Has your study permit, work permit, or visitor status expired in Canada? You're not alone — and there is a legal solution: status restoration. But be careful: you have exactly 90 days after the expiry to act. Past this deadline, you'll need to leave Canadian territory.
Critical deadline: 90 days
Status restoration must be requested within 90 days of the expiry of your temporary status. Beyond this deadline, the application will be refused and you'll be in an irregular situation in Canada, exposed to a removal measure.
What is status restoration?
Status restoration is an official IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) procedure that allows certain people whose temporary status has expired to regularize their situation without leaving Canada.
This process applies to three categories of temporary residents:
- Study permit holders whose validity has passed
- Work permit holders whose permit has expired
- Visitors and tourists whose stay authorization has ended
It does not apply to refugees, permanent residents, or people whose application has already been refused.
Who can apply for status restoration?
To be eligible for restoration, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- Your temporary status expired less than 90 days ago
- You're still physically present in Canada
- You still meet the eligibility conditions for the original program (study, work, visit)
- You haven't violated any other conditions of your permit
- You're able to provide a valid reason for the delay
Documents required for the application
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Form IMM 5444 | Official IRCC status restoration form |
| Copy of expired permit | Study permit, work permit, or visitor stamp |
| Reason for the delay | Detailed explanation letter + supporting evidence |
| Supporting documents | School letter, job offer, or proof of ties (as applicable) |
| Government fees | IRCC processing fees (vary by permit type) |
How to file
The application is filed exclusively online through the IRCC portal (My IRCC Account). Mail-in processing is no longer available for standard status restoration.
- Create or log in to your online IRCC account
- Select "Status restoration" among the temporary permit options
- Complete form IMM 5444 accurately
- Attach all supporting documents in PDF format
- Pay the government fees by credit card
- Submit and keep your confirmation number
💡 Implied status: While your restoration application is being processed, you have partial implied status — you can stay in Canada, but you generally cannot work or study until the final decision.
The 5 mistakes that get applications refused
Waiting more than 90 days
This is the fatal mistake. After 90 days, no restoration application is possible from within Canada. You'll have to leave the country.
Insufficient explanation for the delay
IRCC officers review hundreds of files. A vague or undocumented reason ("I forgot") will be refused. You need concrete evidence: hospitalization records, proof of force majeure, emails, attestations.
Incomplete or poorly filled IMM 5444 form
Any blank field or contradictory information leads to a direct refusal. Consistency across all documents is essential.
Working or studying without authorization while pending
If you've worked without a valid permit after the expiry, this constitutes a violation of conditions and can lead to a finding of inadmissibility.
Not consulting an RCIC before filing
A poorly prepared file is nearly impossible to correct once submitted. An RCIC consultant reviews your situation, drafts your explanation letter, and maximizes your chances of approval.
Consequences of missing the deadline
If you haven't submitted your application within 90 days:
- Departure order: you must leave Canada within 30 days
- Possible inadmissibility: this can affect your future immigration applications
- Irregular status: any subsequent application will be more complex and risky
In this case, recourse exists (appeal, recourse before the IAD), but it is costly and uncertain. Prevention remains the best strategy.
Why hire an RCIC consultant?
Status restoration is a process where details matter enormously. A regulated RCIC consultant:
- Assesses your eligibility before filing anything
- Drafts a professional and solid explanation letter
- Gathers and organizes the documentary evidence
- Officially represents you before IRCC
- Guides you on alternative options if the deadline has passed
Also check our guides on work permit renewal and study permit renewal to avoid any future expiry.
⏰ Is your status expired? Every day counts.
Don't waste time. Our RCIC team reviews your situation as an emergency and prepares a solid file for you. Contact us now — before the 90-day deadline passes.
🚨 Contact us urgently → Book an appointmentOfficial sources: IRCC Processing Times · CIC News · CICC Register