Canada re-entry on Open work permit

[jimit1806]

I hold a work visa under the SOWP category, which is valid until April 15, 2025. My spouse is currently in Canada and plans to submit her PWGP application in mid-January 2025. I returned to my home country to visit family, and during my stay, I realized my passport was also nearing expiration. However, I have already applied for a new passport, which I expect to receive by November 2025.

My primary concern is whether I will be able to re-enter Canada as I plan to travel back on March 3, 2025, with my work permit still valid until April 15, 2025. I would be carrying both my old passport (with the work permit) and my new passport.

I’ve heard from some people that it's recommended to have at least six months of passport validity when re-entering, and that CBSA officers might deny entry if this requirement isn’t met. I would appreciate any insights or advice on whether this might be an issue in my case.

Thank you!

 

[armoured]

I hold a work visa under the SOWP category, which is valid until April 15, 2025. My spouse is currently in Canada and plans to submit her PWGP application in mid-January 2025. I returned to my home country to visit family, and during my stay, I realized my passport was also nearing expiration. However, I have already applied for a new passport, which I expect to receive by November 2025.

My primary concern is whether I will be able to re-enter Canada as I plan to travel back on March 3, 2025, with my work permit still valid until April 15, 2025. I would be carrying both my old passport (with the work permit) and my new passport.

I’ve heard from some people that it's recommended to have at least six months of passport validity when re-entering, and that CBSA officers might deny entry if this requirement isn’t met. I would appreciate any insights or advice on whether this might be an issue in my case.

Thank you!

Nothing to do with spousal sponsorship. Post in the appropriate section.

 

[scylla]

I hold a work visa under the SOWP category, which is valid until April 15, 2025. My spouse is currently in Canada and plans to submit her PWGP application in mid-January 2025. I returned to my home country to visit family, and during my stay, I realized my passport was also nearing expiration. However, I have already applied for a new passport, which I expect to receive by November 2025.

My primary concern is whether I will be able to re-enter Canada as I plan to travel back on March 3, 2025, with my work permit still valid until April 15, 2025. I would be carrying both my old passport (with the work permit) and my new passport.

I’ve heard from some people that it's recommended to have at least six months of passport validity when re-entering, and that CBSA officers might deny entry if this requirement isn’t met. I would appreciate any insights or advice on whether this might be an issue in my case.

Thank you!

Do you hold a valid TRV? The OWP is not what allows you to re-enter. You need a valid TRV or eTA.

 

[jimit1806]

Do you hold a valid TRV? The OWP is not what allows you to re-enter. You need a valid TRV or eTA.

I do have passport stamp till 15th April,2025 in my old passport. So i think that is enough to travel on 3rd March,2025.

 

[Ponga]

I do have passport stamp till 15th April,2025 in my old passport. So i think that is enough to travel on 3rd March,2025.

It's possible that this is a date indicating when you must leave Canada. Since you have already left, that stamp may now be moot.

Best to contact CBSA to find out, rather than relying on people on a free, public forum to offer their `opinions'.

 

[armoured]

I do have passport stamp till 15th April,2025 in my old passport. So i think that is enough to travel on 3rd March,2025.

Do you mean you have a passport STAMP - the type stamped on arrival by a passport/border officer - or a visa inserted in the passport with that date? The visa franked/printed in the passport would be what you think, a stamp on arrival - likely not.

 

[jimit1806]

Do you mean you have a passport STAMP - the type stamped on arrival by a passport/border officer - or a visa inserted in the passport with that date? The visa franked/printed in the passport would be what you think, a stamp on arrival - likely not.

i have a printed sticker(a visa inserted in the passport with that date ) visa on passport with expiry till 15th april,2025. So i think 3rd march won't be an issue. Please correct me if i am wrong.

 

[jimit1806]

It's possible that this is a date indicating when you must leave Canada. Since you have already left, that stamp may now be moot.

Best to contact CBSA to find out, rather than relying on people on a free, public forum to offer their `opinions'.

How can we contact CBSA officers?

 

[armoured]

i have a printed sticker(a visa inserted in the passport with that date ) visa on passport with expiry till 15th april,2025. So i think 3rd march won't be an issue. Please correct me if i am wrong.

Yes, that is what is called a visa. I also interpret this as meaning you can enter on that visa before 15 April.

But I'm not an expert.

 

[andrews17]

Yes, that is what is called a visa. I also interpret this as meaning you can enter on that visa before 15 April.

But I'm not an expert.

You can enter with the visitor visa anytime before the expiration date. I crossed the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls 2 weeks before my Canadian visitor visa expired and came back the same day without any issues.

You should have documentation ready for a reason to stay in Canada, like a valid work permit for example.

 

[armoured]

You can enter with the visitor visa anytime before the expiration date. I crossed the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls 2 weeks before my Canadian visitor visa expired and came back the same day without any issues.

Thanks, that's what I think to.
-I don't know about the work permit issue, and,
-while docs in expired passports can be used (https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1650&top=16), the combination of things makes this a bit more complicated than it should be.

So yes, I agree, but ... YMMV.

 

[andrews17]

My experience last month:

I had two passports
1. One expiring on Oct 24 (I was entering on Oct 12) with a visitor visa expiring the same day.
2. A new passport that I renewed this year expiring in 2034.

When I reentered Canada, I asked the CBSA agent if I had to show both. She said I could use the passport with the visitor visa on it as long as it was valid, even when it was expiring in two weeks.

I hope this helps.

 

[jimit1806]

My experience last month:

I had two passports
1. One expiring on Oct 24 (I was entering on Oct 12) with a visitor visa expiring the same day.
2. A new passport that I renewed this year expiring in 2034.

When I reentered Canada, I asked the CBSA agent if I had to show both. She said I could use the passport with the visitor visa on it as long as it was valid, even when it was expiring in two weeks.

I hope this helps.

thank you for the clarification and answer. Appreciate this.