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Restoration of Status Fee: Cost to Fix a Visitor, Study, or Work Permit

Applicants who have let their temporary status lapse in Canada may need to apply for restoration of status within a certain timeframe. The restoration of status fee is an additional cost that stacks on top of the underlying permit fee. This article explains who is eligible to restore their status, how to restore temporary status, and the consequences of not doing so.

what is restoration of status

Restoration of status is the process of reinstating a person's temporary status in Canada after it has lapsed. This can happen if a person's visitor visa, study permit, or work permit expires, or if they fail to comply with the conditions of their permit. For instance, a student whose study permit has expired may need to restore their status to continue their studies in Canada.

who is eligible to restore their status

To be eligible, applicants must meet certain criteria, such as having a valid reason for not applying for a new permit before their old one expired. They must also apply for restoration of status within 90 days of their status lapsing. Applicants can check their eligibility on the IRCC website. It's worth noting that the eligibility criteria can be complex, and applicants may want to seek the help of a qualified immigration professional to ensure they meet the requirements.

how to restore your status

To restore temporary status, applicants must submit an application to IRCC, along with the required documentation and fees. The restoration of status fee is in addition to the fee for the underlying permit. For example, if an applicant is applying to restore their study permit, they will need to pay both the restoration of status fee and the study permit fee. Applicants can find more information on the required documentation and fees on the IRCC website. The application process can be complex, and it's essential to ensure all documentation is in order to avoid delays.

consequences of letting your temporary status lapse

If an applicant's temporary status lapses and they do not apply for restoration of status within the required timeframe, they may face consequences such as being required to leave Canada or being barred from re-entering the country for a certain period. It's crucial to act quickly and apply for restoration of status as soon as possible to avoid these consequences. In some cases, applicants may be able to appeal a decision, but this can be a lengthy and costly process.

canada visitor visa fees and application process

Applicants who need to restore their visitor visa status will need to pay the restoration of status fee, as well as the visitor visa fee. The visitor visa fee can vary depending on the applicant's country of origin and other factors. Applicants can check the current fees on the IRCC website. The application process involves submitting a new application, along with the required documentation and fees. This can be a complex process, and applicants may want to consider seeking the help of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or a licensed Canadian lawyer to ensure their application is complete and accurate.

Restoring temporary status in Canada can be a complex and costly process. It's essential for applicants to understand the eligibility criteria, the required documentation and fees, and the consequences of not applying for restoration of status within the required timeframe. By acting quickly and seeking the help of a qualified immigration professional if needed, applicants can minimize the risk of complications and ensure a smooth restoration of their temporary status. Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content. Information provided is subject to change and may not reflect current policies or regulations on canada.ca.

A small portion of this article — research support, fact-cross-checking, and copy-editing — was assisted by AI tooling. Editorial decisions, source verification, and final sign-off remain with our team. We cite primary sources from canada.ca for every factual claim.

Last reviewed: July 19, 2026

IRCC.com is an independent news site and not affiliated with the Government of Canada.

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