Losing your legal status in Canada isn’t always the end—but it does require immediate action. If you’re a visitor, worker, or student whose status has expired, you may be eligible to apply for restoration.

Many people don’t realize they’re out of status until it’s too late. Others panic and leave the country without exploring their options. Restoration allows you to remain in Canada legally, as long as you act within the right window—and submit the right paperwork.

The general rule: you have 90 days from the date your status expires to submit a restoration application. This is not an extension—it’s a request for IRCC to forgive the lapse and reinstate your original status. After 90 days, you must leave Canada and apply from outside.

To qualify for restoration, you must:
• Have valid status before it expired
• Not have violated other conditions (e.g. working without authorization)
• Submit the correct forms and fees within the 90-day period
• Request restoration to the same type of status (visitor to visitor, student to student, etc.)

The most common restoration situations in 2025 involve international students who forgot to extend their study permits after finishing a program, workers whose employers failed to renew LMIA-supported jobs in time, or visitors who stayed past their allowed date while waiting on other processes.

IRCC is strict when it comes to incomplete or rushed restoration applications. Many are refused simply because the explanation wasn’t detailed, or supporting documents were missing.

• Include a clear letter of explanation for why the status lapsed
• Attach proof that you still meet the conditions of your original permit
• Submit financial documents or employer letters to show ongoing ties
• Make sure you’ve stopped all unauthorized work or study before applying

Restoration does not guarantee approval, and you can’t start working or studying again until a decision is made. It’s a time-sensitive process that requires accuracy and a strong supporting narrative.

At Marwah-Jad Immigration Law, we’ve helped clients file successful restoration applications—even after unintentional lapses. If your status expired and you’re not sure what to do next, we’ll guide you through your options and help you stay legally in Canada wherever possible.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. If your permit has expired—or is about to—contact us right away.