Losing your status in Canada doesn’t always mean the end of your immigration journey. Restoration of status is a legal process that gives certain visitors, workers, or students a second chance—provided they act within 90 days. But a common and risky question arises: can you leave Canada while the application is in progress?

While there’s no law physically stopping you from departing the country, IRCC treats a departure during the restoration period as an abandonment of your request. If you leave—even just for a short visit home—your application is automatically cancelled, and you lose the right to return under the same process.

That means you’ll likely need to start over entirely, often from outside Canada. Most will require a new TRV, study or work permit, and may face added scrutiny for previously falling out of status.

– Leaving Canada during restoration automatically cancels the application.
– Restoration can only be filed from inside Canada, within 90 days of losing status.
– You cannot work or study while awaiting a decision.

If you do need to travel—for example, due to a family emergency—you must weigh the consequences. Some choose to proceed with a new application from abroad, but this resets the process and timeline. There is no reinstatement once a restoration request is abandoned.

Restoration is not guaranteed even if you qualify. IRCC will assess your application based on your immigration history, timing, reason for falling out of status, and plans moving forward. For many applicants, a single misstep in how or when they apply can lead to refusal.

At Marwah-Jad Immigration Law, we advise clients on the risks and options during restoration. If you're uncertain about your travel or eligibility, we help you build a plan that protects your future in Canada—before it’s too late.