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PGWP expiring and need a TRV to travel? Apply for the PGWP extension first

Canada • Post-Graduation Work Permit • work 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Step-by-Step

If your PGWP is expiring soon and you also need to travel outside Canada and return, apply in this order:

  1. Apply for your PGWP extension first, as early as possible — processing typically takes around 60 days or more, so don't wait until close to your expiry date.

  2. Wait for the PGWP extension to be approved (or, per the same policy that lets you keep working while an in-Canada extension is pending, at least get to the point where your new work permit number is confirmed) before applying for the TRV.

  3. Apply for the TRV using your new work permit approval. TRV processing is generally much faster, often within about a month, so it makes sense to sequence it after the PGWP extension rather than in parallel.


Applying for the TRV before the PGWP extension is approved risks the visa office not having up-to-date proof of your status in Canada, which can complicate the travel document application.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Do: Apply for the PGWP extension well before your permit expires — processing runs roughly 60+ days.
  • Do: Get the PGWP extension approved (or your new work permit number confirmed) before submitting the TRV application.
  • Tip: TRV processing is usually much faster than PGWP extension processing, so sequence PGWP extension first, then TRV.

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