Leaving Canada while PR application is in process (but TRV has expired)

[imm2013]

I will have an inland common-law family class permanent residence application in process (my common-law partner is a Canadian citizen and I have lived in Canada on a TRV for almost a year).

Soon after I file this inland PR application, my TRV will expire.

This, I understand, would not be a problem if I stayed in Canada until the outcome of my PR application. However, I would like to travel outside of Canada (i.e. to attend a conference) after my TRV expires but before my PR application is processed (including before Stage 1 processing is complete).

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to address this issue?

As I understand, an inland PR in process does not grant me the right to return to Canada after my TRV has expired. Also, I understand that it is difficult to obtain a new TRV after a PR is in process. So, should I apply for a new TRV before I file the PR application or should I apply for a new TRV after I file the application. .

Thanks!

 

[Rob_TO]

If you intend to leave Canada during the process, you should really apply outland and not inland.

Also helps to know what kind of passport you hold (visa-exempt?)

 

[imm2013]

Thanks. It's a South African passport (so I need a visa to enter Canada). Why does applying outland make sense in this case (note that outland wait-time from Pretoria is 27 months versus 13 months inland). Regardless of whether I apply outland or inland, I still need a TRV to get back into Canada after my conference.

 

[Rob_TO]

Thanks. It's a South African passport (so I need a visa to enter Canada). Why does applying outland make sense in this case (note that outland wait-time from Pretoria is 27 months versus 13 months inland). Regardless of whether I apply outland or inland, I still need a TRV to get back into Canada after my conference.

From what i've heard of TRVs, they are extremely difficult to renew. Not sure the case from S.Africa though. Could you just get a regular visitor visa after your TRV expires? Basically how i see it you have 2 choices.

1. Apply inland. When your TRV expires you will have implied status in Canada and can remain here, but since you are not visa-exempt you must remain in Canada during entire time, and can not possibly leave the country for any reason whatsoever. And even if you did have a TRV or other visa, it would still be a risk to leave Canada during processing an inland application since it's never guaranteed you will re-enter Canada with no problems.

2. Apply outland. If you have been in Canada legally for 1 year, I believe you can apply outland through a Canadian or US visa office instead of your home country office (others will need to confirm here). However you will be in the same situation after TRV expires. At least here if you manage to get a TRV or other visa, you can enter/exit Canada with no worries it will affect your application.

 

[AnaMaria]

If you apply inland and leave Canada, you may be denied entry even if you have a TRV. When that happens, your application will be automatically cancelled and you have to apply outland from scratch.

If you want to apply inland, I would strongly recommend you not cross the boarder.