Can I Travel While Waiting for Permanent Residency in Canada?

As someone with an open work permit, you may be wondering if it's possible to travel while you wait for your permanent residency (PR) application to be processed. Here are the details you need to know to ensure a smooth travel experience during this period.

Staying Valid and Traveling

The good news is that you are free to travel in and out of Canada as long as your status remains valid. An open work permit allows you to enter and exit the country without additional restrictions, provided your work permit is still within its validity period. However, you should always check the expiry date to avoid any issues.

Will My Work Permit Expire Upon Being Accepted for PR?

No, your work permit will not automatically expire when your PR application is accepted. The process of becoming a permanent resident involves several steps. Once your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document, which indicates that you have been accepted for PR.

Before you can enter Canada as a permanent resident, you must validate your PR status, either upon entry at a point of entry or from within Canada. This validation does not affect your current work permit status. In fact, your work permit will remain valid until you validate your PR. The work permit is only canceled once you enter Canada with the COPR confirmation.

Do I Need a Visa to Re-enter Canada?

While you can travel out of Canada during the PR process, you may need a visitor visa (TRV) to re-enter. A valid TRV must be in your passport, along with your open work permit. It is crucial to check the validity of your TRV before planning your trip. If your TRV expires, you will need to obtain a new one.

Additionally, if you are part of a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or a spousal sponsorship program, your travel and re-entry rules may be slightly different. It is advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer or the Canada Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) website to ensure full compliance.

What to Do Before Traveling

Before you travel, make sure that IRCC has your current contact information. You can update your contact details through their webform. This ensures that IRCC can reach you in case of any updates or issues with your application.

Conclusion

In summary, you can safely travel while awaiting a decision on your PR application, as long as you maintain your work permit validity and have a valid TRV. Ensure that your work permit and TRV are still within their validity periods. Keep in mind that your work permit will not be canceled upon PR approval, and you only need to validate your PR status once you enter Canada as a permanent resident.

If you have any more questions or need assistance, visit the Canada Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) official website or consult an immigration lawyer for further guidance.