How long does an Ontario corporation have to revive itself after being dissolved for failing to file?

The Business Corporations Act does allow a dissolved Ontario corporation to apply to the Director to be revived, restoring its legal existence as if it had never been dissolved for most purposes, but this isn't available indefinitely. There is a time limit after which revival is no longer available, and the exact current limit is the kind of detail that's worth confirming directly through the Ontario Business Registry or with a lawyer rather than relying on an old figure, since the process and requirements can be updated.

Beyond the time limit itself, revival generally requires bringing the corporation's filings up to date — outstanding annual returns and other required filings, along with any fees owing — before the Director will issue a certificate of revival. The longer a corporation has been dissolved, the more of this catch-up work there usually is, on top of confirming the corporation's name is still available for reuse.

If you've discovered your corporation was administratively dissolved, whether because of a missed return or an unpaid fee, don't wait to look into revival. Assets can forfeit to the Crown in the meantime, and the ability to revive won't remain open forever.