Re-entry on Student Visa after Classes end

[warhound]

Hello guys,

I am in a dilemma and have been hearing multiple conflicting information so thought I would turn to the best place to get advice from

My study permit expires in March 2014 and I am going for a short visit to India Jan first week and will be back Jan end.

Now, I am hearing all sorts of paranoid international students screaming that we might have trouble re entering because technically our studies are up and Border officers might refuse entry. Is this possible ?

Also, I can apply for the Post Graduate Work Permit before i leave (as opposed to doing when i return) but THAT in my opinion is counter productive since it shows intent to stay in Canada and we might get refused re entry.

Please advise

Thanks

 

[vermanaman]

Hello warhound

Do not worry or listen to paranoid intl students. I was an international student in your situation a few months back.

It is PERFECTLY FINE to return on your student visa after finishing your studies as long as both your study permit and work permit are still valid. It is better to apply for post grad work permit before leaving and carry the proof of application with you.

Immigration will not stop you on the contrary - if you have a job offer, degree/official transcript and valid study permit - they will even issue your work permit at the border or in the immigration section at airport.

I dint even have post grad work permit application in process when i returned on my study permit and visa...I told immigration officer that I graduated and will be applying to one. They even offered to issue it for me but I did not have my degree/transcript at that time. They let me in.

 

[warhound]

Thank you sir !

 

[s.gupta1487]

Hello guys,

I am in a dilemma and have been hearing multiple conflicting information so thought I would turn to the best place to get advice from

My study permit expires in March 2014 and I am going for a short visit to India Jan first week and will be back Jan end.

Now, I am hearing all sorts of paranoid international students screaming that we might have trouble re entering because technically our studies are up and Border officers might refuse entry. Is this possible ?

Also, I can apply for the Post Graduate Work Permit before i leave (as opposed to doing when i return) but THAT in my opinion is counter productive since it shows intent to stay in Canada and we might get refused re entry.

Please advise

Thanks

Have you received your results? If yes, then technically they can refuse you. If you haven't, then you are still a student. Take a letter from your university stating that you are student in the university and your results aren't out.

 

[vermanaman]

I returned to Canada after receiving my degree and results - No issues at all. They understand that students go back after graduation. Just to be sure you can apply for work permit before going....
As long as both your visa and study permit are valid - they cannot deny entry. This is because - you have an option to apply for post grad work permit which depends on you finishing your studies. Having valid documents and completed studies gives you a right to apply to post grad work permit and continue to stay in Canada when approved. Hence they will let you in.

University will not issue any such letter stating results are pending - because results can come any day after final exams. At the most they can give you a date for convocation but no letter.

 

[vermanaman]

Also just so you guys know -

If he carries proof of graduation - degree or transcript along with study permit, passport and TRV....Border officer will ISSUE you a work permit right there in about 20 minutes.

This is a known fact - confirm with anyone you like.

 

[warhound]

If i apply for a work permit and go on vacation and the WP gets approved while I am in my native country, Will I still be able to return on my student visa to canada ? I hear that once you have a PGWP you need to apply for another kind of visa for re-entry

please clarify

Thanks

 

[GagamM]

Yea, I spoke with a call centre agent at CIC and she said told me that after getting the PGWP approved the student Canadian visa on the passport becomes invalid, you'd have to get a work permit visa to re enter. Although you can apply online before leaving your home country and tell the immigration (if you have any problem) at the airport that your application for work permit is under processing.

If i apply for a work permit and go on vacation and the WP gets approved while I am in my native country, Will I still be able to return on my student visa to canada ? I hear that once you have a PGWP you need to apply for another kind of visa for re-entry

please clarify

Thanks

 

[vermanaman]

Yea, I spoke with a call centre agent at CIC and she said told me that after getting the PGWP approved the student Canadian visa on the passport becomes invalid, you'd have to get a work permit visa to re enter. Although you can apply online before leaving your home country and tell the immigration (if you have any problem) at the airport that your application for work permit is under processing.

This is correct. Apply online from your home country...put the canadian address as mailing address thats all.
Even if your work permit is approved you can enter using your Student TRV - just saying - if you have the work permit with you.
In your case it is safe to apply online from your country...
Guyys please dont be so worried about this...like i said if anything happens...carry all your documents - they will issue you one at the airport.

 

[warhound]

Ugh. Decisions Decisions. I am sounding like my dad super paranoid but I gotta ask this.

Should I apply for PGWP from my native country and it gets approved a day or two before I am to fly back in.. or gets approved while im in transit - I will technically be landing with a Visa that is NO more good. In that case isnt it just safer to apply for PGWP when i return ?

I fly out in two weeks. and will be back Jan end

 

[vermanaman]

Your work permit will not be processed so soon..depends on how long you are in your country...i remember my friend was allowed to enter canada even though her work permit was approved...
Just so you know - Your TRV does not become invalid....and if you study permit is valid - it does not become invalid as well...

they just prefer you enter with a document that applies to you...but they will let you in.

 

[warhound]

Thanks !

 

[warhound]

vermanaman, one more follow up.

You mentioned the PGWP takes time to get approved. I shall be returning first week feb and immediately joining work with my company who have given me a long term employment offer. I shall initially join on my OCWP that is valid till end of march 30.

I will apply first week of feb for PGWP. Now, should the PGWP not arrive till after march 30, do i have to stop working or since I have a pending application I can continue working ?

please and thanks !

 

[vermanaman]

vermanaman, one more follow up.

You mentioned the PGWP takes time to get approved. I shall be returning first week feb and immediately joining work with my company who have given me a long term employment offer. I shall initially join on my OCWP that is valid till end of march 30.

I will apply first week of feb for PGWP. Now, should the PGWP not arrive till after march 30, do i have to stop working or since I have a pending application I can continue working ?

please and thanks !

You can continue working since you will be on implied status.
Also just so u know u must apply for pgwp within 90 days of graduation

 

[warhound]

Thanks