Travelling Internationally Over the Holidays: Will It Impact Your Status in Canada?

With the holiday season fast approaching, many people are planning to travel internationally. A Canadian visitor visa is mandatory for most travelers entering Canada, and it may also be required if you are simply passing through a Canadian airport on your way to another country.

If you are currently in Canada on a visitor visa, work permit, electronic travel authorization (eTA), or temporary resident permit (TRP), it is important to understand how travelling outside of Canada can have an impact your status and your ability to re-enter the country.

Visitor Visa Holders

If you are in Canada on a visitor visa that is close to expiring, leaving the country could affect your ability to return. To ensure smooth re-entry, it is essential to apply for a new visitor visa if your current one is close to expiration. In addition, you must also ensure that you have a valid passport and all necessary travel documents for re-entry.

Some countries require your passport to be valid for a minimum of 6 months. It is important to verify each country’s policies regarding passport validity requirements. Depending on your nationality, you may also need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if you are from a non-visa-exempt country.

Visitor Visa Expires While Being Abroad

If your visitor visa expires while you are abroad, or if you plan to be away for an extended period of time, you may need to apply for a new visa ensuring its validity upon your return.

Work Permit Holders

If you hold a work permit in Canada, you must ensure that your permit will remain valid when you return. Failure to do so could result in denied entry. If you need to renew or extend your work permit, it is advisable to do so before travelling, so you have the necessary documents for re-entry. Additionally, depending on your citizenship, you may need a valid visitor visa, eTa or temporary resident permit, depending on your situation to return to Canada.

As a work permit holder, it is also important that you inform your employer of your travel plans to ensure your permit remains valid with them during your time off.

Temporary Resident Permit Holders

If you are in Canada on a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), it is crucial to check whether your TRP allows you to return to Canada. TRP cases are unique, and not all permits allow re-entry after leaving the country. In such cases, your TRP may need to be reissued upon your arrival.

As mentioned earlier, processing times can be significantly affected by the holiday season due to an increased volume of applications and office closures on certain days.

Facts/Tips to Ensure a Stress-Free Holiday Abroad

• Processing times may be longer due to government office closures and high demand during the holidays.
• Stay informed about any changes to travel regulations pertaining to you and your circumstances.
• Keep up to date with Canadian immigration policies to ensure a smooth return to Canada- no one wants unexpected surprises at the border.

By confirming the status of your documents and planning your return timing into Canada accordingly, you will have peace of mind to focus on more important things—like being surrounded by loved ones. From all of us at Canadim, we wish you safe travels and happy holidays!

Please note that our law firm will be closed from December 24, 2024, to January 2, 2025. We will be happy to assist with any inquiries on January 3, 2025, and onwards.

Contact us today for all your immigration questions and a member of our team will get back to you shortly!