Amateur Hockey Player with WX-1

[HockeyDad]

I am the billet parent of a Russian-born player playing in Western Canada under a WX-1 permit. He has been able to obtain travel permission to the US for games but the question of leaving the country and returning (personally without the team) is in question. He has not been home for obvious (Russian) reasons but now feels an Xmas trip is possible. We cannot get clarification on if this status allows him to leave/return as his actual Application labels him as a Visitor. I've been told that a Temporary Visitor Visa would allow for in/out privileges but it seems like an entirely new application.

The team has been generally useless and has been left to me to figure out. Any advise or link to IRCC would be welcome. Thanks!

 

[Naturgrl]

I am the billet parent of a Russian-born player playing in Western Canada under a WX-1 permit. He has been able to obtain travel permission to the US for games but the question of leaving the country and returning (personally without the team) is in question. He has not been home for obvious (Russian) reasons but now feels an Xmas trip is possible. We cannot get clarification on if this status allows him to leave/return as his actual Application labels him as a Visitor. I've been told that a Temporary Visitor Visa would allow for in/out privileges but it seems like an entirely new application.

The team has been generally useless and has been left to me to figure out. Any advise or link to IRCC would be welcome. Thanks!

Does he have TRV/visitor visa? If not, he needs to apply and be approved for one. A WX-1 permit allows him to play hockey (work) in Canada but doesn’t allow him to leave and return to Canada.

 

[HockeyDad]

Does he have TRV/visitor visa? If not, he needs to apply and be approved for one. A WX-1 permit allows him to play hockey (work) in Canada but doesn’t allow him to leave and return to Canada.

Thank you for your quick response. I do not see anywhere on his Visitor Visa anything that suggests he's a Temporary Visitor, only a Visitor with a WX-1 category. I was hoping to avoid the process of re-applying for a Visa he seemingly has but it appears that a TRV/Visitor is the answer. I created him an IRCC account but cannot find the online area to apply for a TRV, only the printable pdf and submit by mail version. Is it there and I'm missing it? It would definitely make the process faster. Thanks again for your direction.

 

[Naturgrl]

Thank you for your quick response. I do not see anywhere on his Visitor Visa anything that suggests he's a Temporary Visitor, only a Visitor with a WX-1 category. I was hoping to avoid the process of re-applying for a Visa he seemingly has but it appears that a TRV/Visitor is the answer. I created him an IRCC account but cannot find the online area to apply for a TRV, only the printable pdf and submit by mail version. Is it there and I'm missing it? It would definitely make the process faster. Thanks again for your direction.

You just said, “I do not see anywhere on this visitor visa” so he has a visitor visa. When does it expire?

 

[HockeyDad]

You just said, “I do not see anywhere on this visitor visa” so he has a visitor visa. When does it expire?

It expires July 31, 2024.
Additionally, it clearly states near the bottom of the paper record, "THIS DOES NOT AUTHORIZE RE-ENTRY"

 

[Naturgrl]

It expires July 31, 2024.
Additionally, it clearly states near the bottom of the paper record, "THIS DOES NOT AUTHORIZE RE-ENTRY"

So it seems that he has a single entry TRV which he has already used to enter Canada. Did you follow this link to apply from within Canada?

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...ew-temporary-resident-visa-within-canada.html

 

[HockeyDad]

So it seems that he has a single entry TRV which he has already used to enter Canada. Did you follow this link to apply from within Canada?

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...ew-temporary-resident-visa-within-canada.html

Thank you I did see that page however it appears to only allow you to apply from inside Canada if you are a student or a worker. I have completed that specific form (IMM5257) and am following the checklist to submit. It just seems that there is no mention anywhere relating to his current Visa and I hope I am not jeopardizing his current status. It feels like an entirely new application.

 

[Naturgrl]

Thank you I did see that page however it appears to only allow you to apply from inside Canada if you are a student or a worker. I have completed that specific form (IMM5257) and am following the checklist to submit. It just seems that there is no mention anywhere relating to his current Visa and I hope I am not jeopardizing his current status. It feels like an entirely new application.

A WX-1 is a work permit. It is for athletes to ”work” in Canada.

To get the right application form, provide these answers in the online questionnaire:

• For the first question “What would you like to do in Canada?”, select
  • “Study” if you have a valid study permit or
  • “Work” if you have a valid work permit (He selects WORK)
• When asked “What is your current country/territory of residence?”, select “Canada”.
• Answer the questions on the next pages about your work or studies.
• You may be given the option to extend your current study or work permit or to apply for a “Temporary Resident Visa”. Make sure you select “Temporary Resident Visa”.

 

[HockeyDad]

A WX-1 is a work permit. It is for athletes to ”work” in Canada.

To get the right application form, provide these answers in the online questionnaire:

• For the first question “What would you like to do in Canada?”, select
  • “Study” if you have a valid study permit or
  • “Work” if you have a valid work permit (He selects WORK)
• When asked “What is your current country/territory of residence?”, select “Canada”.
• Answer the questions on the next pages about your work or studies.
• You may be given the option to extend your current study or work permit or to apply for a “Temporary Resident Visa”. Make sure you select “Temporary Resident Visa”.

