Losing your temporary resident status in Canada—whether as a worker, student, or visitor—can be a highly stressful experience. Under Canadian immigration law, you have a strict 90-day grace period to apply for a Restoration of Status. Our Vancouver legal team moves quickly to help you regain your legal footing.
If your permit has expired, you cannot work or study while out of status. IRCC grants a 90-day period from the day you lost your status to submit a restoration application. Missing this deadline often means you must leave Canada immediately or face removal proceedings. We prioritize urgent restoration filings to keep you protected.
To restore your status, you must prove that you lost it inadvertently and that you still meet the initial requirements of your stay. Additionally, you must pay the applicable restoration fees alongside the fees for your new permit. We ensure that your application includes a clear, compelling explanation for the lapse.
You do not necessarily have to restore the same status you lost. For example, if you lost your student status, you might be eligible to restore your status as a visitor while you reassess your immigration options. We advise on the most strategic pathway based on your long-term goals.
General information for Vancouver applicants — not legal advice. Outcomes depend on facts and current IRCC or IRB policy.
No. When you are out of status, you lose your authorization to work or study. You must wait until your Restoration of Status and your new permit are formally approved before resuming those activities.
If more than 90 days have elapsed since your status expired, you are no longer eligible for a standard restoration. You must generally leave Canada. In highly exceptional circumstances, you may explore a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Humanitarian and Compassionate considerations, but these are complex and discretionary.
Processing times for restoration applications can vary significantly and are often longer than standard permit extensions. Because you cannot work or study during this time, planning financially for the waiting period is essential.
A brief lapse in status that is legally restored within the 90-day window does not automatically bar you from permanent residency. However, working or studying without authorization while out of status is a serious violation that can lead to inadmissibility and severely impact PR prospects.
Share your timeline and goals on our consultation page — we will outline practical next steps for your immigration strategy in BC.
Immigration consultation — Vancouver