Can a work permit extension applicant travel outside Canada? Well, if that’s the case, applicants are free to leave Canada & come back. However, upon returning to Canada, work permit extension applicants should be aware that one of the three things will take place.
In some cases, work permit applicants might need to return to Canada as a visitor instead of a temporary resident. This implies that applicants might not be able to continue working in Canada if they travel outside the nation.
Note: The first two of the three following situations assume that the applicant has not yet received approval of their work permit extension.
Re-Entry As A Visitor
Work permit extension applicants might be permitted to re-enter Canada as visitors. This implies that they cannot work upon their return until a decision has been made on their extension.
At this time, permit extension applicants might also be asked to prove to an IRCC officer that they have enough money to support themselves in Canada.
Request To Apply For A New Work Permit
Can a work permit extension applicant travel outside Canada? The answer is yes! Extension applicants might also be asked to apply for a new work permit at the entry port upon their return to Canada.
Note that IRCC doesn’t clarify whether these candidates can immediately continue working in Canada if they apply at the entry when they return or if they need to wait for the new permit to be processed.
Re-Entry As A Worker
In certain cases, IRCC officers will determine that the candidate was granted their work permit extension while outside of Canada. In this case, the applicant might be allowed to return to Canada as a worker.
Re-Entry Requirements As A Work Permit Holder
While permitted to leave & re-enter Canada freely, work permit holders must also meet certain re-entry requirements to return.
For example, in addition to the permit itself, work permit holders should either have a visitor visa or an eTA. Still, as per IRCC, having an eTA/ visa, along with your work permit, doesn’t guarantee that one can come back to Canada.
Visitor Visas & eTAs
The re-entry requirements for temporary residents in Canada vary depending on an individual’s situation, as requirements for re-entry are different for residents of visa-exempt nations & those who reside in visa-required nations.
Residents Of Visa-Exempt Countries
Alongside their work permits, residents of visa-exempt nations need a valid passport & an eTA to re-enter Canada.
According to IRCC, eTAs are only needed for those planning to travel to Canada by air. In simpler terms, temporary residents do not require an eTA if they are arriving by car, bus, train, or boat.
Note: IRCC clarifies that eTAs are automatically issued when a candidate’s initial work permit is approved. Details can be found in the applicant’s introduction letter.
Residents Of Visa-Required Nations
Residents of visa-required nations will require a valid visa & work permit to return to Canada for work.
Note: IRCC clarifies that valid visas aren’t required for individuals who return directly from a visit only to the US or St. Pierre & Miquelon.
In the case that a resident’s visitor visa has expired or was valid for a single entry to Canada, they must re-apply for a visitor visa. Moreover, residents of visa-required nations can use a valid visitor visa to travel to Canada until it expires.
A visitor visa will enable you to travel to Canada by car, bus, plane, train, or boat.
eTAs For Certain Citizens Of Specific Visa-Required Nations
Can a work permit extension applicant travel outside Canada? Well, yes!
According to IRCC, eligible citizens of some visa-required countries will obtain an eTA when they renew their work permits. The eTA is valid for five years or until the recipient’s passport expires.
eTAs acquired by residents of visa-required nations can only be used when traveling to or through Canada by air on their way to their final destination.