Travelling while extending work permit

[DannyBoy]

Hi all:

My work permit is due to expire and I have therefore applied for an extension with plenty of time to spare (~3 months). In the meantime, I need to travel abroad as part of my work, but the CIC website seems somewhat ambiguous regarding whether I can do this or not. Am I still able to travel to and from Canada while my current work permit is valid if I have already submitted an application for an extension?

Thanks in advance!

[PMM]

Hi

Hi all:

My work permit is due to expire and I have therefore applied for an extension with plenty of time to spare (~3 months). In the meantime, I need to travel abroad as part of my work, but the CIC website seems somewhat ambiguous regarding whether I can do this or not. Am I still able to travel to and from Canada while my current work permit is valid if I have already submitted an application for an extension?

Thanks in advance!

Yes you can, if you return within the validity of the work permit no problem (assuming you either don't need a TRV or have a valid one).  But if you return after the expiry and before the new one is issued, you cannot work on implied status.

PMM

[DannyBoy]

Thanks for the swift reply, PMM! It seemed reasonable to me that I should be able to, but I was unsure because in the extension application I had to state my last date/place of entry to Canada – which would clearly change if I travelled in the interim - and the CIC website wasn't clear (to me, at least!) Specifically:

May I leave Canada before my request for a renewed or initial work permit has been finalized?

Yes. However, if you leave temporarily and your study or work permit has not been renewed before you seek to re-enter Canada and you do not have your new document, you will have to re-apply (either at the port of entry if you have the right to do so, or at a visa office outside Canada) and pay another processing fee.

Anyway, you've put my mind at rest. Kudos for that!