fkl said:
Ah... there is no such thing as "work visa". There is a temp resident visa AND there is a work permit. Visa is stamped on passport (although the stamp also shows whether your status in canada is visitor, student or worker) , work permit is a separate letter which people OFTEN staple with their passports BUT it's not a travel document. It states conditions under which you can work in Canada.
I am not questioning your situation. May be there are additional details involved of some sort.
But the above is absolutely the documentary procedure. Please be very clear about it. I don't want others to read and "assume they can travel on work permits"
I`m not a very active member of this forum, and now I can see way, but I know how much I was looking for some info when we were in the same situation .
1. I never, ever said that people are able to travel based on their work permits, I mention several times was a "flagpole", exactly like you do it for permanent residency or other people to renew their work permits. You can search for definition or call Alberta Service at free number and they will explain you.
2. My passport was stamp with 1 year visa (worker) 5 years ago based on my work permit at that time. Since then I renew my work permit 3 times, that visa is long expired and no one renew my visa at the border after the flagpole, if I have to LEAVE Canada now (for vacation, travel) I NEED to apply for Temporary resident visa to re-enter in Canada (either from Canada or outside). I DID NOT apply for a temporary visa when a did the flagpole at US border and here I am still in Canada, working.