If you are a permanent resident (PR) applicant in Canada‚ you may be wondering if you are allowed to leave the country while your PR application is still in process. The short answer is that it depends on your specific situation. In this blog post‚ we will explore the various factors that may impact your ability to travel outside of Canada while your PR application is in process.
Why Would You Want to Leave Canada While Your PR Application Is In Process?
There are many reasons why you may need or want to leave Canada while your PR application is in process. Some common reasons include:
- Personal or family emergencies
- Work or business commitments
- Vacation or leisure travel
Regardless of the reason‚ it is important to understand that leaving Canada while your PR application is in process may have consequences for your application.
Factors That May Affect Your Ability to Travel While Your PR Application Is In Process
There are several factors that may impact your ability to travel while your PR application is in process‚ including:
- Your current immigration status in Canada: If you are currently living in Canada on a temporary visa‚ such as a study or work permit‚ you may be able to leave and re-enter Canada without any issues. However‚ if you are living in Canada without a valid visa‚ it is likely that you will not be able to leave and re-enter the country without facing difficulties. In this case‚ it is important to speak with a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant before making any travel plans.
- The stage of your PR application: The stage of your PR application may also impact your ability to travel. For example‚ if you have already been issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa‚ you are generally allowed to leave and re-enter Canada without any issues. However‚ if your application is still being processed by Immigration‚ Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)‚ it may be more difficult to travel outside of Canada. In this case‚ it is important to check with IRCC to see if you are allowed to leave the country while your application is still in process.
- Your intentions for returning to Canada: If you are planning to leave Canada while your PR application is in process‚ it is important to be able to demonstrate that you have a genuine intention to return to Canada once your trip is over. This may involve providing proof of ties to Canada‚ such as a job or a home‚ as well as a detailed travel itinerary. If you are unable to demonstrate a strong intention to return to Canada‚ you may be denied re-entry into the country.
What Happens If You Leave Canada While Your PR Application Is In Process?
If you choose to leave Canada while your PR application is in process‚ there are a few potential outcomes:
- Your application may be deemed abandoned: If you leave Canada and do not return within the authorized time period‚ your PR application may be considered abandoned. This means that your application will be closed and you will need to re-apply for PR if you wish to return to Canada in the future. It is important to note that there may be fees associated with re-applying for PR.
- Your application may be delayed: Depending on the stage of your PR application and the reason for your travel‚ leaving Canada while your application is in process may cause delays in the processing of your application. This could be due to the fact that IRCC needs to verify your ties to Canada and your intention to return before approving your application. It is important to communicate with IRCC and provide any necessary documentation to ensure that your application is not unnecessarily delayed.
- You may be denied re-entry into Canada: If you are unable to demonstrate a strong intention to return to Canada‚ or if you have overstayed your authorized time period in the past‚ you may be denied re-entry into the country. In this case‚ you may need to reapply for a temporary resident visa or seek other means of returning to Canada. It is important to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant if you are unsure whether you will be able to return to Canada.
How to Minimize the Risk of Traveling While Your PR Application Is In Process?
If you need or want to travel outside of Canada while your PR application is in process‚ there are a few steps you can take to minimize the risk of any negative consequences:
- Communicate with IRCC: If you are planning to travel while your PR application is in process‚ it is important to inform IRCC of your plans. This can help to ensure that your application is not unnecessarily delayed or abandoned. You may also want to consider obtaining a travel document‚ such as a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)‚ which can help to facilitate your re-entry into Canada.
- Demonstrate strong ties to Canada: If you are planning to travel outside of Canada‚ it is important to be able to demonstrate that you have strong ties to Canada that will encourage you to return once your trip is over. This may involve providing evidence of your job‚ home‚ or other responsibilities in Canada. The stronger your ties to Canada‚ the more likely it is that you will be able to re-enter the country without any issues.
- Consider obtaining travel insurance: If you are planning to travel outside of Canada while your PR application is in process‚ it is a good idea to consider obtaining travel insurance. This can help to protect you in the event that you are unable to return to Canada due to unforeseen circumstances‚ such as an emergency or a natural disaster. Travel insurance can also help to cover any unexpected medical expenses that may arise while you are abroad.
In summary‚ it is possible to leave Canada while your PR application is in process‚ but it is important to carefully consider the potential consequences before making any travel plans. By communicating with IRCC‚ demonstrating strong ties to Canada‚ and considering obtaining travel insurance‚ you can minimize the risk of any negative consequences associated with traveling while your PR application is in process.
