Z7J said:
Hey guys.
My spouse's sister is inviting us to spend Chritsmas in the U.S.
Her OWP is valid until 2018 BUT her single entry visa has been used and expired months ago.
I read that if you are only going to the U.S, you don't need a valid visa to come back to Canada. Now, if I understand correctly, that means we only need to present the OWP and passport when we get back to Canada, correct?
Has anybody been denied entry because of not having a valid visa (coming from the U.S and U.S only)? Should we apply for a visitor visa to be safe?
Correct, it is indeed true that you do not require a visa if you have a valid work (or study) permit.
Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, Part 7, Division 5, 190, 3 (f)
See the link below
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-2002-227/page-39.html#h-106
Here is a canadavisa forum post about it:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/visa-expired-but-have-valid-work-permit-can-i-reenter-canada-after-visiting-us-t99415.15.html
You can see on that post that many people have done this by both air and land border crossings. The only potential problem could be explaining this section of Canada's immigration law to the check-in assistant or the flight attendant who checks your documents as you board the plane; these people often do not have a clue and may give you a hassle. Have a screenshot of that website on hand in case it is an issue.
I have not done this personally as my TRV is still valid, but many people have.