Traveling Outside Canada During PGWP Processing: What You Need to Know
Table of Contents
Essential Requirements for Travel During PGWP Processing
Understanding Your Status After Applying for PGWP
Re-entry Scenarios and Their Implications
Maintaining Work Authorization While Traveling
Important Considerations and Risks
Special Circumstances and Updates
How Mirzoyan Immigration Services Can Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
Travel is permitted during PGWP processing, but valid travel documents (TRV or eTA) are absolutely essential for re-entry into Canada.
Work authorization continues after travel and re-entry, provided you applied for the PGWP while your study permit was valid and meet eligibility requirements.
Maintained status ends when you leave Canada, but this doesn't prevent you from working upon return if you meet the necessary conditions.
Mirzoyan Immigration Services can assist with all aspects of PGWP applications, travel documentation, and re-entry strategies to ensure your Canadian immigration journey proceeds smoothly without interruption.
Essential Requirements for Travel During PGWP Processing
If you're in Canada and want to travel outside of Canada, you must have a valid visitor visa or eTA. If you don't have a valid visitor visa or eTA when you return to Canada, you may not be let back into the country (even if you have a valid post-graduation work permit).
The fundamental requirement for international travel during PGWP processing is maintaining valid travel documents. Your PGWP application or permit itself does not serve as a travel document. Whether you need a TRV or eTA depends on your country of citizenship and how you plan to enter Canada.
Travel Document Types
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): Required for most foreign nationals to enter Canada. IRCC will issue you a new visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) when they approve your post-graduation work permit application. However, if your current TRV expires while you're abroad and your PGWP hasn't been approved yet, you'll need to apply for a new TRV separately.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): If you need an eTA to enter Canada by plane, IRCC will issue you one when they approve your post-graduation work permit application. This applies to visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling by air.
Understanding Your Status After Applying for PGWP
When you apply for a PGWP while holding a valid study permit, you enter what's called "maintained status" (formerly known as "implied status"). This allows you to remain in Canada and work under specific conditions while IRCC processes your application.
Maintained Status Explained
If your study permit becomes invalid after you apply for the PGWP, but before a decision is made, you can remain in Canada and continue to work (if you are eligible) under maintained status while you wait for an answer.
However, it's crucial to understand that maintained status breaks if you travel outside of Canada. This means that when you leave Canada, your maintained status ends, and you must meet re-entry requirements as a new visitor.
Work Authorization Requirements
To maintain work authorization while waiting for your PGWP, you must meet specific criteria:
You must have applied for the PGWP while your study permit was still valid
You must have maintained full-time student status throughout your program (except possibly your final semester)
Your study permit must not have expired more than 90 days before you applied for the PGWP
Re-entry Scenarios and Their Implications
Understanding how border officers will assess your situation upon return is essential for planning your travel. The scenarios differ based on the status of your applications and permits.
Scenario 1: Study Permit Still Valid
You may enter as a student if your study permit is still valid. This is the most straightforward scenario, as you retain your student status and can continue working under your study permit conditions until your PGWP is approved.
Scenario 2: PGWP Approved While Abroad
If your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) was approved while you're away, you may enter as a worker. In this case, you'll receive notification of approval and can present this documentation to border officers to enter as a temporary worker.
Scenario 3: PGWP Still Processing Upon Return
If your study permit was valid when you applied and IRCC is still processing your PGWP, you may enter as a visitor and work without a work permit until IRCC makes a decision on your application.
This scenario requires the most careful documentation, as you'll need to demonstrate to border officers that you're eligible to work while waiting for your PGWP decision.
Maintaining Work Authorization While Traveling
One of the most important aspects of traveling during PGWP processing is understanding how it affects your work authorization. If you leave and re-enter Canada after applying for your post-graduation work permit, you can still work full-time while you wait for a decision. Leaving and re-entering Canada does not stop you from being able to work full-time while you wait.
