A Comprehensive Guide to Restoration of Status in Canada

Discovering that your temporary resident permit has expired can be a stressful experience for any visitor, student, or worker. However, it is important to know that a lapse in status does not always mean you must leave the country immediately. The immigration system provides a specific legal remedy known as the Restoration of status in Canada, designed to help you regain your legal standing and continue your journey here.

Writ of Mandamus
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Kasem Nour profile picture
Kasem Nour
29 October 2026
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The office was helpful, professional, and supportive the whole time. They charge less than others but still work very hard to help you succeed. I highly recommend them. Thank you so much!
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Mohamed Dhanzil
16 October 2026
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I had a great experience with the lawyer for my PR mandamus application. He was professional, responsive, and guided me through the process clearly. I truly appreciate his support and dedication in helping move my PR application forward. Highly recommended!
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Olugbenga Awolowo
23 September 2026
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Very professional and Apt. Victory is certain. Thank you very much for everything.
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Olawumi Akinsola
17 September 2026
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I am very grateful for the excellent work and support I received from Mr Damilola Asuni throughout my IRCC judicial review process. I'm am very happy that the judicial review was successful and the IRCC decision was set aside. This was a huge relief for me and my family. Thank you for your professionalism, dedication, patience, and hard work throughout my case. I truly appreciate everything you did for me. I would highly recommend your services to anyone who needs knowledgeable and dedicated legal representation for an immigration matter.
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Afsane Bahri
11 September 2026
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If I could give him and his team zero start, I would do it. He does not care. They treat you like a queen before the deposit as soon as you pay, they behave differently. They do not reply to the emails. You have to send multiple emails. The court dismissed my application 10 days ago, he did not even bother to email me. I just checked the court website myself! Do not waste your money. Try someone who deeply cares.
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Stella Amajene
26 August 2026
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One of the best attorneys in Canada. They listen and do their due diligence to ensure you get the right results!
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Ruchaxi Dalwadi
17 August 2026
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I’m very happy that I chose Mr. Dami for my mandamus case. He clearly understood my concerns regarding my April 2024 CEC PR application which was stuck in security, responded promptly, and provided advice based on my situation. We only needed Step 1 of the mandamus process—within about 2 weeks my application started moving again, and within 4 weeks I received my Final Decision update. Professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and straightforward throughout the process. I truly appreciate his guidance and would highly recommend his services.
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Akaninyene Akpan
8 July 2026
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A Life-Changing Experience with Crest Attorneys!! After my sister-inlaw having her study permit application denied by IRCC not once, but twice, I was frustrated, discouraged, and honestly unsure of where to turn. It was during this difficult period that I came across Crest Attorneys through their Google reviews online. The testimonials I read from previous clients were so compelling and consistent that I felt an immediate sense of trust, and I decided to reach out. That decision turned out to be one of the best I have ever made. From the very first consultation, the team at Crest Attorneys led by ‘Dami made me feel heard and genuinely understood. As an international applicant navigating a foreign legal system from Nigeria, I was particularly vulnerable and needed not just legal expertise but also patience and clear communication, and they delivered on all fronts. They took the time to thoroughly review my case history, identify the procedural and substantive issues in IRCC’s decision-making process, and immediately set a clear, confident strategy for a judicial review. Their knowledge of immigration law and administrative procedure was nothing short of impressive, they knew exactly where the process had gone wrong and how to challenge it effectively. What truly sets Crest Attorneys apart is their unwavering commitment to their clients beyond the courtroom. Even after we reached a settlement, they did not simply hand me a file and wish me well. They continued to provide personalized, hands-on support through every subsequent step, following up diligently, guiding me through the reapplication process, and standing by my side until I received my full and final study permit approval. That level of dedication is rare, and it made all the difference. I was also pleasantly surprised by how reasonable and transparent their fees were. Coming from Nigeria, cost is always a significant consideration, and I had feared that quality legal representation would be far beyond my reach. Compared to larger law firms that charge premium rates, Crest Attorneys delivered exceptional, high-quality legal representation at a fraction of the cost, without ever cutting corners. We achieved a remarkable outcome within a limited timeframe and at a cost that was genuinely manageable for someone in my situation. I came to Crest Attorneys because of what others said about them online, and they exceeded every expectation. If you are an international applicant facing an immigration challenge, a denied application, or need someone to fight for your rights before the courts, look no further. They are professional, compassionate, incredibly skilled, and truly affordable. They did not just handle my case, they changed the trajectory of my life. Thank you, Crest Attorneys. You are worth every single star. — Akaninyene.
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Olasunkanmi Otuyiga
3 July 2026
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Great service.
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Toluwalase Akinbode
1 July 2026
