When you apply to extend your Canadian Work Permit, you are granted the freedom, to leave Canada and come back. However, when re-entering, you need to take care of a few things.
Like, in some cases, you may need to return under the Canada Visitor Visa, instead of a temporary resident.
This means that you will not be allowed to continue working in Canada - if you travel outside Canada.
Re-entry as a visitor
You, as a work permit extension applicant, may be permitted to re-enter Canada as a visitor. Meaning, you cannot work upon your return until Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) makes a decision on your extension application. At this time, you may also be asked to prove to the IRCC officer that you have enough money to support yourself - throughout your stay in Canada.
Request to apply for a new work permit
As an extension applicant, you may also be asked to apply for a brand-new work permit at the port-of-entry, - upon your return to Canada. Take note that under this scenario, you can immediately start working (continue working) in Canada - if you apply at the port of entry when you return, or if you need to wait for the new permit to be processed.
Re-entry as a worker
In some cases, the IRCC officer will determine that you were granted your work permit extension while outside of Canada. In this scenario, you may be allowed to return to Canada as a worker.
Re-entry requirements as a work permit holder
While you are allowed to leave and re-enter Canada without obligations, as a work permit holder you must also meet certain re-entry requirements to be allowed back into the country. For instance, in addition to the work permit requirement, you must also have either a Canada Visitor Visa (a Temporary Resident Visa) - or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Still, despite all this, IRCC states that “Having an eTA or a visa, along with your work permit, doesn’t guarantee that we will let you back into Canada.”
Visitor Visas and eTA
The re-entry requirements for temporary residents in Canada vary depending, - on your situation, as these requirements for re-entry are different for residents of visa-exempt countries
According to IRCC, in addition to the work permit, if you fall under visa-exempt countries, you must have a valid passport and an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). An eTA is only required if you’re planning to go through the Canada Immigration process and enter Canada by air. As a temporary resident, “you don’t need an eTA if you’re arriving by car, bus, train or boat (including cruise ship).”
Residents of visa-required countries
As a resident of a visa-required country, you will still require a valid visa or a work permit to return to Canada - for work. In the case your visitor visa has expired or was only, for instance, valid for a single entry to Canada -you must re-apply for a visitor visa. In addition, as a resident of a visa-required country, you can use a valid visitor visa to travel to Canada until it expires. A visitor visa will let you travel to Canada by plane, car, bus, train or boat.
Need more insights on the same? Seek guidance from the best Canada immigration consultants in Delhi.
Good Luck!
