For many international students and temporary workers in Canada, travel feels like a routine: perhaps a trip home, a holiday, or a conference abroad. But Canadian immigration rules make travel riskier than people often realize. A valid work permit or study permit is essential, but it does not guarantee you will be allowed back into Canada. In fact, study permits and work permits include “this permit does not authorize the re-entry”. Border officers still have discretion, and oversights or gaps in documentation can lead to unexpected refusal of entry. In fact, the IRCC now has the right to cancel an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), work permit, or study permit at its discretion. As a result, it is critical that you understand the Canadian immigration rules surrounding your travel (in and out of Canada).
In this post, I’ll walk you through often-overlooked legal considerations, practical tips, and common pitfalls when travelling on a work or study permit status in Canada as of 2025.
Understanding the Documents You Need
Distinguishing permit vs visa vs travel document
- Your study permit or work permit is what gives you the legal status to stay, study, or work in Canada. It is not a travel or entry document in itself. (IRCC)
- To enter or re-enter Canada, you may also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) (also called a visitor visa) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on your nationality. (Canada Border Services Agency)
- If you hold a visa-required passport, ensure your TRV is valid for re-entry. (IRCC) – Please note that the duration of TRV is the duration when you may enter into Canada, but it is NOT the duration you may stay in Canada!
- For visa-exempt travellers, the eTA is linked to your passport and is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires. (Government of Canada), whichever is shorter.
- A single-entry TRV lets you enter Canada only once. If you leave, you’d generally need a new one to come back. (IRCC) However, in recent years, most entry TRVs are multiple-entry TRVs, which allow you to enter Canada more than once during a specific duration (for example, January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025).
- The Port-of-Entry (POE) letter of introduction (for a study permit) is what the visa office gives you. You present it at the border (land, airports or seaports) to get the actual permit. (Government of Canada)
Passport and visa validity
- Your passport must be valid at the time you travel and when you return; in general, your passport must be valid for all times, with at least 6 months’ validity at all times.
- If the visa or eTA linked to your passport expires while you’re abroad, you may not be allowed to re-enter unless you obtain a replacement before returning. (IRCC)
- Before leaving, check the expiry dates of your TRV / eTA, permit, and passport, and ideally renew or extend any that will expire soon.
Risks of Travel During a Permit Period or Extension
Border discretion & denial of entry
Even with all valid documents, re-entry is not automatic. The border services officer (BSO) must be satisfied that you meet all entry requirements. (IRCC) In practice, this means the officer may question your status, your intentions, or your documentation.
Losing “maintained status” when travelling abroad
If you leave Canada while a permit extension is pending, you may lose your implied status (i.e. the automatic extension of your existing status while the new application is being processed). Once you cross the border out of Canada, your implied status generally ends and you may re-enter only under visitor status. (IRCC) You may be allowed to re-enter as a visitor and only resume working or studying after your new pending permit extension is approved. (IRCC)
Permit extension processed while abroad
If your work permit extension is approved while you are outside Canada, the border officer may allow you to re-enter as a worker, but only after scrutiny and evidence. (IRCC) Similarly, if your study permit extension is approved while you’re abroad, you may be eligible to re-enter as a student if you meet other entry criteria. (IRCC) But there’s no guarantee; it depends on the officer’s satisfaction.
Gaps in documentation or permit expiry while abroad
If your permit expires while you’re abroad, you risk being denied re-entry or returned to visitor status. If your TRV or visa expires, you may not be able to board a flight or enter Canada. (IRCC)
Impact on future immigration
A refusal at the border or a gap in status may complicate future applications, such as permanent resident (PR) applications, or cast doubt on your respect for immigration rules. Immigration officers and visa officers may review travel history and compliance with terms of previous permits.
Practical Re-Entry Tips & Checklist
Before you leave Canada
- Check expiry dates: For passport, permit, TRV/eTA. If any will expire soon, renew before you leave.
- Submit extension applications early: If your permit will expire, apply well ahead so that you maintain status.
- If you must travel while a renewal is pending:
- Understand that implied status may be lost once you depart.