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I had an incredibly stressful experience when I received a Procedural Fairness Letter (PFL), but working with Crest made all the difference. Barrister Dami handled my case with so much professionalism and clarity. What really stood out to me was how fast everything was done — my response was prepared and submitted in just 3 days, and I was kept reassured throughout the entire process. Yesterday, I finally received my eCOPR, and I’m honestly so grateful. This is a huge milestone for me, and I appreciate the effort, urgency, and attention to detail that went into my case. I would highly recommend Crest to anyone dealing with immigration concerns. They are responsive, knowledgeable, and truly deliver when it matters most.
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Adedeji Adepeju
16 June 2026
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Competent, knowledgeable and result-focussed professional. I felt heard; I felt served.
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Smit Thakkar
12 June 2026
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He took money.. later , i never heard back from him since last 6 months… before that every time , i had to call to tell them to get me response on my email.. not so professional work …
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Love Sidhu
28 May 2026
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I had an excellent experience working with my immigration lawyer Dami, throughout my Canada PR process as my file stuck in background check/ security and there was no response from IRCC. From the beginning until receiving my Portal 1, Portal 2, and finally COPR, he handled my case professionally and efficiently. What I appreciated the most was his honesty, quick responses to emails, and the genuine support he provided during the entire process. His fees were also very reasonable compared to many others, yet the quality of service was outstanding. He was always patient in answering my questions and guided me properly at every step. Thanks to his hard work and guidance, my PR process was completed successfully. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and supportive immigration lawyer in Canada. Thank you again for helping me achieve this important milestone in my life.
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Tamaradouere Okorodas
25 May 2026
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Mr Damilola was so transparent from the consultation to submission. He continuously followed up to know the status of application till it was approved. I am so impressed
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azita tavakoli
21 May 2026
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I am extremely grateful for the outstanding support and professionalism of Crest Attorneys throughout my citizenship process. After waiting more than three years since passing my citizenship test with no updates or progress, I was feeling frustrated and hopeless. Thanks to their dedication, persistence, and expertise, my case finally started moving forward and the process was significantly accelerated. They were responsive, knowledgeable, and truly cared about helping me during a very stressful time. I highly recommend their services to anyone dealing with immigration or citizenship delays. Having the right lawyer truly makes a differenc
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Mazhar Aziz Chishtie
18 May 2026
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Excellent service
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Arash Safavizadeh
12 May 2026
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I had a very positive experience working with this attorney on a mandamus process. They were professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and supportive throughout the entire process, while also offering reasonable pricing. Their guidance and attention to detail helped move my case forward efficiently. I truly appreciate their dedication and would highly recommend their services.
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Negar Haghbin
7 May 2026
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Mr. Dami helped us with our PR application. His prices are more affordable than other firms. His guidance helped us to make the right decisions based on our situation.
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Ganesh Kumar
4 May 2026
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I was stuck in the citizenship process for 28 months due to CSIS clearance delays. After doing a lot of research, I realized that filing for mandamus might be the only way to move my application forward. I’m really glad I found Dami and highly recommend their legal services. I spoke with around six different lawyers, and Dami’s fees were by far the most reasonable—almost 50% lower than the others. They sent a demand letter on March 14, and I saw incredible progress soon after. I completed my oath on April 28—less than 45 days from start to finish. If you’re dealing with long delays, Dami is definitely worth considering.
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Adam Bahram
29 April 2026
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My case is extended beyond given timelines, and the lawyers have been incredibly uninvolved in either speeding it up, or giving me any updates. As an example, I have had to send multiple reminders to Crest Attorneys - sometimes with 3 or 4 follow-ups - before getting a vague one line response. I hesitate to leave a bad review for a business, and I will change this review if Crest Attorneys becomes involved again and my case is resolved - but if I had known what I know now about the experience with Crest, I'd have opted for a different lawyer.
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UMAR MUSTAFA
28 April 2026
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Nice work .
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nafiseh vadood
23 April 2026
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I had a great experience with this legal team. My application had been refused, but they handled my judicial review case professionally and successfully reached a settlement. The decision was set aside and my application will now be reconsidered. They were supportive, knowledgeable, and always kept me informed throughout the process. I truly appreciate their help and would recommend them to anyone dealing with immigration matters
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abiola odeleye
27 March 2026
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Thank you, Crest Attorneys, for your outstanding support. You provided me with information that no other immigration consultant was able to offer.
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Maksym Sikalo
25 March 2026
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I highly recommend this office! They helped me with my mandamus application, and thanks to their professionalism and support, my case was finally approved. From the very beginning, they were responsive, clear, and truly cared about getting results. What impressed me the most is that their fees were very reasonable compared to others, and they never tried to overcharge. They explained every step and supported me throughout the whole process. If you are stuck with immigration delays, this team really knows how to help. I’m very grateful for their work and the positive outcome. Thank you so much! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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nasrin ghajary
