Can I leave Canada if my PR Card has not been processed?

[jack83]

Hi!

I have applied for PR (inland- sponsor your spouse) still in process and I need to visit USA next month. Can I leave Canada and re-enter?
I have a working holiday Work permit (nothing to do with my PR application though)
Should I do something before I leave?

Thanks

 

[avigtr]

There is never a straight answer however it is recommended that you won't leave while you are in process as you might encounter a cbsa officer that had bad day and he might refuse your re-entry.
Even landed immigrants that are waiting for the PR card and only have the COPR have to fill up a travel form while using commercial services(airplanes,buses etc..)

 

[Rob_TO]

With a valid working holiday visa, you "should" be able to re-enter Canada with no difficulties.

However even having the working holiday status will not guarantee you re-entry. The immigration officer "could" deny you entry to Canada for any number of reasons (although it's unlikely), and if that happened your inland PR app would be cancelled and would need to start from the beginning again. The risk is probably small, but you need to be aware of it.
When is your current permit expiring? The closer it is to expiry date, the more potential issues you could have.

 

[Kiwi12]

My husband and I went on vacation in November of last year while he was in the final stages of his PR. He had no problem getting back in the country with his Open Work Permit although as everybody knows it does not guarantee re-entry. When it does become a problem is when the PR is granted and you are awaiting the PR Card. If you are from a Visa exempt country you shouldn't get a hassle. If you decide to go home for a visit make sure you bring your original paper work with you. Good luck.

 

[jack83]

Thank you all for your answers!

My working holiday work permit expires in August!
I'm from a country that is visa exempt.
I know that they suggest not to leave but you know I wanted a second opinion.
I'm travelling with my wife (canadian citizen), I have all my documents that I live now in Canada (apartment,accounts etc).

Thanks again!

 

[jack83]

I read something about a travel visa when you want to leave Canada and re-enter!
it costs 50$??
Do you know anything about that?

 

[Rob_TO]

I read something about a travel visa when you want to leave Canada and re-enter!
it costs 50$??
Do you know anything about that?

That doesn't apply to you as you are visa-exempt.

Since you are visa exempt and have work permit not expiring anytime soon, you "should' be ok. I really stress "should" because nothing is 100% guaranteed here. There is no way to leave and re-enter, without some risk.

 

[Kiwi12]

The document you are referring to is related to an individual that the leaves the country awaiting the PR card. They would have to visit the Canadian Embassy to obtain this document to re-enter Canada. At least that is what I believe you are referring to.

 

[jack83]

Thanks again!!!!

One last question... is there a maximum time that I could leave?
I was thinking about nearly a month..

 

[screech339]

Thanks again!!!!

One last question... is there a maximum time that I could leave?
I was thinking about nearly a month..

Most recommended 2 weeks max. That is the assumption that you are on vacation. If you go longer than that, CIC may see you gone for a month and begin to question your status upon return.

You have to keep your exposure of being outside Canada at a minimum. The longer you stay out of Canada, the higher the risk.

 

[Rob_TO]

Most recommended 2 weeks max. That is the assumption that you are on vacation. If you go longer than that, CIC may see you gone for a month and begin to question your status upon return.

You have to keep your exposure of being outside Canada at a minimum. The longer you stay out of Canada, the higher the risk.

Yes I agree. If CIC somehow sees that you are out of the country for an extended time (like 1 month), they could consider you have left Canada for good and simply cancel your inland application before you even return.

Even 1 day out of Canada is a risk, but I would say 2-3 weeks maximum or else you are really asking for trouble.

 

[jack83]

Which do you think is better, leave for 25 days or leave the first week of February and then comeback and leave again for 10 days at the end of February?

 

[screech339]

Which do you think is better, leave for 25 days or leave the first week of February and then comeback and leave again for 10 days at the end of February?

Is there a reason to go longer than 2 weeks? Is there a good reason to have to gone a month? Whether you took it all at one shot or made 2 trips of 2 weeks each.

 

[screech339]

My point is, is there anyway for whatever your reason for be out a month, can your plans be squeezed in 2 weeks period.

 

[jack83]

I want to visit some friends first week of February and some other will be in USA around the 20th of February!
So it's long vacations..