If you want to travel outside Canada

If you applied to renew your work permit before it expired, you can leave Canada and come back, but there are some things you need to know.

On this page

• If you need to travel urgently
• Working when you return to Canada
• Documents you need to re-enter Canada

If you need to travel urgently

If you need to travel urgently and your work permit is still being processed, you can request urgent processing.

Working when you return to Canada

Whether you can work when you return depends on if your work permit renewal application was approved while you were away.

If your work permit renewal application was approved

If your work permit renewal application was approved while you were away, you may be allowed to re-enter Canada as a worker.

You can work as soon as you enter Canada.

If your work permit renewal application is still being processed

If your application is still being processed, you may be allowed to re-enter Canada as a visitor.

You can’t work until your work permit renewal has been approved.

If you’re eligible to apply for a new work permit at a port of entry

If your application is still being processed and you meet the requirements, you may apply for a work permit upon entry.

Documents you need to re-enter Canada

A work permit isn’t a travel document. It doesn’t give you authorization to travel to or re-enter Canada. Depending on your citizenship and nationality and how you plan to travel, you may need either

• a temporary resident visa (TRV), or
• an electronic travel authorization (eTA), if required

Having an eTA or a visa doesn’t guarantee that you can re-enter Canada. You must show the border services officer that you meet all the requirements before you can re-enter.

Find out what other documents you’ll need to re-enter Canada.