Apply restoration before December 31, 2020

Coming to a new country at a young age and making regular checks of an out of syllabus immigrations norms could be overwhelming for many International Students across the world. Thankfully, Canada recognized that very early, and laid the cushion under its immigration law to comfort numerous International Students who overstepped the regulations due to error or negligence, which resulted into making them “Out of Status” in Canada during 2020. Its concurrent policies depicts the country’s intention to excel fairness across the society at large.

So, Do I get a chance to regain my immigration Status as an International Student, if living OUT OF STATUS in Canada for more than 90 days?

The answer is “YES”

“Out of status individuals in Canada, after January 30, 2020, can benefit from the generous policies of Canadian government allowing to apply for restoration and study permit till December 31, 2020.” 

Thanks to Honourable Minister Marco E.L Mendicino & team !

Canadian Immigration usually allows a restoration to your status within 90 days after your status expires and costing, CAD 200 to restore and CAD 150 for Study permit, a total of CAD 350. However, this unusual policy during an unprecedented time of COVID-19 pandemic has allowed many international students to continue living their cross-border educational dreams. 

Same requirements for restoration except one. The applicant must:

• meet the initial requirements for their stay
• remain in Canada until a decision is made
• have not failed to comply with any condition imposed automatically by regulation [R183] or by an officer [R185], other than those stated below
• have lost their status only because they have failed to comply with any of the following conditions imposed by an officer:
  • paragraph R185(a)
    • The period authorized for their stay.
  • subparagraphs R185(b)(i) to (iii)
    • The work that they are permitted to engage in, or are prohibited from engaging in, in Canada, including the
    • type of work
    • employer
    • location of work
  • paragraph R185(c)
    • The studies that they are permitted to engage in, or are prohibited from engaging in, in Canada, including the
    • type of studies or course
    • educational institution
    • location of the studies
    • times and periods of the studies
• continue to meet the requirements of a temporary resident and the requirements of the work or study permit, as applicable

Except the policy provides a temporary window to a condition of applying within 90 days of having lost your status

Putting together the comparison of Canada with countries like USA and Australia, in the context of handling crises related to International Students during COVID-19, Canada has emerged out as a global leader in supporting temporary residents including students and workers via its adaptive immigration policies.  

Is this a new normal ?