You do not need to apply for a TRV separately if you apply for an initial study permit or a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) from outside Canada. However, if you applied for a work permit or study permit from within Canada and have a plan to travel and return to Canada, you must have a stamp on your passport.
In Canada, Work Permits are usually issued as a paper document separate from your passport. If you're seeking to enter or re-enter Canada, the Work Permit itself is what authorizes your work in Canada, not a stamp in your passport. However, if your situation requires a visa to re-enter Canada (or if you're traveling to another country that requires a visa), you might indeed need a stamp or a visa sticker in your passport.
Here are general steps you might follow:
- Check Visa Requirements: If you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, determine if you need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to re-enter Canada after traveling abroad. The requirement depends on your country of citizenship.
- Apply for a TRV or eTA if Necessary: If you determine that you need a TRV or eTA based on your citizenship, you will need to apply for it. The TRV application can be done online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or at a Canadian visa office abroad. An eTA can be applied for directly online and is electronically linked to your passport.
- Visit a Visa Application Centre (if required): If you're applying for a TRV and are required to provide biometrics or if the Canadian embassy or consulate requests an interview, you might need to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in person. Here, they may place a visa sticker in your passport upon approval.
- Entering or Re-Entering Canada: When you travel back to Canada, ensure you have your valid passport, Work Permit, and any other required documents such as a TRV or eTA. Upon your arrival, a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will review your documents and may ask a few questions about your stay and work in Canada. The officer will then grant you entry but typically won't stamp your passport. In Canada, passport stamps are not commonly used as proof of entry or status; instead, your Work Permit and the electronic record of your entry serve this purpose.
- For Other Countries: If you're planning to travel to a country other than Canada, you'll need to check that country's visa requirements separately. If a visa is required, follow the application process outlined by that country's embassy or consulate, which may include receiving a visa stamp or sticker in your passport.
Important Notes:
- Always ensure your passport has sufficient validity for your travel plans.
- Keep a digital copy of all important documents, including your Work Permit, passport, and any visas, in case of loss or theft.
- Review and understand the conditions of your Work Permit, including any travel restrictions that may apply.
Remember, immigration rules and requirements can change, so it's crucial to refer to the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or consult with an immigration professional for the most current information and personalized advice. Safe travels!
