Leaving the country while waiting for PGWP extension

[andrews17]

This is my case:

- I have a PGWP that expires by the end of September 2023.
- I was invited to opt-in to extend my PGWP, but I couldn't because of my passport expiration date.
- I renewed my passport and on June 29 I applied for the extension through GCKey.
- I got the WP-EXT letter on June 30.
- I am currently working in Ontario, and my employer wants to send me for a training to the US in August (before my current PGWP expires).

There's a section in the WP-EXT letter that says:

If you leave Canada before a decision is made on your application, you will no longer be authorized to continue working.

I am not sure if I'm already considered as in "maintained status" or if I will be until my current PGWP expires in September. Can I leave the country, come back to Canada and continue working?

 

[nickgrizzly]

This is my case:

- I have a PGWP that expires by the end of September 2023.
- I was invited to opt-in to extend my PGWP, but I couldn't because of my passport expiration date.
- I renewed my passport and on June 29 I applied for the extension through GCKey.
- I got the WP-EXT letter on June 30.
- I am currently working in Ontario, and my employer wants to send me for a training to the US in August (before my current PGWP expires).

There's a section in the WP-EXT letter that says:


I am not sure if I'm already considered as in "maintained status" or if I will be until my current PGWP expires in September. Can I leave the country, come back to Canada and continue working?

Yes, you're good! Not sure if you'll be considered to be on maintained status, since your WP is stil valid and will be at the time you come back. Regardless, it doesnt change the fact that you have valid status in Canada. You can go and come back with no issue. Make sure your TRV is valid so you can board the plane back to Canada.

Re-enter Canada as a temporary resident
Applicants may be allowed to re-enter Canada as a temporary resident pending a decision on the extension of their study permit or work permit in Canada, provided they are temporary resident visa (TRV) exempt as per section R190 or hold a valid multiple-entry visa. The border services officer will set the period of authorized stay on entry.

Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/visitors/implied-status-extending-stay.html

 

[andrews17]

Yes, TRV is valid for another year

 

[nickgrizzly]

Yes, TRV is valid for another year

Then you're good, nothing to worry about.

 

[ABC546274325]

Hey! Reviving an old thread but wondering how this went? I'm in a similar situation where I need to go overseas but come back while my WP expires. I already got the WP-EXT letter as well.

 

[andrews17]

I had two documents:

- A PGWP valid until end of September 2023
- A WP-EXT letter for my PGWP extension application

I travel out of the country in August 2023, my PGWP was still valid and I didn't have any issue.

I understand your PGWP will expire before you come back. I'm not sure what would happen in that case.

 

[ABC546274325]

I had two documents:

- A PGWP valid until end of September 2023
- A WP-EXT letter for my PGWP extension application

I travel out of the country in August 2023, my PGWP was still valid and I didn't have any issue.

I understand your PGWP will expire before you come back. I'm not sure what would happen in that case.

Thank you so much for the prompt reply.
I wrote it wrongly - I am coming back 2 weeks before my WP expires. So my WP will be valid when I come back.

 

[andrews17]

Thank you so much for the prompt reply.
I wrote it wrongly - I am coming back 2 weeks before my WP expires. So my WP will be valid when I come back.

You shouldn't have a problem with that. Just make sure you have your WP-EXT with you in case they question the fact that your WP is expiring soon.

 

[ABC546274325]

You shouldn't have a problem with that. Just make sure you have your WP-EXT with you in case they question the fact that your WP is expiring soon.

Thank you so much! This is reassuring to hear

 

[andrews17]

I finally found message I posted earlier this year regarding a similar case:

https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/can-i-travel-outside-canada-with-a-non-expired-work-permit-after-applying-for-work-permit-extension.826795/#post-10729180

 

[ABC546274325]

I finally found message I posted earlier this year regarding a similar case:

https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/can-i-travel-outside-canada-with-a-non-expired-work-permit-after-applying-for-work-permit-extension.826795/#post-10729180

It looks like the hack is to print everything and have it ready. Thank you for going the extra mile to link this, this post is really helpful.