Documentation for Work Authorization
When you return to Canada, you should be prepared to show:
Proof of your PGWP application submission
Copy of your payment receipt
Letter of completion or graduation confirmation
Valid study permit or evidence that it was valid when you applied
Current TRV or eTA
A border officer will have some questions for you when you arrive back in Canada. The officer may ask you for proof that you applied for a PGWP, such as a copy of your application or the fee payment receipt.
WP-EXT Letter Considerations
If you received a WP-EXT letter confirming your work authorization, You're authorized to work until a decision is made on your work permit application, even if the 180-day validity period of the letter expires. This authorization continues even after travel, provided you meet the re-entry requirements.
Important Considerations and Risks
Traveling during PGWP processing involves several risks that you should carefully consider before making travel plans.
Maintained Status and PGWP Extensions
If you applied to extend your PGWP to get the full duration of your PGWP because your passport expired and you left Canada while on maintained status, you can enter Canada as a visitor. However, you can't work without a work permit until IRCC makes a decision on your application.
This is a crucial distinction for those who have applied for PGWP extensions due to passport expiry issues. Travel during this specific type of application can result in loss of work authorization.
Recent Policy Changes
As of June 21, 2024, you can't apply for a PGWP at the border. You must submit your application for a PGWP before coming to Canada, or after you've entered Canada as a visitor with your visa or eTA, if you're eligible.
This change eliminates the previously available option of applying for a PGWP at a port of entry, making advance planning even more critical.
Special Circumstances and Updates
Recent changes to Canadian immigration policy have created additional considerations for PGWP applicants.
Language Requirements
As of November 1, 2024, all Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications require an English or French language proficiency exam result that is valid on the date of application. University graduates need to demonstrate Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7. Ensure your language test results remain valid throughout the processing period.
Processing Times and Urgent Requests
If something outside of your control makes urgent processing important, you can contact IRCC through their web form to ask if it is possible. If you have travel plans that might be affected by processing delays, consider reaching out to IRCC well in advance.
Family Members
If IRCC approves your application for a post-graduation work permit, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit. If you're traveling with family members, ensure their documentation and status are also properly maintained.
How Mirzoyan Immigration Services Can Help
At Mirzoyan Immigration Services, we understand that navigating PGWP processing and travel requirements can be overwhelming. Our team of experienced immigration professionals is here to provide the guidance and support you need throughout your Canadian immigration journey.
Our PGWP and Travel Services Include:
Comprehensive PGWP Application Review: We ensure your application is complete, accurate, and submitted within the required timeframes to maximize your chances of approval.
Travel Documentation Guidance: We help you understand exactly which travel documents you need and assist with TRV applications if required.
Re-entry Strategy Planning: Our team provides personalized advice on documentation requirements and prepares you for potential border officer questions.
Status Verification and Compliance: We help you understand your current status and ensure you maintain compliance with all immigration requirements during travel.
Emergency Support: If issues arise while you're abroad, our team is available to provide guidance and assistance.
Ongoing Immigration Planning: We help you plan your next steps, whether that's applying for permanent residence, family sponsorship, or other immigration pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I travel immediately after submitting my PGWP application? Yes, you can travel after submitting your PGWP application, provided you have valid travel documents (TRV or eTA). However, ensure you understand the re-entry requirements and have all necessary documentation ready.
2. What happens if my TRV expires while I'm abroad and my PGWP hasn't been approved? You'll need to apply for a new visitor visa separately, if your current one is expired and you want to travel outside of Canada. Processing times for TRVs from outside Canada can be lengthy, so plan accordingly.
3. Can I work immediately upon return if my PGWP is still processing? Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria and applied while your study permit was valid. If you leave and re-enter Canada after applying for your post-graduation work permit, you can still work full-time while you wait for a decision.
4. Are there any restrictions on how long I can stay outside Canada? While there's no specific time limit mentioned in IRCC guidelines for PGWP applicants, extended absences might raise questions about your intent to work in Canada. Maintain reasonable travel durations and be prepared to explain extended absences to border officers.
