Can I Return Home After Submitting My Electronic Application For PR Via Express Entry?

In Canada, a successful Express Entry application generates an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR). In short, applicants who obtain an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency to Canada in an Express Entry draw must then submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Applicants who receive eAPRs have 60 days in total to apply for Canadian PR. To apply for PR under Express Entry at this time, ITA recipients must log into their IRCC profile and complete the relevant form.

In a nutshell, the applicant must make sure all relevant documents are submitted with their application, confirm that all responses to the eAPR questions are true, and pay all fee and costs. Now that we are familiar with eAPRs, let’s take a closer look at what Express Entry is in order to better comprehend the question at the heart of this article.

Canada’s Express Entry – A pathway to PR

Express Entry is the name given by IRCC to the system that manages immigration applications to three different programs – the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSWP).

Express Entry requires interested candidates to first determine and verify their eligibility for any of the three above programs. Detailed requirements outlined by IRCC are available to help begin this process. Conversely, interested candidates can easily verify that they meet the minimum requirements for Express Entry.

From there, applicants can check their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score using a CRS score calculator and submit an online profile to the IRCC website. Candidates must wait to see if they are selected in one of the IRCC’s Express Entry draws, which take place generally every two weeks, after submitting their Express Entry profile.

These drawings randomly select eligible candidates based on a cut-off score established by IRCC, award them with an ITA, and allow them to submit an eAPR to IRCC within 60 days. Lastly, chosen candidates must submit their online eAPR and wait for IRCC to make a final PR determination.

When I Submit My eAPR, Can I travel Back to My Home Country?

While an application is being handled, PR applicants who submit their eAPR from within Canada are able to travel back to their home country. However, they must possess the necessary documents for re-entry if they decide to go back to Canada. Also, must have a current passport in order to re-enter Canada. If the person is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, they must also have a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA), depending on the purpose for their re-entry. Additionally, if they apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), qualified foreign skilled workers can remain in Canada until the time their present work permit expires and the time their eAPR is finally decided. If a foreign citizen files an eAPR and wants to apply for a BOWP, they may travel while the eAPR is being processed as long as they are not in maintained status and they plan to return to Canada before the work permit expires.

Austin Campbell

Austin has been quite active in the immigration arena since 2010. He has authored over 250 immigration publications, given over 70 presentations, and organized numerous events featuring federal and provincial immigration ministers and leaders from other sectors. He is a graduate of the University of Toronto and Durham University.
View Profile View All Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.