Extension vs. restoration of status
Time to extend your study permit/work permit/visitor permit?
Extending status
If your study/work/visitor permit expiry date is approaching and you think you still want to keep studying, you can apply for a status extension at least 30 days before your current status expires. If your study permit/work permit/visitor permit has already expired, you lost your status and you can only apply for restoration of your existing status within 90 days of expiry. If your current status (for example student) is expired and you want to apply for a different status (for example worker), then you will have to restore your current status and apply for a new status. You can apply for study permit or work permit together with restoration application.
Restoration: Things to remember
Foreign nationals applying for restoration have lost their status and may not continue to work or attend school until their status has been restored and a new work or study permit has been issued. It is worth noting that restoration of status cannot be granted at the POE. Therefore, if a foreign national leaves Canada, they will be deemed to be seeking a new entry on their return, and the previous non-compliance with imposed conditions may make them inadmissible to Canada as per section A41 and subsection A29(2). Foreign nationals who have failed to comply with the conditions imposed under section R185 need to apply in Canada for restoration of their status or leave Canada immediately. During the processing of a restoration application, should an officer determine that the foreign national has left Canada, the officer shall refuse the application as the foreign national is no longer eligible to apply for restoration. In this situation, processing fees are not refunded.