13 February 2026
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We truly appreciate the lawyer’s expertise and commitment. They handled our case professionally and achieved a positive result in a short time. Highly recommended.
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Daniel Abara
31 December 2025
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I was referred to Crest Attorneys by a friend to assist in a visitor visa application. They took the time to sit with me to undertand the situation, and then we came up with a plan on how to approach the application. They reviewed my documents thoroughly, and answered my many questions. Needless to say the application was successful. Having worked with a few immgration firms, I strongly recommend Crest Attorneys to anyone seeking an immigration lawyer.
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Sina Kiamehr
10 December 2025
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Each time we’ve partnered with them, the service has been outstanding. They’re professional, focused, and consistently deliver results. Highly recommended
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Jenny Nguyen
21 November 2025
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Professional & Polite I am very grateful for the excellent support I received from Oluwadamilola throughout my mandamus filling for my citizenship application. He was knowledgeable, responsive, and guided me clearly through every step of the process. His professionalism and dedication made a stressful situation much easier to handle. Thanks to his expertise, everything was handled smoothly and efficiently. I highly recommend him to anyone needing immigration legal assistance.
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samane Naeimabadi
20 November 2025
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I’m highly satisfied with the Dami team service. After my dad’s visa being rejected 4 times, we got a settlement from court.
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Amir Abolhasani
19 November 2025
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Thanks to Damilola, I got my PR after applying for Mandamus. He was fast, precise and an unbeatable price. I recommend him to everyone who is struggling long time with IRCC
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Paul Kelvin
3 November 2025
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Crest Attorneys is very reliable and effective with handling immigration cases. I found that they are significantly cheaper than most other law firms while delivering exceptional service. I highly recommend them for any legal services you'd require.
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hamed faraji
28 October 2025
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the results you achieved went well beyond anything we had anticipated. we are deeply thankful for your exceptional service.
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aida Behrouzian
28 October 2025
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My case was settled in less than a month! Amazing service and professionalism from Damilola Asuni.🙏🏻
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Sana Omair
25 October 2025
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It was a great experience of writ of mandamus with Mr Damilola asuni. Highly professional. and we got a final decision within 3 months after filing of mandamus. He charged very less as compared to others. And the plus I like about his professionalism that he did not delay any part of the process. we did not push him kindly do it, do it. He did quickly on his own. It was a good experience with him.
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Shola Ajamu
18 October 2025
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The best lawyer I’ve ever spoken to — very patient and took the time to explain everything clearly. I truly appreciate their honesty and guidance throughout the process. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone in need of legal advice.
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Olajide Ajamu
18 October 2025
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We had a consultation with Lawyer Damilola Asuni of Crest Attorneys. He is incredibly vast in immigration law and went above and beyond our expectations. He provided more than we had originally consulted him for. I highly recommend Crest Attorneys to anyone seeking honest, professional service for any Canada immigration matter.
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Uju Iloh
16 October 2025
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After my daughter's study visa was denied again, I felt completely discouraged. But working with Oluwadamilola of Crest Attorneys changed everything. They reviewed my case carefully, explained every step of the process, and helped us apply for a judicial review.Their attention to detail, professionalism, and deep knowledge of immigration law made a huge difference. Thanks to their hard work and persistence, my daughter's visa was finally approved after the Judge ruled in our favor. I truly appreciate their patience, clear communication, and dedication to seeing our case succeed. I would highly recommend Crest Attorneys to anyone dealing with visa challenges or appeals—they are experienced, trustworthy, and genuinely care about their clients.
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Saad Wahab
14 October 2025
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I had the best experience with Crest Attorney. We applied for family sponsorship, but the application was stuck with IRCC for two years. We contacted Damilola, and he was able to get us approval in a very short time and at a very low cost. He was very cooperative and answered all our questions. I highly recommend working with him. Thank you, Dami, for reuniting our family.
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Hirad
12 October 2025
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Excellent Immigration Lawyer! Mr. Damilola is very professional and trustworthy. The timing and communication were perfect. I highly recommend Trust Them Immigration for anyone who needs reliable immigration services.
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AHMAD HASHEMI NASAB
12 October 2025
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I had an amazing experience working with Mr. Damilola. He is very professional, kind, and truly cares about his clients. He handled my immigration case with great attention and efficiency. Communication was always clear and timely, and everything went perfectly on time. I highly recommend Mr. Damilola to anyone looking for a trustworthy and knowledgeable immigration lawyer in Canada.
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Mohammad Ahmadi
12 October 2025
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My PR application took about a year and a half. I consulted with this group, and after sending the first stage of my mandamus application, my file started moving forward. Once we sent the deadline letter, my background check was completed, and finally, my PR was approved. It took only about a month after submitting the letter for my PR to be issued
