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Return to Canada with visa but no hard copy of work permit

BTSDNA

Star Member
Oct 1, 2017
90
33
My BOWP (bridging open work permit) was issued while I was away & sent to my address in Canada. I have a valid visa on my passport that I have applied for based on said work permit.
Am I OK to enter Canada with just my visa and no hard copy of my work permit? Anybody done this? Thanks.
 

canuck_in_uk

VIP Member
May 4, 2012
31,553
7,207
Visa Office......
London
App. Filed.......
06/12
My BOWP (bridging open work permit) was issued while I was away & sent to my address in Canada. I have a valid visa on my passport that I have applied for based on said work permit.
Am I OK to enter Canada with just my visa and no hard copy of my work permit? Anybody done this? Thanks.
Yes.
 

BTSDNA

Star Member
Oct 1, 2017
90
33
Thank you for your reply. Are you speaking from experience or just by knowledge? I'm pretty knowledgeable in Canadian immigration as well (so I'm inclined to assume that it's possible to enter with a visa since that's what allows you to enter the country) but I'm looking for someone who went through the same thing. CIC's hotline is not reliable at all for this kind of questions.
 

canuck_in_uk

VIP Member
May 4, 2012
31,553
7,207
Visa Office......
London
App. Filed.......
06/12
Thank you for your reply. Are you speaking from experience or just by knowledge? I'm pretty knowledgeable in Canadian immigration as well (so I'm inclined to assume that it's possible to enter with a visa since that's what allows you to enter the country) but I'm looking for someone who went through the same thing. CIC's hotline is not reliable at all for this kind of questions.
Knowledge. The TRV allows you to board a commercial carrier to travel to Canada and has nothing to do with entry. Entry is granted by CBSA, who will be able to see your status in the system.
 

BTSDNA

Star Member
Oct 1, 2017
90
33
Knowledge. The TRV allows you to board a commercial carrier to travel to Canada and has nothing to do with entry. Entry is granted by CBSA, who will be able to see your status in the system.
I do know that. But I have previously arrived in canada as a worker, showed my visa to the officer but he also asked if I had the permit (which I did have). So I'm hoping that it isn't a requirement (wouldn't make sense because I'm sure they can see that on their screens).
 

canuck_in_uk

VIP Member
May 4, 2012
31,553
7,207
Visa Office......
London
App. Filed.......
06/12
I do know that. But I have previously arrived in canada as a worker, showed my visa to the officer but he also asked if I had the permit (which I did have). So I'm hoping that it isn't a requirement (wouldn't make sense because I'm sure they can see that on their screens).
Saves them the trouble of looking it up if you already have it. It is not required.
 

BTSDNA

Star Member
Oct 1, 2017
90
33
Saves them the trouble of looking it up if you already have it. It is not required.
Update: I was able to enter Canada but got scolded by the border agent. She said a visa is not enough and its only purpose is for airlines to check if you are eligible to board the flight - next time I need to bring the permit with me (her words). Of course this was in the part of the airport where people with study/work permits need to go, those of you with visitor visas need not to worry.