Travelling during Permanent Residency Application

[AriannaP]

Hi everyone,
I’m planning to travel from May 28, 2025, to July 1, 2025. I am a Hong Kong Permanent Resident currently studying at a university in Ontario as an international student, with an expected graduation date in mid-May.
I plan to submit my PR application through the Stream A (In-Canada Graduates) pathway for Hong Kong residents in mid-May. According to the guidelines, I need to be physically present in Canada both when I submit my application and when my PR is granted.
I have a valid study permit that expires in August 2025, so I don’t anticipate any issues returning to Canada. However, I’m concerned that traveling during this period might create challenges, particularly if I am asked to complete a medical exam after my application is reviewed. Being away could potentially delay the process if I cannot complete the exam promptly.
I would really appreciate any advice or insights on whether traveling during this time might cause complications with my application. Thank you so much!

 

[YVR123]

Hi everyone,
I’m planning to travel from May 28, 2025, to July 1, 2025. I am a Hong Kong Permanent Resident currently studying at a university in Ontario as an international student, with an expected graduation date in mid-May.
I plan to submit my PR application through the Stream A (In-Canada Graduates) pathway for Hong Kong residents in mid-May. According to the guidelines, I need to be physically present in Canada both when I submit my application and when my PR is granted.
I have a valid study permit that expires in August 2025, so I don’t anticipate any issues returning to Canada. However, I’m concerned that traveling during this period might create challenges, particularly if I am asked to complete a medical exam after my application is reviewed. Being away could potentially delay the process if I cannot complete the exam promptly.
I would really appreciate any advice or insights on whether traveling during this time might cause complications with my application. Thank you so much!

In terms of medical, you can complete it at any IRCC panel physician clinic. It doesn't need to be in Canada.

I am not familiar with the details of Stream A Hong Kong pathway. So it's better if you can reach out to organization that's specialized in helping applicants under the HK pathway.
e.g. Hong Kong Watch
The catch is that if you applied for a BOWP or PGWP before you become out of status, you need to stay inside Canada for a maintain status.
Also graduating in mid May may not be the same as getting all the required documents you need to apply for the PR. So make sure that you account for the time.

 

[canuck78]

Hi everyone,
I’m planning to travel from May 28, 2025, to July 1, 2025. I am a Hong Kong Permanent Resident currently studying at a university in Ontario as an international student, with an expected graduation date in mid-May.
I plan to submit my PR application through the Stream A (In-Canada Graduates) pathway for Hong Kong residents in mid-May. According to the guidelines, I need to be physically present in Canada both when I submit my application and when my PR is granted.
I have a valid study permit that expires in August 2025, so I don’t anticipate any issues returning to Canada. However, I’m concerned that traveling during this period might create challenges, particularly if I am asked to complete a medical exam after my application is reviewed. Being away could potentially delay the process if I cannot complete the exam promptly.
I would really appreciate any advice or insights on whether traveling during this time might cause complications with my application. Thank you so much!

Assume also applying for PGWP?

 

[AriannaP]

In terms of medical, you can complete it at any IRCC panel physician clinic. It doesn't need to be in Canada.

I am not familiar with the details of Stream A Hong Kong pathway. So it's better if you can reach out to organization that's specialized in helping applicants under the HK pathway.
e.g. Hong Kong Watch
The catch is that if you applied for a BOWP or PGWP before you become out of status, you need to stay inside Canada for a maintain status.
Also graduating in mid May may not be the same as getting all the required documents you need to apply for the PR. So make sure that you account for the time.

Thank you for your response.
I should have clarified that I am going to extend my study permit as well since I am starting graduate school in September 2025. With that being said, I don't think I will need a BOWP or PGWP.
Thank you for the reminder. If I do submit my PR application in mid May, how long does it take for IIRC to review my application and request for a completion of medical exam, and what is the time limit on completing the medical exam upon request?

 

[AriannaP]

Assume also applying for PGWP?

Apologies. No, I am not applying for PGWP. I am planning to start my graduate studies in September 2025 so I will extend my study permit in April or so

 

[YVR123]

Thank you for your response.
I should have clarified that I am going to extend my study permit as well since I am starting graduate school in September 2025. With that being said, I don't think I will need a BOWP or PGWP.
Thank you for the reminder. If I do submit my PR application in mid May, how long does it take for IIRC to review my application and request for a completion of medical exam, and what is the time limit on completing the medical exam upon request?

That's interesting. I think some will want to defer their graduate school after PR since the titution will be lower.
And with the current processing time, you are unlikely to get PR before September 2025.

I think it make sense to apply for BOWP in case you want to work after you return from your vacation.
And it will provide a temporary status for you to apply for provincial healthcare ... etc. while waiting for study permit extension and your new school to start in September.

Anyway. I have no idea on the timing for medical. They usually give ppl 30 days to complete but we've seen shorter time period given.
And as I have replied, you cannot count on the school to issue completion letter or transcript soon after you finished your program.
I saw members still waiting for their document to submit for PGWP and one of them graduated in mid Dec.
Anyway, this is not a program that I am familiar with (HK pathway). Hopefully, you get your application in soon.

 

[AriannaP]

That's interesting. I think some will want to defer their graduate school after PR since the titution will be lower.
And with the current processing time, you are unlikely to get PR before September 2025.

I think it make sense to apply for BOWP in case you want to work after you return from your vacation.
And it will provide a temporary status for you to apply for provincial healthcare ... etc. while waiting for study permit extension and your new school to start in September.

Anyway. I have no idea on the timing for medical. They usually give ppl 30 days to complete but we've seen shorter time period given.
And as I have replied, you cannot count on the school to issue completion letter or transcript soon after you finished your program.
I saw members still waiting for their document to submit for PGWP and one of them graduated in mid Dec.
Anyway, this is not a program that I am familiar with (HK pathway). Hopefully, you get your application in soon.

Thank you for your advice.

Indeed, the tuition will be lower when I get my PR, but it isn't a big difference because of the school and degree I am applying to, and I can change my status to domestic once I get my PR in the middle of my studies.

My current study permit expires on August 31, 2025 and allows me to work full time in the summer on campus. I am required to purchase UHIP (equivalent to provincial healthcare) when I get into graduate school. My current UHIP expires on August 31, 2025 as well. Do I still need to apply for BOWP?

I have contacted the school to ensure my physical diploma or transcript will be received in mid May so that should not be a problem unless mishaps happen. But yes, I will make sure to have all the documents ready prior submission.

30 days may be a bit tricky if I were to travel for 40 days. Do you know if I can ask for a longer time? Thank you!