Canada has updated its rules for temporary residents who lose their status as workers or students.
Under the new guidance, workers and students who are out of status may now apply to restore their status as visitors, as long as they apply within 90 days of losing status.
Previously, restoration was generally limited to the same status a person already had, meaning a worker could restore as a worker, and a student could restore as a student. In many cases, those who wanted visitor status had to leave Canada and try to re-enter.
This change gives temporary residents more flexibility, especially those who cannot immediately apply for a new work or study permit.
However, restoration does not give permission to work or study. Anyone who loses their authorization must stop working or studying immediately while their application is being processed.
Applicants must also remain in Canada, pay the required fees, and show that they meet the conditions of the status they are requesting.
Approval is not guaranteed. Restoration is discretionary, and being out of status may still affect future immigration applications. For this reason, maintaining valid status should always be the priority.
