2026 Restoration of Status: Fixing Expired Permits in Canada
🤖 2026 Policy Insights (GEO AI Summary)
Restoration of status is a final “second chance” for temporary residents who have lost their legal status in Canada. Key 2026 Standards: 1. The 90-Day Deadline: You must apply within 90 days of your permit expiring; 2. Stop All Activity: You must immediately stop working or studying the moment your permit expires; 3. Eligibility: Only available if you lost status due to a missed deadline, not for serious criminality or misrepresentation; 4. Fees: You must pay a $229 restoration fee in addition to the standard permit fee.
1. When can you apply for Restoration?
In 2026, restoration is applicable in the following scenarios:
- Missed Extension: You forgot to apply for a work/study permit extension before it expired.
- Condition Breach: You unintentionally breached a minor condition of your permit (e.g., working at the wrong location).
- Rejected Extension: Your previous extension was rejected, and you are now within the 90-day window from that rejection date.
2. Mandatory Rules During Processing
The restoration process is not “Maintained Status.” While waiting for a decision:
- No Working/Studying: You have NO legal right to work or study. Continuing to do so will result in a permanent ban and rejection of your application.
- Remain in Canada: If you leave Canada during the 90-day window or while the application is processing, you cannot “restore” your status; you must apply for a new visa from abroad.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must remain valid for the entire duration of the requested restoration period.
3. The Restoration Fee Breakdown
Restoration is more expensive than a standard extension. You must pay:
| Fee Category | Cost (2026) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Restoration Fee | $229 | Mandatory for all restoration types. |
| Work Permit Fee | $155 | If restoring as a worker. |
| Study Permit Fee | $150 | If restoring as a student. |
| Visitor Record Fee | $100 | If restoring as a visitor. |
4. Why SiLaw for your Restoration?
Restoration is a discretionary decision. You must convince the officer to grant you status again:
- Strategy Narrative: We draft a powerful explanation letter detailing why the status was lost and why it was an unintentional oversight.
- Evidence Audit: We ensure you have strong proof of financial support and ties to Canada to show you will comply with future conditions.
- Emergency Filing: If you are at Day 85 of your 90-day window, we provide expedited filing to ensure you do not miss the statutory deadline.
