Maple News reports that increasing numbers of new Canadian permanent residents (PRs) are facing lengthy delays in receiving their official PR cards, preventing many from leaving the country even after gaining permanent resident status. This issue has left over 70,000 new PR card applicants in limbo, according to federal data shared in late 2023.
A PR card is not just an immigration document—it also serves as a crucial travel credential for permanent residents returning to Canada. Without it, international travel becomes nearly impossible unless alternative arrangements are made. The lack of a PR card can cause significant difficulty in emergencies, such as family crises, job opportunities, or sudden illness abroad.
Fortunately, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offers an urgent processing option for eligible applicants. Permanent residents with travel plans within the next three months may qualify for expedited processing if their travel is related to:
– A new or existing job opportunity
– A serious illness (either personally or of a close family member)
– The death of a family member
However, IRCC makes it clear that meeting urgent travel criteria does not guarantee fast processing. As of the latest update, IRCC estimates a wait time of approximately 42 days for first-time PR card issuance, while renewals or replacements currently take an average of 63 days.
Whether your application will be completed in time depends on when your travel date falls, whether you’re currently inside or outside Canada, and the specific status of your PR card application. Even those who’ve already applied may find it difficult to receive their card before their departure.
For permanent residents stuck abroad without a valid PR card, there’s another option: a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD). This one-time travel document allows eligible PRs outside of Canada to return home legally. While not a long-term substitute for a PR card, the PRTD can be a practical solution in urgent situations.
The wait times and procedural challenges underscore a broader issue in document backlogs faced by immigrants in Canada. While IRCC continues its efforts to streamline processing, new PRs are advised to plan travel cautiously and apply for their PR cards as early as possible.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on PR card processing developments and immigration policies impacting permanent residents.