Travel from US (by land) into Canada w/o valid visa but valid work permits
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Posted on: 16-12-09 23:42:53
Hi,
I have a valid (expires in 2011) work permit; however my visa has expired.
My understanding from the websites of Canadian consulates in NY & DC is that it takes up to 30 days for visa renewal.
Further, I interpret that when traveling from US into CAN by land, one does not require a visa but a valid permit for CAN. As I have to travel to US urgently, I was thinking of doing the same.
The question is:
a) is my interpretation correct ? (have been unsuccessful in retrieving the link from CIC website where this was stateed 
)
b) if yes, does anyone have personal experience in doing so....i.e. went through the border w/o any hassles.
FYI, I have an Indian passport (if vandematram was not indicative enuf 
cheers,
Quote:
Originally posted by vand3matram
Hi,
I have a valid (expires in 2011) work permit; however my visa has expired.
My understanding from the websites of Canadian consulates in NY & DC is that it takes up to 30 days for visa renewal.
Further, I interpret that when traveling from US into CAN by land, one does not require a visa but a valid permit for CAN. As I have to travel to US urgently, I was thinking of doing the same.
The question is:
a) is my interpretation correct ? (have been unsuccessful in retrieving the link from CIC website where this was stateed
b) if yes, does anyone have personal experience in doing so....i.e. went through the border w/o any hassles.
FYI, I have an Indian passport (if vandematram was not indicative enuf
cheers,
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It is my understanding that you need to have a VALID Visa to re enter, for which you need to ask for Extension based on your WORK VISA. They will do it for you and so please contact the number above. (Today it is out of order)
You came in on a Single Entry Visa. That was not the right thing to do.
""If an extension is required, you are required to make an application to CIC’s processing centre in Vegreville, Alberta, before the expiry date on the document. ((For this you can go to a Immigrant Help Center, they will help you with the forms and filling. Choose the nearest one that has been doing it.))
If, during your stay in Canada, you choose to travel to Mexico or anywhere outside of the United States or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, while your work permit, study permit or visitor record is still valid, you will need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa to re-enter Canada. ""
There are no hassles, it is the delay and the inconvenience of not having a visa when YOU are ready to travel and return. Next time plan ahead of your travels.
No travel agent will issue to you a RETURN Ticket. (Unless you go by the road and if you do you will have a lot of difficulties, hence the phone call to the call center.)
Freddie.
If you are driving or going by BUS to United States, your Work Permit is enough to come back. You DO NOT NEED A VISA STICKER on your Passport.
Hope this Helps.
Gurram: thanks for your feedback.
<b>ftfl :
(a) bad assumption that I came on a single entry visa.
(b) you can easily book tickets on any of the umpteen online travel sites, without a valid visa. Now the airlines will not allow you to board the flight ...but that's a different story altogether.
AND i specifically mentioned in my post that my intention was to travel by LAND.
</b>
The intention of the post was to find out if someone has experienced this first hand ....
as mentioned in my first post, I had read rules regarding this on the CIC website. Found the link for it now:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5580E2.asp
(right at the bottom of the page):
--------
May I leave, then re-enter Canada?
In order to return to Canada, you must be in possession of a valid passport or travel document. You also need to hold a valid study or work permit if you are returning to study or work in Canada.
If you are a citizen of a country that requires a temporary resident visa (TRV) to travel to Canada, you will also need to be in possession of a valid entry visa to return, unless:
* you are returning to Canada following a visit only to the United States or St-Pierre and Miquelon; and
* you return before the expiry of the period initially authorized for your entry or any extension to it, either as a visitor, student or worker.
Possession of these documents does not guarantee re-entry. All persons must establish that they meet all of the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations before being authorized to enter or re-enter Canada.
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However, I did not risk this venture. Applied for visa renewal 
Yes one of my friends parents had travelled from US to Canada with visitor visa (multiple entry) that had expired. Only thing though they had applied for an extension.
Smartest move would have been is to get in touch with the number provided and getting it straight from the Horse's Mouth. ( It did not work for me that day)
Smart move is to get the Visa Extended. You did it.
So you do know....Way to go......
Freddie.
