Applying for Restoration of Status in Surrey
Maintaining legal standing is a requirement for every temporary resident in Canada. If your permit has expired and you did not apply for an extension in time, you have likely lost your legal standing. Welkin Immigration Services Inc., located in Surrey, provides support for individuals needing a Restoration of Status. This process is a specific legal remedy for those who have unintentionally overstayed their authorized visit, work, or study period. It is important to act quickly, as the window to apply for Restoration of Status is limited to 90 days from the date of expiry.
The 90-Day Rule for Restoration of Status
The most critical factor in a successful Restoration of Status application is timing. Under federal regulations, you must submit your request within 90 days of losing your temporary resident status. At Welkin Immigration Services Inc., we emphasize that once this 90-day window closes, the option to restore status from within Canada is generally no longer available.
During the time your Restoration of Status application is being processed, you are allowed to remain in Canada. However, you must stop working or studying immediately. You do not have “maintained status” (formerly known as implied status) during this period. You may only resume your activities once IRCC approves your Restoration of Status and issues your new permit.
Eligibility for Restoration of Status
Not everyone who has overstayed is eligible for a Restoration of Status. To qualify, an applicant must meet specific criteria:
- Timeline: The application must be received by IRCC within 90 days of the status expiry.
- Compliance: You must have complied with all other conditions of your previous permit, such as not working for an unauthorized employer.
- Initial Requirements: You must still meet the requirements for the category you are applying for (e.g., still having a valid job offer for a work permit).
- Fees: You must pay the specific Restoration of Status fee in addition to the standard permit processing fee.
Restoration of Status for Workers and Students
For many in Surrey, a Restoration of Status is needed due to a missed deadline or a denied extension. If you were a worker, you must apply for Restoration of Status and a new work permit simultaneously. If you were a student, you must show that you are still enrolled in a designated learning institution while seeking a Restoration of Status.
Documentation and Explanation Letters
A vital component of Restoration of Status applications is the letter of explanation. You must clearly detail the facts that led to your loss of status. Whether it was a medical emergency, a technical error, or an oversight, the explanation must be honest and thorough. Welkin Immigration Services Inc. assists clients in Surrey by organizing their documents and drafting a clear narrative for their Restoration of Status request.
Navigating Refusals and Next Steps
If a previous extension was refused, the 90-day countdown for Restoration of Status usually begins on the date of the refusal letter, not the original permit expiry date. This provides a small window to rectify the situation. However, if the initial application was returned as “incomplete,” the 90-day period for Restoration of Status often reverts to the original expiry date of your last valid permit.
Why Choose Welkin Immigration Services Inc.?
Our office in Surrey understands that losing your legal standing is a stressful experience. We provide a structured approach to Restoration of Status cases, ensuring that all fees are paid correctly and that all forms are completed with precision. Because Restoration of Status is a discretionary decision by an immigration officer, presenting a professional and complete package is essential.
The Restoration of Status process is the only way to regain your legal footing without leaving the country. At Welkin Immigration Services Inc., we review your history to ensure you are not inadmissible for other reasons before proceeding with your Restoration of Status.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not recommended. If you leave Canada while out of status, you cannot “restore” it from outside. You would likely need to apply for a new entry visa or permit from abroad.
As of 2026, the Government fee for Restoration of Status is $246.25, which is paid in addition to the fee for the specific permit (worker, student, or visitor) you are seeking.
If the application is refused, you must leave Canada immediately. Staying beyond a refusal can create an enforcement gap and affect future Restoration of Status or visa applications.
