What Happens to Your Canadian PR Application if Your U.S. Visa Expires?

If you're applying for Canadian permanent residence (PR) while holding a U.S. visa—such as an F-1 (OPT) or H-1B—you may have asked yourself:

• “What happens to my Canadian PR application if my U.S. visa expires?”

• “If I need to leave the U.S., does it mean I’ll lose my chance to immigrate to Canada?”

The good news is: your PR application remains valid even if your U.S. status ends—as long as you meet a few key requirements.

What You Must Maintain for Your PR Application

• Keep your IRCC profile up to date(address, email, and phone number)

• Maintain a status that allows you to enter Canada(e.g., valid passport, ETA, visitor visa)

• Be able to respond promptly to any IRCC requests(additional documents, interviews, etc.)

If You Must Leave the U.S.

Leaving the U.S. does not affect your PR application. You can continue the process from your home country or any third country using your IRCC account.

Examples:

• OPT expires → Return to Korea → PR approved → Land in Canada

• H-1B denied → Stay in Mexico → PR approved → Land via U.S.–Canada border

Before You Leave the U.S.

• Backup your IRCC login credentials(email, phone number, security answers)

• Prepare digital copies of key documents(proof of employment, education, family ties)

• Report your new address after moving(via IRCC GCKey or PR Portal)

Caution: Common Scenarios

Scenario	Impact	Recommendation
Overstaying in the U.S. after visa expiry	May negatively affect PR application	Ensure legal status (including by leaving)
Cannot re-enter the U.S. after PR is approved	PR may be void if you can't land in Canada	Obtain ETA or visitor visa to enter Canada
Change of email or mailing address	Missing IRCC messages may delay process	Check your IRCC account regularly

Real Case Examples

• Applied for PR right before OPT expiry → Returned to Korea → PR approved → Landed in Canada

• H-1B denied → Stayed temporarily in Mexico → PR approved → Landed via U.S.–Canada border

In Summary

If you're preparing to immigrate to Canada from the U.S., advance planning is key. If your U.S. visa is nearing expiry, consider your next country of residence and ensure that you can continue your PR process smoothly from abroad.

Curious about the best immigration path for your current situation?

Book a consultation today.