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Charles Eluromma
11 October 2025
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On behalf of my cousin, I retained Damilola of Crest Attorneys to apply for judicial review of my cousin's daughter's study permit refusal. Counsel from the Department of Justice was unwilling to see the unreasonableness of IRCC's decision, and Dami was willing to do the case to a hearing. However, after almost two years of waiting patiently and keeping hope alive, the Federal Court granted leave for judicial review. Dami was very professional throughout the process, providing constant updates on every filings made and every instructions provided by the Federal Court. And the most impressive of Dami's service delivery was that his fees were significantly less than the average immigration lawyer fees, but the service delivered was top notch. I will definitely recommend him to anyone needing similar service.
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Abdoullah Alhasan
7 October 2025
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had a free consultation with Crest Attorney about my mandamus case, and I can honestly say it was one of the most reassuring experiences I’ve had. They listened carefully, understood my situation right away, and explained everything clearly without rushing. Even though it was a free consultation, they treated my case with genuine care and respect. I left feeling confident and supported — highly recommend them to anyone dealing with immigration or citizenship delays. Thank you
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behzad sharifi
4 October 2025
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Dear Dami, Thank you so much for sharing the great news about the successful hearing. I truly appreciate your dedication, professionalism, and the continuous support you and your team have shown throughout this process. Your office has proven that you deliver exceptional service with lower fees while genuinely caring about helping clients achieve the best possible results. I am very grateful for all the time and effort you put into my case, and I look forward to continuing to work with you to ensure the timely reopening of my application with IRCC. With sincere thanks and appreciation, Behzad Sharifi Kalangestani
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Yinka Ashafa
4 October 2025
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A Legal Strategist Who Delivers Miracles! Where do I begin? I am writing this review not just out of gratitude, but out of a sense of duty to anyone facing a seemingly hopeless immigration battle. My case was complex and dire: When my visa application was refused and I was issued a five-year ban for alleged misrepresentation, I was completely devastated and felt utterly defenseless. IRCC accused me of submitting a non-genuine document even though I knew I had done nothing wrong. That's when I found Mr. Damilola (Crest Attorneys). I reached out to him after hearing about his expertise in immigration and judicial review cases, and from the very first conversation, he handled my situation with deep understanding, professionalism, and strategy. From our first consultation, he was different. While other large firms quoted exorbitant fees and gave generic advice, Mr. Damilola provided a clear, strategic path forward at a fraction of the cost. He didn't just see a problem; he saw a puzzle to be solved. He advised me on the exact, specific documents to gather to counter IRCC's allegations, which included a powerful and meticulously drafted Affidavit of Explanation. The result? Nothing short of a miracle. IRCC offered a settlement and re-determined my case, and now my ban has been set aside and my visa approved — something he told me was rare, especially without IRCC even requesting updated documents. As Mr. Damilola informed me, this has only happened twice in his career, as it is an exceptionally rare outcome that speaks to the irrefutable strength of the case he built. Do not be fooled by the fact that his firm charges less than the big names. They offer far more: personalized attention, aggressive strategy, and a relentless work ethic. They don't just process paperwork; they craft winning arguments. Mr. Damilola truly goes above and beyond. He is patient, honest, and extremely knowledgeable. If you are reading this, wondering if there is hope for your case, let mine be the proof that there is. Trust Mr. Damilola. He is the real deal, and I will be recommending him to everyone I know. I can confidently say that working with Mr. Damilola and his team has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Thank you once again, Mr. Damilola, for your outstanding service and professionalism. I will be back to update this review with photos and videos upon arrival in Canada
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T Ahmed
2 October 2025
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Dami and team is very helpful. I would highly suggest their services which is very reasonable compared to others. Dami was able to file a mandamus for me for more than half the normal cost. Because of his escalation and skills I got my ecopr within 4 days of filling case at court. Thank you Dami
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Vahideh Sh
24 September 2025
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Our PR process took over 29 months to get a final decision. It was stuck at background check. After 25 months of being in this process we decided to talk to Dami and start a mandamus application. Thanks to his follow ups, we were able to get final decision after only 4 months of our first talk with him. I highly recommend him if you are experiencing unreasonable delay.
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Hamidreza Ghanbari
20 September 2025
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I had a great experience working with Dami on my PR application. After having no updates for 17 months, he guided me through the mandamus process very effectively, and my PR was approved within a few months. His fee was very reasonable compared to others, and he was clear, supportive, and professional throughout. I really appreciate his help and highly recommend his services.
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Anmol Malik
19 September 2025
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Crest Attorneys are professional, affordable, and result-driven. They charge less than others but deliver more for their clients. One of my clients had been waiting for PR approval since 2021 with no progress, and after filing a mandamus through Crest Attorneys, she finally received her approval.
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Sam O
18 September 2025
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I highly recommend this lawyer. They were professional, caring, and very supportive throughout my case. Thanks to their guidance, my visa was finally approved and I’m now reunited with my family.
وکیل حقوقی

