TRV outside Canada

Unfortunately, many people ignore the fine details and end up stuck outside Canada for months, losing valuable time, work experience, and sometimes even facing application refusal.

In this blog, we will clearly explain:

When you can travel outside Canada
When you should strictly NOT travel
Difference between PGWP and Extension applications
Role of TRV (visa stamp)
Working rights on implied status
Real risks and best-case scenarios

This guide is extremely important if you have applied for:

PG Work Permit (PGWP)
Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP) extension
Study Permit extension
Visitor Record or any other extension from inside Canada

1. Two Categories of Applications (Very Important)

To understand travel rules clearly, we must divide applications into two categories:

1. PG Work Permit (PGWP) Application

2. Extension Applications

(Study Permit Extension, SOWP Extension, Work Permit Extension, Visitor Record, etc.)

The travel rules are completely different for these two.

2. Can You Travel Outside Canada After Submitting PGWP?

Yes — PGWP is a Special Application

PG Work Permit is a special category application.

Even if you:

Leave Canada
Stay outside for some time
Come back again

You do NOT lose your implied status.

What This Means:

Your PGWP application continues normally
Leaving Canada does not affect approval
You can resume working after returning
Your application will not be refused just because you traveled

Example Scenario

You applied for PGWP in April
You started working
Due to an emergency, you travel to India for one month
You return to Canada in May or June

You can start working immediately again.
Your PGWP approval will not be affected.

3. Then Why Is Travel Still Discouraged on PGWP?

Even though travel is allowed, there is one important drawback.

Canadian Experience Outside Canada Does NOT Count for PR

Canadian work experience is crucial for PR
Time spent outside Canada does not count towards PR

Recommendation:

Stay in Canada if possible
Travel only in genuine emergencies such as health or family issues

4. TRV (Visa Stamp) – The Most Critical Factor

To Leave Canada:

No visa stamp required
No permit required

To Enter Canada:

A valid visa stamp on the passport is mandatory

This is where most people make mistakes.

Big Warning

If you:

Leave Canada without a valid visa stamp
Get stuck outside Canada

Then:

You must wait 7–8 months for PGWP approval
Then apply for TRV (2–3 more months)
Total time wasted can be almost one year

Advice:

If you must travel on PGWP:

Ensure your visa stamp is valid
Return before the visa expiry date

5. Can You Work After Re-Entering Canada on PGWP Implied Status?

Yes

Even if:

You re-enter Canada
You receive a Visitor Record at the border

You can still work legally.

PGWP implied status overrides the visitor record restriction.

6. Can You Travel After Submitting an Extension Application?

Strict No

This applies to:

Spouse Open Work Permit extension
Study Permit extension
Work Permit extension
Visitor Record extension

Why?

Extension applications require you to be physically inside Canada during processing.

IRCC can:

Track your exit through travel history
Refuse your application without warning
Refuse it without processing

Consequences of Traveling on Extension Application

Automatic refusal
Getting stuck outside Canada
Reapplying from outside Canada
Additional visa stamping and delays
Loss of work authorization and PR-related experience

7. Can You Work After Re-Entering Canada on Extension Implied Status?

No

If you return to Canada:

You will receive a Visitor Record
Visitor Record does not allow work

Additionally:

Your extension application may already be refused
Even if not refused yet, the risk remains very high

8. What If You Leave Due to Emergency?

You can leave Canada at any time.

However:

Leaving is never the problem
Coming back without a valid visa stamp is the real issue

Without a valid TRV:

You cannot return to Canada

9. Can You Apply for TRV While on Implied Status?

In most cases, no.

Previously:

IRCC approved TRVs on implied status

Currently:

Most TRV applications on implied status are refused

Common refusal reason:
“You do not have an approved status document yet.”

Recommendation:

Do not rely on TRV approval while on implied status
Wait for permit approval first

10. Best Case Scenario (Safest Strategy)

Get approval of PGWP or extension application
Apply for TRV
Get visa stamp on passport
Travel freely without risk

11. TRV Processing Timeline (After Approval)

TRV processing: 2–3 months
Passport stamping: 15–20 days
Total time: approximately 3 months

This timeline is similar whether you apply from inside or outside Canada.

12. Final Advice

PGWP Application:

Travel allowed (with valid visa stamp)
Working allowed after return
Implied status remains protected

Extension Applications:

Do not travel
High refusal risk
Work not allowed after re-entry

If you are inside Canada and planning to apply for:

PG Work Permit
Spouse Open Work Permit extension
Study Permit extension

Globexa Immigration can assist you with proper planning and error-free filing.