- Be prepared to re-enter as a visitor until the new permit is approved. (IRCC)
- Obtain or confirm your TRV / eTA: Make sure your entry visa or authorization is valid or you apply for a new one inside Canada if needed. (Government of Canada)
- Gather supporting documents to carry with you (not in checked luggage):
- Your current work permit or study permit
- Letter or proof of permit extension or application (e.g. IRCC confirmation)
- Employment contract, offer letter, pay stubs (for workers)
- Enrollment letter or transcript (for students)
- Proof of financial resources
- Valid passport and visa / eTA documentation
- Any other immigration correspondence
- Avoid long travel durations where your documents might expire while away.
- Check travel restrictions / visa policies in the country you intend to visit, especially related to re-entry and transit.
At the Port of Entry (re-entry to Canada)
- Present all the documents above and be ready to answer questions.
- Explain your purpose, your status, and show proof that you’ll resume your study or work in Canada.
- Be polite, clear, concise, and avoid contradictions.
- The officer may ask:
- Why you traveled
- Whether your permit / visa / status is still valid
- Proof of enrollment / employment
- Evidence of funds / travel itinerary
- Whether you applied for extension while away
- If approved, you will get your permit back (or extension, as applicable).
- If refused entry, ask for reasons and whether there is recourse (e.g. appeal or reconsideration).
If your permit was approved while you were away
- Present the approval notice and any IRCC correspondence confirming it.
- The officer may permit re-entry as worker or student (depending on the case).
- Be ready to show continuity: enrollment, employment, legitimate ties to Canada.
If refused re-entry
- Make a request to withdraw your request to enter into Canada – then, the officer cannot refuse your re-entry, because you withdrew your request to enter into Canada. By doing it this way, you do not have any refusal on your record.
- If your withdrawal request was not honoured, then request the written reasons, if possible.
- Ask whether you can appeal or request reconsideration (though often border refusals are final).
- Consult an immigration lawyer immediately to evaluate options (e.g. applying from abroad).
- You may have to apply for a new visa / permit from outside Canada.
Common Mistakes & Myths (and How to Avoid Them)
Mistake / Myth |
Why It’s Risky |
How to Avoid |
| “My permit alone is enough for re-entry” | The permit does not itself allow entry; you may also need TRV / eTA | Check your visa / eTA requirement and validity before leaving |
| Travelling on a single-entry visa | Once you exit, you may not re-enter on it | Confirm your TRV is multiple-entry |
| Leaving during implied status | Once you go abroad, you lose that maintained status | Avoid travel until your extension is approved or understand implications |
| Not carrying proof of status, employment, or enrollment | You may be questioned and face denial | Always carry originals and photocopies of your documents |
| Letting passport or visa expire while abroad | You may be denied boarding or entry | Renew early and avoid leaving with near-expiry documents |
| “They won’t scrutinize me” | Border officers have wide discretion; individuals are subject to different levels of scrutiny | Treat re-entry as high-stakes; over-prepare |
| Assuming work / study permit extension is auto-approved | Extensions can be refused, delayed, or processed while you’re away | Don’t gamble; time your travel carefully around your permit expiry |
Hypothetical Scenarios (Illustrative)
- Scenario A – Student mid-semester: Maria has a valid study permit and TRV, but her TRV expires mid-trip abroad. She gets stuck and cannot board her return flight until she secures a new TRV.
- Scenario B – Worker awaiting extension: Omar applies to extend his work permit, then travels. While abroad, IRCC approves his extension. On returning, the border officer accepts the approval and lets him in as a worker.
- Scenario C – Overstaying or status gap: Sara leaves Canada while her permit extension is pending; she is outside when the permit expires. On return, she is allowed only as a visitor and must wait for the approved permit before working.
- Scenario D – Refusal at border: Jing arrives at the Canadian port but the officer doubts her purpose or documentation and refuses entry, even though her permit is technically valid. She must return to her home country and reapply from there.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Travelling while on a Canadian work or study permit is feasible— but only with care, preparation, and full understanding of your immigration standing. Mistakes can lead to loss of status, refusal of re-entry, or complications for future immigration pathways.
If you plan to travel, here’s a quick checklist:
- Confirm validity of passport, permit, TRV/eTA
- Submit permit extensions early
- Gather supporting documents (employment, enrollment, financials)
- Understand the risks of leaving under implied status
- Be ready at the border to explain your situation
If you’re uncertain, it’s wise to consult an immigration lawyer (reach out to Jennifer Roggemann here) before booking your trip.