Oluwadamilola Asuni

 In this article, all your questions regarding the appeal for misrepresentation have been addressed. At the end of the article, by filling out the assessment form, the support team of Crest Attorneys will contact you.

What Is Restoration of Status in Canada?

Restoration of status in Canada is a provision that allows foreign nationals who have lost their temporary resident status (visitor, student, or worker) to apply to have it reinstated. This process is essentially a "grace period" provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

It is crucial to distinguish this from a standard extension. An extension is proactive—filed before your permit expires to keep your status continuous. In contrast, an application for restoration of status in Canada is reactive—filed after expiration to fix a break in legal status.​

Who Is Eligible for Restoration of Status in Canada?

To qualify for restoration of status in Canada, an applicant must strictly meet the following criteria:

90-Day Deadline: You must apply within 90 days of the date your status expired. If you miss this window, you cannot apply for restoration.
Presence in Canada: You must remain in Canada until a decision is made. Leaving the country automatically voids your eligibility for restoration.
Compliance: You must continue to meet the requirements of your specific class (e.g., a genuine student, a worker with a valid offer, or a visitor with funds)

Restoration for Different Permit Types :

  • Visitor Status: If you have overstayed your visit, you may apply for restoration of status in Canada as a visitor by proving you have the financial means to support your extended stay.

  • Worker Status: If your work permit has expired, you must stop working immediately. While you can apply for restoration, you are not authorized to resume employment until your restoration of status in Canada is approved and a new permit is issued
  • Student Status (and PGWP): Students must stop studying once their permit expires. For those planning to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), if your study permit expires before you submit your PGWP application, you must apply for restoration of status in Canada as a student to be eligible for the work permit

Get Free Consultation

By filling out the assessment form, our support team will contact you as soon as possible

 

How to Apply for Restoration of Status?

The application is generally submitted online through your IRCC secure account. When completing the forms to extend your stay, you will be asked about your current status. By indicating that your permit has expired, the system will direct you to the application for restoration of status in Canada.

Required Documents :

A successful application typically requires:

  • Letter of Explanation: A detailed letter clarifying why you overstayed and why you are requesting restoration of status in Canada.

  • Proof of Fees: Receipt of payment for the restoration fee.

  • Status-Specific Evidence: Acceptance letters (students), job offers (workers), or proof of funds (visitors).

Fees and Processing Times :

Applying for restoration of status in Canada involves higher costs than a simple extension, as it includes a restoration fee on top of the regular permit fee.

  • Restoration Fee: Approximately $246.25 CAD (current as of late 2025).​

  • Permit Fee: You must also pay the standard fee for the permit you are seeking (e.g., study or work permit).​

Processing times vary, but applications for restoration of status in Canada often take longer than standard extensions. It is advisable to check current IRCC processing times for the most accurate estimates.

Get Free Consultation

By filling out the assessment form, our support team will contact you as soon as possible and help on how to overcome misrepresnation due to inadmissibility

 

FAQs About Restoration of Status

What is the deadline to apply for restoration of status in Canada?

 You strictly have 90 days from the day your permit expires.

Can I work or study while waiting for my restoration of status in Canada?

No. Unlike an extension (where you have "maintained status"), you generally cannot work or study while your restoration application is processing. You must wait until you receive your new permit.

What happens if my application for restoration of status in Canada is refused?

 If refused, you are considered to be in the country without status and will be issued a removal order. You would then need to leave Canada and reapply for a visa from abroad.

Canada citizenship rejection

How to apply for reconsideration IRCC

How to Apply for Reconsideration IRCC After a Visa Refusal ? Getting a visa refusal can be discouraging, but it doesn’t always mean the end of your Canadian journey. . This process asks the same visa officer or office to review your application again if an error was...