Restoration of Visitor Status for Children

[amiramir]

I have recently applied and received a new work permit after the previous one has expired.
Alas, in the process I did not request to renew the visitor records of my children as I thought these would get an automatic renewal. I was wrong.
In practice, when I went to renew the OHIP cards for my children and for myself, the clerk refused to renew the chidren's cards since they're visitor records have expired.
I am now in the process of asking for a restoration of their records (as less than 90 days have passed).
But this can take several months, and in the meanwhile they are without OHIP.
Does anyone know of other options to restore their visitor status, or somehow expedite this process?
I am aware that the CIC website specifically says that a restoration of status is not possible in a port of entry, otherwise that would be the fastest solution, I guess.

 

[scylla]

I have recently applied and received a new work permit after the previous one has expired.
Alas, in the process I did not request to renew the visitor records of my children as I thought these would get an automatic renewal. I was wrong.
In practice, when I went to renew the OHIP cards for my children and for myself, the clerk refused to renew the chidren's cards since they're visitor records have expired.
I am now in the process of asking for a restoration of their records (as less than 90 days have passed).
But this can take several months, and in the meanwhile they are without OHIP.
Does anyone know of other options to restore their visitor status, or somehow expedite this process?
I am aware that the CIC website specifically says that a restoration of status is not possible in a port of entry, otherwise that would be the fastest solution, I guess.

Restoration isn't possible at the border through flagpoling. The only other option would be to have your children exit Canada and then re-enter. If they do this via a land border, then would need to actually enter the US (not simply flagpole) before returning to Canada.

 

[amiramir]

Restoration isn't possible at the border through flagpoling. The only other option would be to have your children exit Canada and then re-enter. If they do this via a land border, then would need to actually enter the US (not simply flagpole) before returning to Canada.

1. Will this make a new visitor record, or constitute a restoration of the old one? EDIT: will I have to pay for this anyway?
2. if I instead opt to apply online now for a restoration, will this allow me to get the OHIP for them (as if they have an "implied status")?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

1. Will this make a new visitor record, or constitute a restoration of the old one? EDIT: will I have to pay for this anyway?
2. if I instead opt to apply online now for a restoration, will this allow me to get the OHIP for them (as if they have an "implied status")?

1. It would be a new Visitor Record. No, you would not have to pay.

2. No. Applying for Restoration does not grant any form of status. Your children will still be out of status.

 

[amiramir]

1. It would be a new Visitor Record. No, you would not have to pay.

2. No. Applying for Restoration does not grant any form of status. Your children will still be out of status.

So is there in fact any disadvantage in the option of going to the US and back again? (except the time spent to do it?)
It seems that this is my fastest way do restore my children's cards. Can I do this through a land-border, such as in Niagara?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

So is there in fact any disadvantage in the option of going to the US and back again? (except the time spent to do it?)
It seems that this is my fastest way do restore my children's cards. Can I do this through a land-border, such as in Niagara?

Going to the border is the option that I would recommend.

 

[amiramir]

Going to the border is the option that I would recommend.

Thanks. Is it preferable (in terms or wait times) to do this during the week or during the weekend?