Many temporary residents in Canada unknowingly put their future at risk by misunderstanding restoration status rules. Whether you are a student, worker, or visitor, knowing the difference between restoration status and maintained (implied) status is critical for protecting your Canada immigration pathway.
If your study permit or work permit expires, your legal rights in Canada change immediately — and continuing to work or study without authorization can seriously impact your PR application, future visas, and even result in refusals or bans.
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What Is Restoration Status in Canada?
Restoration status applies when your temporary resident status has already expired and you apply within 90 days to restore it. During this period, you are not considered a valid temporary resident until a decision is made. This rule applies across Canada immigration programs and affects students, workers, and visitors equally.
While restoration allows you to remain physically in Canada, it does not grant permission to continue your previous activities.
Can You Work or Study While on Restoration Status?
The answer is NO.
If your status expires and you apply for restoration:
- You must stop working immediately
- You must stop studying immediately
- You must wait for approval before resuming any activity
Continuing employment or education during restoration is considered unauthorized activity, which can negatively affect future work permits, study permits, Express Entry profiles, and PR applications.
Maintained (Implied) Status: A Completely Different Scenario
Maintained status applies when you apply for an extension before your permit expires. In this case, Canadian immigration law allows you to continue under the same conditions until a decision is issued.
This distinction is extremely important for international students and foreign workers planning permanent residence in Canada.
Restoration Status vs Maintained Status (Quick Comparison)
| Situation | Can You Work? | Can You Study? | Risk Level |
| Restoration Status | No | No | High |
| Maintained (Implied) Status | Yes | Yes | Low |
| Status Expired + No Application | No | No | Very High |
Understanding this difference helps protect your Canada PR eligibility, employment history, and compliance record.
Why This Matters for Your PR File
Canada immigration authorities verify status history, employment records, and study authorization carefully. Even a short period of unauthorized work can:
- Weaken Express Entry CRS profiles
- Create misrepresentation concerns
- Delay or refuse PR applications
- Affect future visa approvals
Maintaining a clean immigration history is just as important as language scores or work experience.
How Eduint4u Helps You Stay Compliant
At Edurecruit4u, our authorized RCIC team supports applicants with:
- Status expiry tracking and extension planning
- Restoration and maintained status guidance
- PR-focused document strategy
- Employer and student compliance advice
- Long-term Canada immigration planning
A small mistake today can cost years tomorrow — professional guidance makes all the difference.
Send your resume to info@edurecruit4u.com for a free eligibility and status review.
Can I work part-time while my restoration application is under process?
No. Any form of work during restoration status is not allowed.
Can I attend online classes while on restoration status?
No. Studying in any format requires valid authorization.
How long do I have to apply for restoration?
You must apply within 90 days of your status expiry.
Will restoration affect my Express Entry profile?
It can, especially if unauthorized work or study occurred during the gap.
What is the safest way to avoid restoration status?
Apply for extensions before your permit expires to benefit from maintained status.