Restoration of status: stop working first, fix status second

So you just got a notice that your work permit is expired, and now you’re staring at a payroll deadline, a school registration reminder, or a flight confirmation. The moment you realize your status is gone, the first thing you must do is stop working — even if you’re already in the middle of a job. Continuing to work after expiry isn’t just risky; it can make restoration impossible. You’re not just breaking rules — you’re closing doors. The window to fix things is tight, and every day counts.

But here’s what’s confusing: what exactly do you need to do before filing? Is it enough to just stop working and wait, or do you need proof of your last valid status? How does the timing of your last valid period affect whether restoration is even an option? And if you’ve been working without authorization, does that automatically disqualify you, or can you still apply?

Also, how much does having a job offer or a school acceptance help? Does the type of job — full-time vs. part-time, employer-sponsored vs. self-employed — change how IRCC views your application? If you’re in a post-grad work permit stream, does the original program end date matter more than your actual work permit expiry?

If you’ve been through this, what did you actually do? Did you stop working immediately, or did you wait for a notice? What documents did you include? And did anything — like a clean record, a new job, or a letter from your school — make a real difference in the outcome? Share what you saw. Small details can change everything.