The length of time a person can be outside Canada without losing their temporary resident status depends on the type of status they hold. Here's a breakdown for common temporary resident categories:
1. Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa):
- Visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for up to 6 months unless otherwise specified by an immigration officer.
- Time spent outside Canada does not automatically lead to the loss of status, but the visitor visa only allows entry to Canada within the visa’s validity period. If a visitor leaves Canada, they need a valid visa to re-enter unless exempt.
2. Work Permit
- If you have a work permit, leaving Canada doesn’t automatically result in a loss of status, but the permit must be valid upon re-entry.
- You may re-enter Canada as long as the work permit remains valid, and you meet the requirements of your permit.
- Frequent or extended periods outside Canada might affect your eligibility for other programs, such as permanent residency, but not the work permit itself.
3.Study Permit
- Similar to work permits, study permits remain valid while the holder is outside Canada, as long as the permit itself hasn't expired.
- Leaving Canada for extended periods could affect your studies or eligibility for post-graduation work permits, but simply being outside doesn't mean losing status.
4. Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
- The holder must comply with the conditions set on the permit. Leaving Canada and staying away for too long could invalidate the TRP depending on its specific terms.
- The length of time you can be outside Canada without losing status is determined by the conditions outlined in your TRP.
In general, for all temporary resident statuses, the key factor is whether the permit or visa is still valid. A person must also meet the conditions of their stay, and leaving Canada for extended periods might trigger scrutiny or additional questioning upon re-entry.
