Canada allows visitor status restoration for workers, i.e., temporary residents in Canada who have lost their status as workers or students now have a new option. They can apply to restore their status as visitors.
Before this update, foreign nationals usually had to restore the same status they previously held. This meant workers had to apply again as workers, and students as students. If that was not possible, they often had to leave Canada and try to return as visitors.
This new change was shared in updated instructions for immigration officers. These instructions were published on the immigration department’s website on May 1, 2026.
Restoration of status is a process that allows foreign nationals to regain their legal status after it has expired.
To qualify, applicants must apply within 90 days of losing their status. They must stay in Canada while their application is being reviewed. They also need to meet the rules for the type of status they are applying for.
It is important to note that applying for restoration does not give permission to work or study. Anyone who loses their work or study permit must stop working or studying right away.
What Does The New Rule Mean For Workers And Students?
This update gives more flexibility to workers and students who lose their status.
If they cannot quickly get a new work or study permit, they can now apply to stay in Canada as visitors while they look at their next steps.
Earlier, people in this situation often had to leave Canada and return as visitors. Now, they can remain in the country if they apply for restoration within the 90-day period.
To apply for visitor status, they must submit a restoration application along with a visitor record application. They must also meet the conditions required for visitors.
Important Points To Remember
Restoration of status is not guaranteed.
Immigration officers review each case carefully and make decisions based on the details provided.
While waiting for a decision, the person is still considered out of status. This can affect future immigration applications, including those for permanent residence.
Even if the application is approved later, the time spent out of status may still have an impact.
Because of this, foreign nationals are advised to keep their status valid whenever possible. Restoration should only be used if no other option is available.
Other Ways To Restore Status
Workers and students can still choose to restore their original status if they meet all the requirements.
They may also apply for a different type of permit at the same time as their restoration request.
For example, a worker may apply to become a student, or a student may apply to become a worker.
In these cases, the restoration application is reviewed first. If it is approved, an officer will then review the request for the new status.
Restoration Options Under The Updated Rules
The table below shows the different ways status can be restored:
| Previous Status | Status Applying To: | Possible? |
| Worker | Restore Visitor status | Yes (new) |
| Worker | Restore Worker status | Yes |
| Worker | Gain student status | Yes |
| Student | Restore Visitor status | Yes (new) |
| Student | Restore Student status | Yes |
| Student | Gain worker status | Yes |
| Visitor | Restore Visitor status | Yes |
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