PRTD Application

Canada’s entry rules

Permanent residents (PR) of Canada must carry and show their valid permanent resident card (PR card) or permanent resident travel document (PRTD) when boarding a flight to Canada, or travelling to Canada on any other commercial carrier.

 

If you do not carry your PR card or PRTD, you may not be able to board your flight, train, bus or boat to Canada.

 

It is your responsibility to make sure your PR card is still valid when you return from travel outside Canada and to apply for a new PR card before your current card expires.

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Overview

 

Use this application if you are a permanent resident outside Canada who does not have a valid Permanent Resident card (PR card) to return to Canada.

The permanent resident travel document (PRTD) is a temporary official document proving your status as a permanent resident in Canada. It proves to transportation companies that you’re allowed to travel to Canada as a permanent resident if you don’t have a valid PR card.

 

You need a PRTD if:

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• you are a permanent resident outside Canada without a valid PR card

• you plan to travel to Canada by any commercial transporter, such as a plane, train, boat or bus and

• you need to apply to renew or replace your PR card when you return to Canada.

 

What are the requirements?

 

To apply for a PRTD you need to:

• prove who you are;

• confirm your permanent resident status; and

• meet the residency obligation of a permanent resident.

 

Are you eligible?

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To be eligible for a PRTD, you must:

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• be a permanent resident outside Canada;

• confirm your PR status;

• not be in possession of a valid PR card;

• meet the residency obligation of a permanent resident;

• not be a Canadian citizen;

• not be a permanent resident who wants to voluntarily give up (renounce) their PR status, and

• not have lost your PR status.

 

Urgent processing for your PRTD application

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• You must show that you need your PRTD within the next three months for one of these reasons:

  • your own serious illness;

  • the serious illness or death of a family member;

  • lost/stolen Permanent Resident card while on temporary travel outside of Canada

  • you are in a crisis, emergency, or a vulnerable situation;

  • other

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• You must include all the following documents to show you need urgent processing:

  • a letter explaining the reason for the urgency; and

  • proof of urgency (i.e. a doctor’s note, death certificate, etc.)

 

If requesting urgent processing, write “Urgent” on your envelope.

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You must provide the English or French translation for any documents that are not English or French. See the section translation of documents.

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Note: If you do not send all this information, we may not process your application urgently. If you qualify, we can’t guarantee that you will get your PRTD on time

 

What Happens Next?

 

An officer will decide if you are eligible for a PRTD. A decision is usually made without a personal interview and is based on your application, information and documents submitted.

 

If your application is complete and you meet the requirements:

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• you will be issued a PRTD counterfoil in your passport.

 

The PRTD is all you need from the visa office for re-entry to Canada.

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If your application is incomplete:

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• Your application will be returned to you.

 

If your application for a PRTD is refused:

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• you will get a refusal letter, explaining the reasons for the refusal and your appeal rights.

 

If you decide to appeal a negative decision, follow the instructions in the “Notice of Appeal” form and letter sent with your refusal.

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If your application is withdrawn:

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• You will get a letter explaining the reasons for the withdrawal.

 

While there are no guidelines about the supporting documents to submit, you must provide documents and information on any aspect of your exceptional circumstances that would justify keeping your permanent resident status.

 

An officer will consider the factors of your case and will make a decision based on the information and documents you provide with your application.

 

Source: Government of Canada

 

 

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