IRCC Clarifies Restoration of Temporary Resident Status
Restoration of status. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”) has updated its program delivery instructions on restoration of temporary resident status.
The May 1, 2026 update clarifies that applicants may apply to restore only their temporary resident status without necessarily restoring the work or study authorization they previously held.
This clarification may affect former workers or students who are out of status in Canada and who no longer qualify for, or no longer require, a work or study permit. IRCC’s restoration instructions state that a worker or student may restore temporary resident status without work or study authorization if they otherwise meet the visitor requirements under IRPR s. 179.
The core restoration requirements remain unchanged. Applicants must generally apply within 90 days of losing temporary resident status, remain in Canada while the application is processed, and stop working or studying until restoration is approved and any required permit is issued.
Restoration applications are fact-specific, and eligibility depends on the person’s immigration history, timing, prior conditions, and the type of status being requested.
