When an accompanying spouse's Open Work Permit (linked to a study permit/PGWP application) is denied after their previous status (e.g. IEC) expired, and implied status runs out with the denial, the immediate next step is restoring status rather than simply reapplying from scratch.
What group members advised:- Restoration of status may still be possible even after a refusal, if you act within the eligible window — this keeps the applicant's situation from being treated as an overstay.
- IMM 5708 is the correct form for this, but it's meant to extend/restore stay when you have a valid study permit or open work permit path — the exact submission process (where/how to file it, since it's referenced in the refusal letter) can be unclear and is worth confirming directly with IRCC or a qualified consultant given the urgency.
- Restoring status is described as the priority first step, ahead of pursuing a new work permit application, since applying while out of status carries more risk.
Given the urgency this kind of situation typically carries (falling out of status), getting professional guidance quickly alongside filing IMM 5708 was the group's recommended approach.