1. Overview of IRCC Status Restoration Under Section 182 IRPR
If a visitor, student, or temporary worker loses their temporary resident status in Canada because their permit expired before submitting an extension application, they can apply to restore their status under Section 182 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
Key Policy Highlights & Benchmarks
- Strict 90-Day Deadline: You MUST apply for restoration within 90 days of the date your temporary status expired; after 90 days, you CANNOT restore status inside Canada and must depart
- Absolute Prohibition on Work/Study: You CANNOT legally work or study while your restoration application is processing; you are a visitor waiting for a decision
- Restoration Fee ($200 CAD): Requires paying a $200 CAD restoration fee IN ADDITION to the standard permit fee ($150 study permit / $155 work permit)
- Restoration Eligibility Test: Must prove you lost status solely due to non-compliance with permit conditions (e.g. missed deadline) and continue to meet basic permit requirements
Mandatory Action Checklist
✓Calculate exact 90-day deadline from the date your permit expired or refusal was issued
✓Immediately STOP all working or studying activities inside Canada
✓Submit restoration application online via IRCC Portal with $200 restoration fee
2. Maintained (Implied) Status vs Restoration Matrix
Distinguishing maintained status from restoration.
| Status Condition | Application Timing | Legal Work / Study Status | Fee Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maintained (Implied) Status | Applied BEFORE current permit expired | CAN CONTINUE working / studying under same conditions | Standard permit fee only ($150/$155) |
| Restoration of Status (Sec 182) | Applied WITHIN 90 days AFTER permit expired | CANNOT WORK OR STUDY; must wait for approval | $200 Restoration Fee + Standard Permit Fee |
| Out of Status (>90 Days) | Failed to apply within 90 days of expiry | ILLEGAL STATUS; must depart Canada immediately | Ineligible for restoration inside Canada |
3. Calculating the 90-Day Window & Refusal Scenarios
Navigating restoration timelines following permit refusals.
Key Policy Highlights & Benchmarks
- Refusal Date Trigger: If an extension application is REFUSED, the 90-day restoration clock starts on the date the refusal letter was issued by IRCC
- Restoration of Visitor Status: Temporary workers or students who miss the 90-day window can sometimes apply for a TRP or depart and re-enter as visitors
- Comprehensive Explanation Letter: Restoration applications must include a detailed letter explaining the reasons for losing status and proving financial support
- Departing Canada During Restoration: Leaving Canada while a restoration application is pending automatically CANCELS the restoration application
Critical Regulatory NoteNO WORKING DURING RESTORATION: Working or studying while waiting for status restoration is illegal and can lead to a 6-month work ban or deportation.
4. Step-by-Step Restoration Application Roadmap
Applying for status restoration.
Mandatory Action Checklist
✓Stop all work or study activities immediately
✓Calculate 90-day restoration deadline
✓Pay $200 restoration fee + permit fee and submit IMM 5708/5709/5710
⭐ Recommended Partner Global Coverage
SafetyWing Expat & Travel Medical Insurance
Worldwide hospitalization, emergency medical, and travel protection across 180+ countries from $45/4 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You have exactly 90 calendar days from the date your status expired.
No! You CANNOT legally work or study while waiting for status restoration.
The restoration fee is $200 CAD, paid in addition to the standard permit fee ($150 study / $155 work).
You can no longer restore your status inside Canada and must depart the country immediately.
Maintained Status occurs when you apply BEFORE your permit expires (work/study allowed); Restoration occurs when you apply AFTER expiry (work/study banned).
Leaving Canada automatically cancels your pending restoration application.
Official Government Sources & Authorities
⭐ Low-Fee Money Transfer Real Exchange Rate
Wise International Money Transfer
Send money across 50+ currencies with real mid-market exchange rates and zero hidden bank markup fees.
Transfer Money with Wise🛡️ Guaranteed Mid-Market Rate
⭐ VISA PORTAL SECURITY 256-Bit Encrypted
Super Visa & Study Permit Security
Protect parents medical insurance verifications, biometric receipts, and DLI study permit applications on public Wi-Fi.
Protect Visa Documents🛡️ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Restoration Metrics
Governing Statute
IRPR Section 182Strict Restoration Window
Exactly 90 Days from Status ExpiryWork/Study Status
NO WORKING / STUDYING during restorationRestoration Fee
$229 CAD ($200 Restoration + Permit Fee)Related Immigration Pathways
Explore All 87 Visa Guides
Browse all IRCC visa categories, study permit rules, and visitor entry requirements.
View Visas & Study Permits Hub →