Leaving canada while inland application is in process

[arpp12]

Hello everyone,

Has anyone traveled from Canada to their home country for a few days while their common law sponsorship application was in process? My partner recently received an open work permit and only requires an (eTA) for re-entry. We have read mixed opinions regarding the advisability of leaving Canada during the processing period and will like to know from people who have undertaken similar short trips.


Cheers.

 

[keyboat1]

Yes I left on Feb 8 and returned on Feb 18 to Dubai. I'm from a country that requires TRV (Temporary resident visa) and it was valid. Weirdly in Germany during boarding my layover there was a security check for all travelers to Canada to show their documents (work permits, study permits etc..) and I showed my new passport with the valid TRV on it, my work permit etc. she was like where is your old passport why don't you have it on you I said it was expired so I didn't bring it. She said bring it next time my problem is I need to know your full story in canada (student etc). I was able to board without a problem but it stressed me out when she asked me for my expired passport. Never been asked for that before! Anyway. I think as long as it's a short trip (less than 2-3 weeks) it should be fine. Bring all necessary documents
I hold a valid post graduate work permit that expires in October of 2026, and I applied for spousal sponsorship under commonlaw on Feb 4 2025

 

[arpp12]

Thank you so much! This was helpful to know! We are only going for 5 days.

Yes I left on Feb 8 and returned on Feb 18 to Dubai. I'm from a country that requires TRV (Temporary resident visa) and it was valid. Weirdly in Germany during boarding my layover there was a security check for all travelers to Canada to show their documents (work permits, study permits etc..) and I showed my new passport with the valid TRV on it, my work permit etc. she was like where is your old passport why don't you have it on you I said it was expired so I didn't bring it. She said bring it next time my problem is I need to know your full story in canada (student etc). I was able to board without a problem but it stressed me out when she asked me for my expired passport. Never been asked for that before! Anyway. I think as long as it's a short trip (less than 2-3 weeks) it should be fine. Bring all necessary documents
I hold a valid post graduate work permit that expires in October of 2026, and I applied for spousal sponsorship under commonlaw on Feb 4 2025

 

[Newexpressuser]

Yes I left on Feb 8 and returned on Feb 18 to Dubai. I'm from a country that requires TRV (Temporary resident visa) and it was valid. Weirdly in Germany during boarding my layover there was a security check for all travelers to Canada to show their documents (work permits, study permits etc..) and I showed my new passport with the valid TRV on it, my work permit etc. she was like where is your old passport why don't you have it on you I said it was expired so I didn't bring it. She said bring it next time my problem is I need to know your full story in canada (student etc). I was able to board without a problem but it stressed me out when she asked me for my expired passport. Never been asked for that before! Anyway. I think as long as it's a short trip (less than 2-3 weeks) it should be fine. Bring all necessary documents
I hold a valid post graduate work permit that expires in October of 2026, and I applied for spousal sponsorship under commonlaw on Feb 4 2025

Hi keyboat1 , what kind of questions does CBSA ask upon return? Since visitors usually need to show intent to return home, how is this viewed when having an inland application in progress? Thanks!

 

[keyboat1]

I'm on a post graduate work permit currently. Just received AOR today from my consultant (it was sent to them on Feb 27 and for some reason they didn't notify me right away or on Friday last week. But I asked today and received it). From what I can recall he (CBSA) just asked me what I'm doing in Canada and what I do for work, where I live.. obviously show my passport and work permit. He asked me where I was visiting, and why (I went to Dubai to see family) and asked me if I 'brought any food" lol. that's it! My officer was .. pretty chill to say the least. From what I can recall!

Hi keyboat1 , what kind of questions does CBSA ask upon return? Since visitors usually need to show intent to return home, how is this viewed when having an inland application in progress? Thanks!