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Restore Student Status in Canada

· Reviewed by Tamara Bulantseva, RCIC

If your study permit expired before you applied to extend, IRCC says you lose student status and cannot study until status is restored and a new study permit is issued. IRCC Help Centre cites 90 days to apply to restore, with CAN$200 restoration plus CAN$150 for a new study permit (confirm fees on IRCC). A new PAL/TAL is generally required when restoring as a student. Approval is not guaranteed.

Quick reference

Window90 days to apply (Help Centre)
Fees (confirm on IRCC)CAN$200 restoration + CAN$150 study permit
Study while waitingNo — until restored
PAL/TALNew letter usually required

Overview

Restoration is the pathway when your study permit expired before you applied to extend. It is more expensive, more restrictive, and less forgiving than an on-time extension. Use this guide only when you have already lost student status—or are about to miss expiry without a filing.

Common situations

Permit expired yesterday and I have not applied

You have likely lost student status. Stop studying. Calculate whether you are still inside the 90-day restoration window and gather a complete restore + new study permit package quickly.

I thought a draft application protected me

A draft does not create maintained status. If IRCC did not receive a submission before expiry, treat this as restoration.

Family members also lost status

Each family member usually needs their own restoration application and fee. Confirm on IRCC.

I am past 90 days

Options narrow significantly. Do not rely on restoration guidance alone—get case-specific advice and read IRCC pages on remaining temporary resident options.

Who may apply to restore

IRCC says you may apply to restore status as a student if you still meet the requirements of your stay and respected your study permit conditions, among other factors. You must apply for a new study permit and to restore temporary resident status, pay fees, and submit supporting documents.

On the form, select Restore my status where indicated and explain why you need to extend your stay.

Fees and timing

Help Centre answer 475 states:

  • 90 days to apply to restore status and extend your permit
  • CAN$200 restoration fee
  • CAN$150 for a new study permit

Confirm all fees on IRCC before paying. Approval is not guaranteed.

Studying and working while you wait

IRCC is clear: after loss of status you cannot study until status is restored and a new study permit is issued. You may be able to remain in Canada while the application is processed, but “staying” is not the same as “studying.”

Already past expiry and unsure what to file?

Restoration is time-sensitive. Tamara can review your dates, documents, and whether restoration is the right next step.

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PAL/TAL when restoring

IRCC’s PAL/TAL page states you need a new PAL/TAL when restoring status as a student, even if you stay at the same DLI and level of study. Build that into your timeline—waiting on the letter can consume restoration days.

Application steps

  1. Confirm loss-of-status date and remaining days in the 90-day window.
  2. Stop studying if you no longer have status.
  3. Obtain a new PAL/TAL if required.
  4. Prepare the restore + new study permit package and explanation letter.
  5. Pay restoration and study permit fees.
  6. Submit and keep proof of filing; track the decision in your account.

Common mistakes

  • Continuing to attend classes after losing status
  • Waiting until day 89 without a complete package
  • Filing restoration without a required new PAL/TAL
  • Assuming payment alone equals approval
  • Confusing restoration with maintained status

This guide summarizes official IRCC sources listed above. Requirements change. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.

Before you apply

  • Confirmed you are still within 90 days of losing status
  • Stopped studying if you no longer have status
  • Gathered documents for a new study permit plus restoration
  • Obtained a new PAL/TAL if required
  • Prepared fee payment for restoration and study permit
  • Drafted an explanation of why status was lost and why you should be restored

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to restore my status?
IRCC Help Centre answer 475 cites 90 days to apply to restore status and extend your permit. Do not wait until the last day without a complete package.
Can I keep studying while restoration is processing?
No. IRCC says you cannot study until your status is restored and you have a new study permit.
What fees apply?
Help Centre cites CAN$200 to restore temporary resident status plus CAN$150 for a new study permit. Re-check IRCC’s fee list before you pay.
Is restoration guaranteed if I apply within 90 days?
No. Meeting the deadline lets you apply; officers still assess the full application.
Do I need a new PAL/TAL?
IRCC’s PAL/TAL page states you need a new PAL/TAL when restoring status as a student, even at the same DLI and level.
Is this legal advice?
No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.

See also

References

  1. What to do if your permit expired
  2. Extend your study permit or restore your status
  3. Help Centre answer 475
  4. Provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL)

Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.

Need help restoring student status?

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