I want everyone to be aware of the documents they should have while flag poling for (renewing, restoring or new ) work permit
*Ensure you are not on implied status - If you are on implied status the moment you exit canada , you are loosing your status . Even if you are just taking a U turn at the border still u loose your implied status
* Ensure you have ALL the documents - When i say "ALL " i mean it . Every possible doc on earth, take it with you.
* In case , you are on implied status and you are in a situation that you badly need the permit to be done asap , before exiting canada ensure you walk to the Canadian office at the border 1st ( yes you can deviate from the drive way without exiting canada , many seems be unaware about that). EXPLAIN everything (SPECIALLY ABOUT YOUR STATUS IF ITS IMPLIED) .*** THIS SHOULD BE DONE EVEN IF THE OFFICER IS NOT INTERESTED/BUSY*******
They might ask you just to walk over and take a u turn , then u can meet an officer. Still i would suggest you speak about your situation then only exit canada if that is required . Also if possible get them to check the documents you have is enough to get your permit done
If you are not careful about the above things , the moment you flag pole you are out of your status . And later when the officer checks your documents and if he/ she finds something is missing, you will be denied the permit, your travel docs will be confiscated as you are out of status..
Documents you need - I am not sure about this , coz whatever you have , there are chances that they ask for more ( rules keeping changing every next moment. So better meet an officer and get him/ her check your docs 1st before you exit .
SAFE SIDE - You have a valid TRV with ***multiple entry*** , then you dont hvae to be so alert as you wont be oosing any status and they will let you in even if any docs are missing
FYI - CIC customer service will never say the flag polling option .They keep chanting "apply on line or via paper and wait until the processing time as mentioned in their website