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Restoring Your Status in Canada: Work, Study, or Visitor Record

SAAB Immigration Services Inc. | Immigration Experts for Canada   →  Visa   →  Extend your Stay in Canada   →  Restoring Your Status in Canada: Work, Study, or Visitor Record

Status Restoration

If your study permit or work permit or visitor status has expired and you did not apply for an extension before it expired, you lose your temporary resident status in Canada. However, you may be eligible for status restoration if you apply within 90 days of your permit’s expiry.

Key Information

Work Permit
  • You must stop working or studying immediately after your permit expires.
  • You cannot travel outside Canada while your restoration application is in process.
  • Restoration is not automatic—you need to submit a proper application, and approval is not guaranteed.
  • If your application is approved, you will regain legal status but cannot work or study until you receive your new permit.

Status Restoration to Study Permit

  • You can restore your study permit if you were enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and actively pursuing studies before your permit expired.
  • If you changed your school or program, you may also need to apply for a new study permit based on new IRCC rules (effective November 8, 2024).

Co-op Work Permits: If your program includes mandatory co-op/internship work, you should also apply for a new co-op work permit with your restoration application.

Status Restoration to Work Permit

  • If you were on a closed work permit, you may need a new LMIA or employer compliance submission from your employer.
  • If you were on an Open Work Permit (e.g., PGWP, Spousal Open Work Permit, BOWP), you may be eligible to restore your open work permit.
Restoration to Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

If you applied for PR and were eligible for a BOWP, but your permit expired before you applied for an extension, you may still be able to restore your status and apply for a BOWP.

⚠️ Changing to a visitor record may not be the best option in this case. Contact us for more details.

Status Restoration to Visitor Status

  • If your study or work permit has expired, you are ineligible to restore your status back to a study or work permit. However, you may be able to restore your status to a visitor record instead.
  • Restoring to a visitor record allows you to legally remain in Canada but does not permit work or study.
  • If you are unsure whether to extend your visitor status or restore your work/study status, book a consultation with us for personalized advice on your best options.
Restoring Visitor Status If Study or Work Permit Has Expired
  • If your study or work permit has expired, you are ineligible to restore your status back to a study or work permit. However, you may be able to restore your status to a visitor record instead.
  • Restoring to a visitor record allows you to legally remain in Canada but does not permit work or study.
  • If you are unsure whether to extend your visitor status or restore your work/study status, book a consultation with us for personalized advice on your best options.

Application Process - Restoration of Status to Study/Work Permit

Important Considerations

Leaving Canada Will Void Your Restoration Application

If you leave Canada while your restoration application is pending, your application will be considered abandoned, and you will need to apply for a new permit from outside Canada.

Restoration Does Not Guarantee Approval

IRCC officers assess each case individually—your restoration request could be refused if you did not meet the previous permit conditions.

If You Missed the 90-Day Window:

Your options are:

    • Leaving Canada and reapplying for a new study/work permit from your home country.
    • Applying for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) in exceptional cases.

Schedule your appointment with us to discuss your best course of action.

Maintained Status vs. Restoration

If you applied for an extension before your permit expired, you are on maintained status (formerly known as implied status) and can continue studying/working until a decision is made. If you missed the deadline, you must apply for restoration.

Status Restoration FAQs

Can I continue working or studying while waiting for my restoration application to be processed?

No. Unlike maintained status, restoration does not allow you to continue studying or working until your application is approved. You must stop all activities while waiting for a decision.

What happens if I apply after the 90-day restoration period?

If you exceed the 90-day restoration period, you cannot restore your status from within Canada. Your options include:

  • Leaving Canada and applying for a new study or work permit from outside the country.
  • Applying for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) if you have valid reasons to stay despite losing your status.

Each case is unique, consult our office for expert guidance on the best possible solution for your situation.

Can I apply for restoration if I am out of status due to a rejected extension?

Yes, but you must apply within 90 days of losing status. Include a detailed explanation letter and any missing or corrected documents that caused the refusal.

How long does it take to process a restoration application?

Processing times vary. Restoration applications typically take longer than standard study/work permit extensions.

Can I apply for a different type of permit while restoring my status?

Yes. You can apply for a different work permit type (e.g., LMIA-based permit instead of an Open Work Permit) or change from a study permit to a work permit if you meet eligibility requirements.

Can I apply for PR while my status restoration is in process?

Yes, but having a PR application does not automatically restore your status. You still need to apply for status restoration separately.

Can I travel outside Canada while my restoration is in process?

No. If you leave Canada, your restoration application will be considered abandoned. You will need to apply for a new visa or permit from outside Canada.

What if my restoration is refused?

If your application is denied, you must leave Canada immediately. You may be eligible to reapply from your home country or request a judicial review in Federal Court (if applicable).

Get Expert Help with Your Status Restoration Application

Restoring your status is a critical process—one mistake can result in serious consequences, including removal from Canada. If you or someone you know needs assistance with status restoration, contact SAAB Immigration Services Inc. today. We have successfully helped clients regain their legal status and navigate complex immigration situations.

Contact us today and get expert guidance on restoring your study or work permit.

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