Master prompt
Restoration of status (within 90 days) — IMM 5710 / IMM 5708 with narrative
Client lost status (expired permit or condition breach) within the last 90 days. Draft the restoration application under IRPR R182 with the explanation narrative officers actually accept.
CanadaVisa extensionRestorationIRPR R182Status loss90 days
[CLIENT_NAME] lost status on [STATUS_LOST_DATE] and today is [CURRENT_DATE]. Determine if restoration under IRPR R182 is available, then draft the package.
§1 — ELIGIBILITY CHECK FOR R182 RESTORATION
(a) Was status lost ≤ 90 days ago?
• Days between [STATUS_LOST_DATE] and [CURRENT_DATE] = compute
• If > 90 days: NOT eligible for restoration. Client must leave Canada and re-apply from abroad. STOP.
• If ≤ 90 days: continue
(b) Was status lost due to conditions client COULD have complied with?
• R182 allows restoration if the conditions of the prior permit could still be met
• Pure expiry (failure to apply in time): RESTORABLE
• Studied unauthorised hours / worked unauthorised: discretionary; harder
• Working for employer not on permit (closed permit): very hard
(c) Is client in Canada AT TIME OF APPLICATION? Required.
(d) Any other inadmissibility under IRPA s.34/35/36/37/40? Disqualifies separately
State explicitly: RESTORATION AVAILABLE / NOT AVAILABLE.
§2 — FORM PACK
Use IMM 5708 (visitor) or IMM 5710 (worker/student) — same forms as extension, with restoration boxes checked.
Documents:
A. Completed IMM 5708 / IMM 5710 with restoration request checked
B. Photocopy of:
• Passport biographical page
• Most recent expired permit
• Original Letter of Introduction (port of entry)
• Any other prior IRCC documents
C. Letter of explanation (see §4 — load-bearing)
D. Proof of compliance with original conditions (e.g. DLI enrolment letter, employer letter, financial proof — same as standard extension)
E. Fee receipt:
• CAD 200 (restoration fee, R296(1)(b))
• PLUS new permit fee:
— Visitor: CAD 100
— Study: CAD 150
— Work: CAD 155 + OWP holder fee if open CAD 100
F. Use of Representative (IMM 5476) if RCIC filing
G. Biometrics if applicable
§3 — IMPLIED STATUS DOES NOT APPLY DURING RESTORATION
CRITICAL: While the restoration is pending, the applicant has NO STATUS. They cannot:
• Work
• Study (if not enrolled)
• Receive provincial healthcare
• Apply for SIN renewal
They CAN:
• Remain in Canada (lawfully present, but without status)
• Hold property, rent, drive
• Travel within Canada
• Open Canadian bank accounts (with documentation)
If client departs Canada during processing → restoration application is deemed withdrawn.
§4 — LETTER OF EXPLANATION (300-450 words) — load-bearing
Address officer skepticism head-on. Officers look for:
(a) Honest account of how status was lost (do not minimise; do not exaggerate)
(b) Evidence that the lapse was unintentional / corrective
(c) Specific steps the client is taking so the lapse will not recur
(d) Compliance with original status conditions during the gap
Structure:
§4.1 — Acknowledge the lapse (60-80 words)
Open with: "I acknowledge that I lost my [PRIOR_STATUS] on [STATUS_LOST_DATE] under IRPR. The circumstances were as follows..."
Use [REASON_STATUS_LOST] verbatim. Avoid passive voice ("status was lost"); use active ("I did not apply in time", "I failed to notify IRCC").
§4.2 — Explain the cause (100-130 words)
Specific, dated facts:
• What the client believed at the time
• Why the timeline slipped (medical emergency, family loss, miscommunication with employer/DLI, financial issue)
• Why client did NOT apply on time / breach conditions intentionally
• Documentation supporting the explanation (medical letters, employer letters, death certificate)
§4.3 — Address the gap (80-100 words)
If No is "No":
• Client has not worked / studied during the gap
• Has supported self through savings / family support
• Provide financial statements showing this
If No indicates working: full disclosure required
• Officer will discover via T4; concealment = misrepresentation (R40) = 5-year ban
• Brief explanation, undertaking to cease + offer to remit/return funds if appropriate
§4.4 — Corrective steps (60-80 words)
Specific commitments:
• Calendar reminders 60/30 days before next expiry
• Engaged RCIC for ongoing compliance monitoring
• Employer/DLI has confirmed continued engagement
• Bank balance / GIC verifies ability to support self
§4.5 — Closing (30-50 words)
Express understanding of the seriousness, intent to leave Canada at end of restored status, gratitude for IRCC's consideration.
End the letter (client signs, dates, prints name).
§5 — DECISION OUTCOMES
• Restored: new permit issued; resume status from issuance date
• Refused: client must leave Canada within 30 days OR seek judicial review at Federal Court (rare, expensive, low success)
• Even if restored: prior R40 misrepresentation findings remain on record (not erased)
§6 — TIMELINE
Current restoration processing: ~ 200-280 days (much slower than standard extensions; verify on IRCC site)
• Client cannot work/study during this period
• Recommend financial cushion of 6-9 months
End with: "DRAFT restoration package — for RCIC review. Restoration applications carry materially higher refusal rates than timely extensions. The letter of explanation is load-bearing. Cross-verify the [STATUS_LOST_DATE] against the actual document expiry and the current 90-day window before submitting."Unlock the vault to see the full prompt