Restoration of status in Canada

• Visitors whose visitor status expired less than 90 days ago
• Students whose study permit expired, or who lost status, within the last 90 days
• Workers whose work permit expired, or who lost status, within the last 90 days

You must still meet the requirements for the status you want back, and have met all the conditions of your previous status (other than the one that caused the loss).

1. Apply online for the status you want: as a visitor, student or worker.
2. Select restoration in the application.
3. Explain what happened in a clear letter, with evidence.
4. Pay the restoration fee plus the fee for the permit you're applying for (see IRCC's fee list).

If you apply for a new work or study permit with restoration, IRCC decides the restoration first.

• You can't work or study until IRCC restores your status and issues your new permit.
• You can stay in Canada while IRCC processes your application, but there's no guarantee it will be approved.

If your study permit expired, you have up to 90 days after it expired to apply for a PGWP and restore your status as a student. If more than 90 days have passed, you can't apply from inside Canada.

Once 90 days have passed, you can't apply for restoration. You generally must leave Canada. Get advice quickly: there may be other options depending on your situation.

• Next time, keep maintained status by applying before your permit expires.
• Students: see our study permit extension service.
• Restoration refused? Our refusals service can help with your options.

• IRCC Guide 5551: Change conditions or extend your stay
• IRCC Guide 5552: Students
• IRCC Guide 5553: Workers
• IRCC: Restore your status as a visitor