My work permit expires on June 19th. I actually have no intention of working after that. However, I do have some other matters to wrap up, and want to attend a convention on the 20th. In all, it would be most convenient for me to leave around the 23rd of June.

Do I have to leave by the 19th? I don't want to go through the hassle of requesting an extension of 4 days and for which would take several weeks of processing. The US has a grace period in that you have I think at least 30 days after the expiry of your visa to remain before you leave. I have not been able to find any definitive evidence of something similar for Canada.

If there is no such grace period, what would be the consequences of my leaving on the 23rd still? I don't have any particular plans to return to Canada to work, but may come back for reasons of tourism.

I have not been able to talk to anyone in charge who could definitively answer.

Thanks, hope you can help.

Unless you have sought extension or change of terms, you would be required to depart Canada by the expiration date stated on your work permit. Although an extension or change-of-terms application takes several weeks to process, your status in Canada remains valid while such a case is pending. Remaining in Canada past the validity of your immigration document is a violation of the law.

I am in a similar situation. I am a student going to Canada for academic internship. My work Visa expires on 23 July 2011 while my return flight is on 26 July. Do I have a grace period? If not, what can be done? I am still in my home country and I have about a week before I leave for Canada, please let me know if I can do anything in this regard while I am still here.

Thanks.

Sincerely,
Yash Desai