Foreign national temporary workers, international students and visitors to Canada now have until August 31, 2021 to restore their residency status.
Canada is allowing temporary foreign residents who had valid status on or after January 30, 2020 and whose status will expire on or before May 31, 2021 can apply to restore their status as long as it is before August 31, 2021.
This policy was originally valid until December 31, 2020, but is now extended. Normally, temporary residents have just 90 days to apply to restore their status. Since the COVID-19 pandemic caused service disruptions at IRCC, those affected will now have until August to restore their status.
In order to be eligible, the temporary residents must have not left Canada since entry, and must have lost their status during this period. They must have also paid the required fees for restoring their status.
In addition, temporary foreign workers may have the ability to begin their employment while they wait for a decision on their application. To be eligible, foreign nationals must have submitted an application for an employer-specific work permit and the restoration application, and paid all required fees. They must have also held a valid work permit for 12 months before submitting the restoration application. They must have also completed an IRCC webform to apply for the policy, and to request that they are allowed to work until a decision is made on their application.
If you need help with your work permit application, contact us through the button below and we would be happy to help.