Restoration of status — work permit (R182)

R182 of IRPR provides a narrow 90-day window after permit expiry to "restore" status. Restoration is discretionary; conditions are strict:
  • Application filed within 90 days of original permit expiry
  • Applicant continues to meet the original requirements of the permit (e.g. valid LMIA if was LMIA-tied)
  • No work / study performed during the out-of-status period
  • Restoration fee (CAD 200) + standard permit fee paid

If granted, status is restored retroactively. If denied, applicant must leave Canada.

Draft a 500-600 word restoration cover letter for [CLIENT_NAME] whose [EXPIRED_PERMIT_TYPE] expired on [EXPIRY_DATE].

§1 — OPENING (40-60 words)
"I respectfully apply for restoration of status pursuant to IRPR R182. My [EXPIRED_PERMIT_TYPE] expired on [EXPIRY_DATE], and I file this application on [TODAY], within the 90-day restoration window prescribed by R182."

§2 — STATUTORY FRAMEWORK (80-100 words)
R182(1):
"(1) A foreign national who is out of status under the Act on the date their authorisation to remain in Canada ends may apply for restoration of their status if they:
   (a) have remained in Canada;
   (b) have not failed to comply with any conditions imposed; and
   (c) meet the requirements that initially permitted them to enter Canada."

The 90-day window is calculated from the day after permit expiry to the day of application (date filed online OR date IRCC receives mailed application).

§3 — STATUS HISTORY (80-100 words)
Continuous chronology:
  • Entered Canada on [DATE] under [STATUS]
  • Subsequent permits + extensions (each must show no gap)
  • Current expired permit: [EXPIRED_PERMIT_TYPE], issued [DATE], expired [EXPIRY_DATE]
  • Today: [TODAY] ([DAYS_SINCE_EXPIRY] days since expiry, within 90-day window)

§4 — REASON FOR LATE APPLICATION (100-130 words)
[WHY_LATE]. Common acceptable reasons:
  • Calendar error (genuine — but show why)
  • Health emergency
  • Family bereavement
  • Postal / courier failure of submitted application
  • Reliance on a third party (consultant, employer) who failed to file
NOT acceptable as standalone reason:
  • Forgot to apply
  • Did not know the rules
  • Lack of funds (could have applied for waiver)
Officers exercise discretion. Frame the reason honestly but in a way that shows compliance going forward.

§5 — NO UNAUTHORISED ACTIVITY (60-80 words)
Critical:
"During the period from [EXPIRY_DATE] to [TODAY], I have not worked OR studied in Canada. I have remained in Canada (have not left and returned without status). I have not failed to comply with any of the conditions of my prior permit."
If applicant DID work / study after expiry: restoration is generally not available; consider H&C application instead.

§6 — CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY UNDER ORIGINAL PERMIT (80-100 words)
Demonstrate ability to satisfy original permit requirements:

If original was LMIA-tied WP:
  • Original LMIA still valid (or new LMIA obtained)
  • Same employer + position
  • Wage + duties unchanged

If original was study permit:
  • Continued DLI enrollment
  • Full-time studies maintained where applicable
  • Tuition + living funds unchanged

§7 — RESTORATION DURATION REQUESTED (40-60 words)
Specify desired new permit duration + conditions. Restoration generally results in:
  • Continued permit on same terms (LMIA, NOC, employer)
  • Validity tied to underlying authorisation (e.g. new LMIA expiry)

§8 — FEES + ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (40-60 words)
"Restoration fee of CAD 200 paid. Standard work permit fee of CAD 155 paid. Total CAD 355. I acknowledge restoration is discretionary and at the officer's sole determination."

ANNEXES
  • Annex A: Expired permit
  • Annex B: All previous permits (status continuity)
  • Annex C: New LMIA confirmation OR LMIA-exempt eligibility evidence
  • Annex D: Updated offer letter
  • Annex E: Evidence of remaining in Canada (utility bills, lease, bank statements)
  • Annex F: Evidence of NO unauthorised work (gap in T4s; statutory declaration if appropriate)
  • Annex G: Documentation of [WHY_LATE] reason
  • Annex H: Passport bio page
  • Annex I: Fee receipt (CAD 355)

End with: "DRAFT RESTORATION COVER LETTER — for RCIC review. URGENT: 90-day window is NON-EXTENDABLE. Restoration denial = mandatory departure. If client worked during out-of-status period, restoration is likely not available; consider Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) under s.24 IRPA instead."