Restoration of Status Canada – Regain Your Legal Status with Godwit Law
Every year, people in Canada miss the deadline to renew, extend, or update their temporary status. While this may seem like a small mistake, it can lead to serious consequences, including deportation.
The process of restoring status in Canada allows individuals to regain legal standing. Timing is critical, and even small errors can result in refusal.
Godwit Law is a trusted immigration-focused firm that provides expert counsel and representation for status restoration. For visitors, students, and workers whose permits are close to or have already expired, our lawyers build strong applications that meet requirements and offer the best chance of approval.
Restoration of Status in Canada: What It Means and Why It Matters
Restoration of status in Canada is a legal process that allows foreign nationals to regain their temporary resident status after it has been lost. This can happen by overstaying a visa, missing a permit renewal, or failing to meet the conditions of their stay.
You can apply to restore your status if you:
- apply within 90 days of losing your status
- met the requirements for your stay
- met all the conditions listed on your expired permit before it expired
- are not a temporary resident permit (TRP) holder
Once status expires, individuals are no longer allowed to work, study, or remain in the country.
The risks of remaining without status are serious. Individuals may face removal orders, long-term bans, and complications in future immigration applications. Acting quickly is crucial.
Understanding the restoration of status process helps applicants recognize the urgency of applying within the permitted time frame. Legal guidance plays a vital role. Our lawyers ensure documents are complete, deadlines are met, and costly errors are avoided.
How to Apply for Restoration of Status Online with Godwit Law
Applying online for restoration of status in Canada involves more than just submitting forms. Applicants must explain why their status was lost, upload supporting evidence, and pay government fees before submission. Godwit Law guides clients through every step and ensures documents meet all standards.
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01 Application Requirements
Several documents are required during the restoration of status application. Applicants must also complete the appropriate forms and pay the required fees.
The most common supporting documents include:
- Valid passport (all pages showing identity, visas, and stamps)
- Expired study or work permit (to prove previous status)
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsor letters)
- Letter of explanation (why status was lost and restoration is requested)
- Travel history (visas, entry stamps, past permits)
- Digital photo (that meets IRCC specifications)
Missing paperwork or unpaid fees can result in refusal, disrupt travel plans, and cause long delays.
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02 Submission Process
All restoration of status applications in Canada are submitted through the IRCC portal. Godwit Law reviews all uploaded documents, verifies payment details, and ensures all forms meet legal requirements. Our detailed process improves accuracy and compliance.
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03 Supporting Explanations
A clear explanation for the loss of status is essential for approval. Our licensed lawyers draft detailed letters outlining genuine reasons. We eliminate inconsistencies, vague claims, and errors, simplifying the restoration process.
Restoration Options for Visitors, Workers, and Students in Canada
Under Section 182 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), all temporary residents (including visitors, workers, and students) may apply for restoration within 90 days of losing their status.
However, the process differs for each category. A restoration of status application for visitors focuses on maintaining a legal stay without work or study privileges. Students and workers have additional requirements.
Godwit Law helps clients clearly understand these distinctions, which is essential for a successful application.
How Visitors Can Reinstate Status in Canada
Understanding what restoration of status means is not enough. Visitors must provide valid reasons for remaining in Canada, along with documents such as:
- Passports
- Expired visas
- Proof of funds
- Entry records
- Travel plans
Our lawyers collect and verify these documents and craft letters that clearly explain the purpose of stay to strengthen your application.
Restoring Worker Status
“Restore my status as a worker” is one of the most searched queries online, highlighting the urgency many feel to regain legal permission to work. Godwit Law helps achieve this by submitting proof of employment, such as a current or past job offer or employment letter, in accordance with IRCC requirements.
Renewing Student Status
For students, restoration requires clear evidence. Supporting documents often include:
- Current enrolment letter
- Proof of financial support
- Passport or expired permit
Godwit Law thoroughly checks all documents to ensure they are accurate and convincing, helping to strengthen your restoration request.
What to Expect: IRCC Processing Time and Restoration Results
Restoration of status processing time varies and often takes several weeks. The IRCC decision may result in approval, a request for additional information, or a refusal. Timely and well-prepared applications improve the chances of a positive outcome.
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01 Processing Time for Status Reinstatement
The average processing time for restoration under IRCC can range from a few weeks to several months. Submitting all required forms and documents, along with proper preparation, helps to improve processing time. Under the IRPR Section 182, this thorough approach strengthens your restoration of status application in Canada.
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02 Renewal of Status Denied
A denied restoration of status application is usually the result of incomplete forms, missing documents, or late submission. Applicants risk losing restoration of status fees if the application is refused.
If this happens, Godwit Law can help. Our team reviews the reasons for refusal, compiles additional evidence, and promptly submits a new application. There is also an option to challenge the decision and protect your legal status in Canada.
Apply for Restoration of Status in Canada with Godwit Law
Whether you’re a visitor, student, or worker, Godwit Law offers guidance and support throughout the status restoration process in Canada.
We assist visitors in demonstrating the purpose of their stay and their ties to their home countries. For students, we help validate enrolment and financial support. For workers, we ensure employment documents meet IRCC standards.
Timing is critical. Delays can extend the restoration of status processing time or make it impossible to apply, especially in cases where more than 90 days have passed.
Call Godwit Law at +1 (888) 297-8545, email info@godwitlaw.com, or contact us online to book a consultation today. We will guide you through how to apply for restoration of status online and meet all the necessary requirements for approval.
Restoration of Status FAQs
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01 How long do I have to apply for restoration?
You have 90 days from the date your status expired to apply. -
02 Can I continue studying or working while waiting for restoration?
No. You must stop all work or study activities until your restoration is approved. -
03 What happens if I miss the 90-day deadline?
You may need to leave Canada and apply for a new permit from outside the country, or apply for a temporary resident permit. -
04 Does restoration guarantee approval?
No. Approval depends on your eligibility, supporting documents, and the reason your status was lost. -
05 Can I apply for a different type of permit when restoring my status?
Yes. For example, you may switch from visitor to student status if you meet the requirements.
