Overview
Restoration is the pathway when your authorized stay as a visitor ended before you applied to extend. It is more expensive and less forgiving than an on-time visitor record application. Use this guide when you have already lost visitor status—or are about to miss the leave-by date without a filing.
Common situations
Leave-by date passed yesterday
You have likely lost status. Calculate remaining days in the 90-day window and prepare a restore + visitor extension package quickly.
I thought my TRV kept me in status
A TRV is for travel/entry. It does not automatically extend how long you may stay after entry. Read your stamp or visitor record date.
Family members also overstayed
Each person usually needs their own restoration application and fee. Confirm on IRCC.
I am past 90 days
Options narrow significantly. Get case-specific advice before filing anything incomplete.
Who may apply to restore
IRCC says you may apply to restore if you still meet the requirements of temporary resident status and respected the conditions of your stay, among other factors. You typically apply to restore and to extend stay as a visitor, pay fees, and submit supporting documents with a clear explanation.
Fees and timing
IRCC guidance generally includes:
- 90 days to apply to restore status
- a restoration fee plus a visitor extension fee
Confirm all fees on IRCC before paying. Approval is not guaranteed.
What you can and cannot do while waiting
- You may be able to remain in Canada while the application is processed
- You cannot work
- Longer study usually still needs a study permit
- Travel can interrupt or complicate the process—get advice before leaving
What this means in practice
- Count 90 days carefully from the day status was lost.
- Strong funds and temporary-intent evidence matter more after an overstay.
- Do not assume payment equals approval.
- Keep records of why the deadline was missed and what has changed.
When to get help
Get help if the window is closing, you previously held student or worker status, you already worked without authorization, or you need to travel soon.
Restoration is time-sensitive. Tamara can review your dates, documents, and whether restoring as a visitor is realistic.
Application steps
- Confirm loss-of-status date and remaining days in the 90-day window.
- Gather passport, funds, ties, and explanation documents.
- Prepare restore + visitor extension forms as directed by IRCC.
- Pay restoration and visitor fees (confirm on IRCC).
- Submit and keep proof of filing.
- Track the decision; on approval, follow the new visitor record leave-by date.
Common mistakes
- Waiting until day 89 without a complete package
- Confusing a TRV with ongoing status inside Canada
- Working while out of status
- Weak explanation letters
- Assuming restoration automatically fixes re-entry documents
Related guides
- Visitor Status Expired
- Visitor Record in Canada
- TRV Application From Inside Canada
- Change From Worker to Visitor
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
- Confirmed you have not been working without authorization
- Gathered passport, funds, ties, and explanation documents
- Prepared to apply to restore and extend as a visitor
- Confirmed restoration and visitor fees on IRCC
- Drafted an explanation of why status was lost and why you should be restored
- Saved proof of submission and tracked the application
Frequently asked questions
- How long do I have to restore visitor status?
- IRCC generally cites 90 days to apply to restore temporary resident status. Do not wait until the last day without a complete package.
- Can I work while restoration is processing?
- No. Visitors are not authorized to work, and loss of status does not create work rights.
- What fees apply?
- Expect a restoration fee plus a fee to extend stay as a visitor. 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 temporary intent, funds, and compliance history.
- Will restoration give me a visa to travel?
- No. Restoration and a visitor record address status inside Canada. Re-entry may still require a TRV or eTA.
- What if I am past 90 days?
- Options narrow significantly. Get case-specific advice; do not rely on restoration guidance alone.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.
See also
References
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.