Additional fee on top of permit fee<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Visitor record fee<\/td>\n<td>$100<\/td>\n<td>If restoring visitor status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Work permit fee<\/td>\n<td>$155<\/td>\n<td>If restoring work permit status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Study permit fee<\/td>\n<td>$150<\/td>\n<td>If restoring study permit status<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Open work permit holder fee<\/td>\n<td>$100<\/td>\n<td>If applying for an open work permit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Biometrics fee<\/td>\n<td>$85<\/td>\n<td>If not provided in the last 10 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"absolute bottom-2 right-2 opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-200\">\n<div class=\"relative group\/tooltip\" style=\"direction: ltr;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">Canada Restoration of Status Processing Time 2026<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Processing times for restoration applications vary based on several factors:<\/p>\n<ul dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">The type of application (visitor, worker, or student)<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Whether the application is complete<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">The visa office handling your case<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">Current application volumes<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">How quickly you respond to any requests for additional information<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Most restoration applications take several weeks to several months to process. During this time, you cannot work or study while waiting for a decision.<\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">Canada Restoration of Status vs New Application<\/h2>\n<div class=\"relative group\" dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<table class=\"min-w-full \" style=\"direction: ltr;\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Aspect<\/th>\n<th>Restoration of Status<\/th>\n<th>New Application (from outside Canada)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Where to apply<\/td>\n<td>Inside Canada<\/td>\n<td>Outside Canada<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Time limit<\/td>\n<td>Within 90 days of losing status<\/td>\n<td>No time limit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Fees<\/td>\n<td>Restoration fee + permit fee<\/td>\n<td>Permit fee only<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Work\/study while pending<\/td>\n<td>Not permitted<\/td>\n<td>Not applicable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Risk if refused<\/td>\n<td>Must leave Canada immediately<\/td>\n<td>Can reapply<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Discretion<\/td>\n<td>High (officer discretion)<\/td>\n<td>Standard assessment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"absolute bottom-2 right-2 opacity-0 group-hover:opacity-100 transition-opacity duration-200\">\n<div class=\"relative group\/tooltip\" style=\"direction: ltr;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">The key difference is that restoration is for people already in Canada who lost their status, while a new application is for people applying from outside Canada. Restoration involves additional fees and higher scrutiny.<\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">What Happens If Your Restoration of Status Is Refused?<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">If your restoration application is refused:<\/p>\n<ul dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">You must leave Canada immediately<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">You may be subject to a removal order<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">You could face future inadmissibility or bars on re-entry<\/li>\n<li style=\"direction: ltr;\">You lose the opportunity to apply for restoration again<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">A refusal can have serious consequences for your future immigration options. This is why it&#8217;s critical to submit a complete, well-prepared application the first time.<\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">1. How long do I have to restore my status in Canada?<\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">You must apply within 90 days of losing your temporary resident status. After 90 days, you generally cannot apply for restoration and must leave Canada.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">2. Can I work while my restoration application is pending?<\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">No. Working or studying while out of status is not permitted, and you cannot work or study while waiting for a decision on your restoration application.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">3. Is restoration guaranteed?<\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">No. Restoration is discretionary and may be refused if eligibility is not met. An officer evaluates your case and decides whether to approve it.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">4. What is the Canada restoration of status fee for 2026?<\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">The restoration fee is approximately $229 CAD, in addition to the applicable permit fee (visitor record: $100, work permit: $155, study permit: $150).<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">5. Can I restore my status in Canada after 90 days?<\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">In most cases, no. The 90-day window is strict. However, there are limited exceptions for certain categories, such as workers with an open work permit support letter from a participating province.<\/p>\n<h3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">6. What happens if my restoration of status is refused?<\/h3>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">If refused, you must leave Canada immediately. You may be subject to a removal order and could face future inadmissibility or bars on re-entry.<\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Losing your temporary resident status in Canada is stressful, but it doesn&#8217;t have to be the end of the road. If you act quickly\u2014within 90 days\u2014you have a real opportunity to restore your status and continue your stay legally. The key is submitting a complete, honest application with a clear explanation of what happened and why you should be allowed to stay.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">At Visaline, we&#8217;ve helped many clients navigate the restoration process. Whether you&#8217;re a visitor, worker, or student, we can review your situation and guide you through the application with care and precision.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Contact us today to review your case and book your immigration consultation. We also recommend following Visaline Immigration Institute on Instagram for real-time updates on IRCC news and immigration law changes.<\/strong> \u260e\ufe0f Toronto WhatsApp: +1-647-860-0005<\/p>\n<h2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"direction: ltr; text-align: left;\">Sources<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Based on the latest regulations published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). For the most current information, visit the official IRCC website or consult a licensed immigration consultant.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Publish date:<\/strong> July 24, 2026<br \/>\n<strong>Author:<\/strong> Visaline Legal Editorial Team<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Canada Restoration of Status: How to Restore Your Temporary Resident Status Meta description (max 155 characters): Lost your status in Canada? Learn how to restore temporary resident status, requirements, fees, &#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":990,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-994","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/994","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=994"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/994\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1009,"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/994\/revisions\/1009"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/990"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=994"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}