For individuals seeking to extend their work permit in Canada, navigating the process of leaving and re-entering the country is essential. Understanding the potential outcomes upon re-entry is crucial for a smooth transition.
When applying for a work permit extension, individuals are allowed to leave Canada and return while their application is pending. However, it’s important to note that the re-entry process can vary depending on several factors.
Upon returning to Canada, applicants may find themselves in one of three situations:
- Re-entry as a Visitor: In some cases, applicants may be required to re-enter Canada as visitors rather than temporary residents while their work permit extension is under review. This means they cannot engage in work activities until a decision is made on their extension. Additionally, applicants may need to demonstrate to an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officer that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Canada.
- Request to Apply for a New Work Permit: Extension applicants may also be asked to apply for a new work permit at the port of entry upon their return to Canada. It’s important to note that it is unclear whether applicants can immediately resume working in Canada if they apply at the port of entry or if they must wait for the new permit to be processed.
- Re-entry as a Worker: In certain cases, IRCC officers may determine that the applicant’s work permit extension was approved while they were outside of Canada. In such instances, the applicant may be allowed to re-enter Canada as a worker.
Regardless of the specific situation, individuals holding a work permit must fulfill certain re-entry requirements to gain re-entry into Canada. Alongside the permit itself, they must possess either a Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
However, it’s important to note that possessing these documents does not guarantee re-entry into Canada. According to IRCC, the decision to allow re-entry is at the discretion of immigration officials.
The re-entry requirements differ for residents of visa-exempt countries and those from visa-required countries:
- Residents of Visa-Exempt Countries: Alongside their work permits, residents of visa-exempt countries require a valid passport and an eTA to re-enter Canada. Notably, eTAs are necessary only for air travel; other modes of transportation do not require them.
- Residents of Visa-Required Countries: Residents of visa-required countries need a valid visa and work permit to return to Canada for work purposes. Exceptions exist for those returning directly from visits to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon.
For residents of visa-required countries with expired or single-entry visitor visas, a new visa application may be necessary for re-entry. However, a valid visitor visa can be used to travel to Canada until its expiration.
Moreover, eligible citizens from certain visa-required countries may receive an eTA when renewing their work permits. These eTAs are valid for up to five years or until the passport’s expiration date and are only applicable for air travel to or through Canada.
Understanding these re-entry requirements is crucial for individuals navigating the process of extending their work permits in Canada. By ensuring compliance with immigration regulations, applicants can facilitate a smoother transition back into the country.