That's fantastic. I need to make an adjustment to the already created form so I might as well redo it entirely.
I hope not to come back here and ask more questions but I am very grateful for the help you have provided. Thanks again.

 

[Naturgrl]

That's fantastic. I need to make an adjustment to the already created form so I might as well redo it entirely.
I hope not to come back here and ask more questions but I am very grateful for the help you have provided. Thanks again.

Make sure you apply for a Temporary Resident Visa. DO NOT select extend current work permit. Good luck.

 

[canuck78]

Given recent changes for conscription and hints that there will be another draft reentering Russia as a young man comes with enormous risks. There are also potential risks when leaving Canada. If Canada decides to take a tougher line when it comes to anyone entering from Russia he could also be denied boarding on his flight to Canada. A TRV doesn’t guarantee that Bret into Canada. Getting into Russia and leaving may be challenging given there are no longer direct flights and there are limited flight options versus pre-war. If he had to leave quickly the Russian government will likely be a bit smarter this time and try and block all the borders for men right after the draft announcement. At any time airlines and other countries can change their policies for flights entering Russia and for Russian passport holders. I understand that this young man wants to visit his family but whether it is wise is another issue. Are his parents encouraging the visit? Does he come from one of the top tier cities? Are his parents wealthy? Have connections in the government? Is he expected to be drafted to the NHL? Does he play on any Russian national team? That may exempt him from having to go to war. Was he able to leave after the war started? After the first draft? If he wants to return to Russia he will have to realize that comes with significant risk. Definitely something to be discussed in depth and with his family in Russia who may or may not be aware of what is actually going on in when it comes to the war.

 

[HockeyDad]

Make sure you apply for a Temporary Resident Visa. DO NOT select extend current work permit. Good luck.

Well it was going great until I hit the document looking for his work permit. His Visitor Record writes that he is: Member of xxxx Hockey Club. Would this document suffice as a Work Permit? The same document also clearly states that he is prohibited from engaging in employment, attending any educational institution, or taking any academic, professional, or vocational training. This discrepancy between the WX-1 category and the conditions I listed is how I got into this tangled mess.

"You must provide your Canadian work or study permit. This is the official document issued by an immigration officer that allows a person who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to work or study in Canada.

Note: Your permit is not the visa that was issued to you in your passport to enter Canada."

 

[HockeyDad]

Given recent changes for conscription and hints that there will be another draft reentering Russia as a young man comes with enormous risks. There are also potential risks when leaving Canada. If Canada decides to take a tougher line when it comes to anyone entering from Russia he could also be denied boarding on his flight to Canada. A TRV doesn’t guarantee that Bret into Canada. Getting into Russia and leaving may be challenging given there are no longer direct flights and there are limited flight options versus pre-war. If he had to leave quickly the Russian government will likely be a bit smarter this time and try and block all the borders for men right after the draft announcement. At any time airlines and other countries can change their policies for flights entering Russia and for Russian passport holders. I understand that this young man wants to visit his family but whether it is wise is another issue. Are his parents encouraging the visit? Does he come from one of the top tier cities? Are his parents wealthy? Have connections in the government? Is he expected to be drafted to the NHL? Does he play on any Russian national team? That may exempt him from having to go to war. Was he able to leave after the war started? After the first draft? If he wants to return to Russia he will have to realize that comes with significant risk. Definitely something to be discussed in depth and with his family in Russia who may or may not be aware of what is actually going on in when it comes to the war.

All of the above have been simulated and considered. It is unlikely that he will be going to Moscow (hometown) but to a friendly Russian country (ie. Cuba or Turkey) to visit. The risk of conscription is a possibility and his 'status' in Russia does allow him freedoms others may not have but the risk is real, thereby arranging an out-of-country visit to the ones listed above makes sense.

 

[Naturgrl]

Well it was going great until I hit the document looking for his work permit. His Visitor Record writes that he is: Member of xxxx Hockey Club. Would this document suffice as a Work Permit?

"You must provide your Canadian work or study permit. This is the official document issued by an immigration officer that allows a person who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to work or study in Canada.

Note: Your permit is not the visa that was issued to you in your passport to enter Canada."

Have you googled WX-1 permit to see what it is and its limitations. It is a permit allowing him to play hockey in Canada without a work permit (if that makes sense). So all you can do is proceeed with the information you have. He would have a piece of paper outlining the WX-1 when he entered Canada. Does he not have any documentation? You may need to get an immigration consultant to help you.

 

[HockeyDad]

I'd like to thank everybody on this thread for their help, it paid off. It took a lot of filing info but I received his APPROVAL for a TRV approx 25 days after submitting. The passport has been shipped off to Ottawa ($55-there and back) and he now has in/out privilege's until his original Visa expires next year. Thanks again, you were all very helpful.