Losing your status as a worker in Canada can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. You may feel uncertain about your future and unsure of what steps to take next. However, it's important to know that if you act quickly, you may be eligible to restore your status by applying within 90 days of losing it. In this blog post, we'll focus on one key aspect of the restoration process: the costs involved.

Breaking Down the Fees

When you apply to restore your status, there are several fees you'll need to budget for. Let's take a closer look at each one. Please note these fees are as of Feburary 26,2025 and can change with time.

1. Restoration Fee: This is the primary fee for the restoration process itself. As of the time of writing, the restoration fee stands at $239.75. You can think of this as the base cost for having your restoration application processed by IRCC.
2. Work Permit Processing Fee: In addition to the restoration fee, you'll also need to pay a fee for your new work permit. The current work permit processing fee is $155. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing your work permit application.
3. Open Work Permit Holder Fee: If you're applying for an open work permit (a work permit that allows you to work for any employer in Canada, rather than being tied to a specific job or employer), there's an additional fee of $100. 
4. Biometrics Fee: Depending on your individual circumstances, you may also be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) as part of your restoration application. If this applies to you, there's a biometrics fee of $85. This fee covers the costs associated with collecting and processing your biometric information.

So, what does this all add up to? In total, you can expect to pay between $394.75 and $579.75 to restore your status, depending on your specific situation. If you're applying for a regular work permit and don't need to provide biometrics, your total fees would be $394.75 (restoration fee + work permit processing fee). If you're applying for an open work permit and also need to provide biometrics, your total fees would be $579.75 (restoration fee + work permit processing fee + open work permit holder fee + biometrics fee).

Conclusion

Restoring your status in Canada does involve some significant costs, but it's a necessary step if you want to continue living and working in the country legally. Remember, the most important thing is to act quickly and apply within that crucial 90-day window after losing your status. With careful preparation and timely action, you can get back on track and continue building your life in Canada.