If temporary resident status expires before a valid extension application is submitted, the person may lose status. Restoration can be available in limited circumstances, but it is not automatic and does not normally authorize continued work or study.
Act within the normal deadline
A worker, student or visitor may generally apply to restore status within 90 days of losing it if they met the conditions of their stay and remain eligible. Online deadlines use Coordinated Universal Time, so do not wait until the local end of the last day.
Stop unauthorized activity
A worker whose status expires must normally stop working; a student may need to stop studying. Applying for restoration does not itself create maintained status. Resume only when the new authorization permits it, unless a specific public policy or exemption clearly applies.
Explain the history completely
Include the expiry date, how the loss occurred, the steps taken afterward and evidence that other conditions were respected. Each family member who lost status normally needs a separate restoration application and fee.
More than 90 days is different
Under the regular rules, a person outside the restoration period may need to leave Canada and apply again from abroad. Temporary public policies can create narrow exceptions for defined groups, so confirm the current official rules for the exact situation.
Free checklist
- Confirm the exact status-expiry date
- Calculate the 90-day deadline in UTC
- Stop unauthorized work or study
- Identify the status being restored
- Prepare a complete explanation
- Show compliance with prior conditions
- File separately for affected family members
- Check current public-policy exceptions
Official sources
Rules, forms and intake policies can change. Every case depends on its complete facts and evidence; this guide does not guarantee eligibility, an invitation or approval.