Travel while permanent residence application is in process Canada is a common concern for applicants who submitted their application from inside Canada and are waiting for a decision from the federal government.
Below we present the main considerations and steps you should take to determine the possible impact of travel while your application is being processed.
Am I allowed to travel while my Permanent Residence is in process?
The good news is that yes, it’s possible to travel, but there are several factors that should be evaluated before leaving Canada. In this article, we explain which documents you need, how your temporary status can be affected, and in which stages of the process your physical presence in Canada is mandatory.
What documents do I need to travel and return to Canada if my Permanent Residence is in process?
Before you travel, make sure you meet the following conditions:
1. Have a Valid Temporary Status
You must have a temporary permit that will remain valid when you return to Canada (or qualify to re-enter as a visitor). It’s important to carry the original document during your trip.
2. Valid Visa or eTA
If you require a visa, verify that it is valid.
If you come from a country that is visa-exempt, make sure you have a valid eTA.
We recommend you to check the validity of your eTA using IRCC’s official tool.
Important note about Maintained Status
If you are under maintained status, remember that leaving Canada could cancel your right to continue working or studying while the new permit is being processed. In that case, when you re-enter you may not be able to resume activities until the new approval is granted.
Could my travel affect my Permanent Residence process?
The answer is: It depends
Understanding whether you can travel while permanent residence application is in process Canada depends on your immigration status and the stage of your application. The impact varies based on factors such as:
1. Length of the Trip
A short trip generally does not affect the application.
A long trip of several months could cause delays and require you to update your address with IRCC. This could lead to additional processing steps, such as secondary checks.
2. Status of the Immigration Process
It is recommended to consult IRCC’s estimated processing times for cases like yours. This will help you determine whether your file is close to the final stage or if there are still many months of processing remaining.
For applicants inside Canada, the final stages that lead to the issuance of the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (called COPR) demand special attention, as your physical presence in the country is required when it is issued.
Final stages of the Permanent Residence Process (for applicants inside Canada)
Once your file reaches the final stage, IRCC processes the confirmation of status in three steps:
Stage 1: First Email from IRCC
You will receive a first email requesting information, including confirmation of your physical presence in Canada. You must respond within 7 days.
If you are inside Canada and not planning to travel soon: respond confirming you are in the country.
If you are temporarily outside Canada but will return in less than 7 days: you may return and then respond within the deadline.
If you are outside Canada and will not return before the deadline: you must respond with your expected return date, which may cause delays.
Important: Once you have sent confirmation that you are physically present in Canada, you should not travel until the subsequent stages are completed.
Stage 2: Second Email – Portal Confirmation
Usually, between a few days and a few weeks later (with no set timing), you will receive a second email asking you to log into the portal. There you must confirm again your physical presence in Canada, provide your address, and upload the photographs required for the issuance of your permanent resident card.
Stage 3: Issuance of the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
You will receive the Confirmation of Status document, which formalizes your new immigration status. From that moment on, any previous temporary documents (such as visas or eTA) become invalid.
After this, IRCC will mail your permanent resident card, usually within 1 to 2 months. During that period, if you travel outside Canada without your permanent resident card, you may not be able to re-enter Canada with just your passport. In most cases, you will need to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document from abroad.
Conclusion
Traveling while your permanent residence application is in process is possible, but it requires careful evaluation of:
Your temporary status,
The validity of your documents,
The length of your trip, and
The specific stage of your application.
Careful planning can help you avoid significant delays or complications when returning to Canada.
Legal Notice
The content of this publication is general and does not pretend to be specific legal advice. For information on the application of Canadian immigration laws in your case, we invite you to schedule a personalized consultation.
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