Maple News reports: If you’re a Canadian permanent resident currently living or traveling abroad with an expired PR card, don’t panic—you haven’t lost your status. However, you’ll need to take extra steps to return to Canada legally.
A valid PR card is typically required to board a commercial flight, train, bus, or boat bound for Canada. Yet, a PR card does not determine your permanent resident status—only the ability to use it for re-entry. Canadian PR cards are generally valid for five years, though some may expire sooner.
If your card expires while you’re outside of Canada, you cannot apply for a replacement PR card until you’re back inside the country. To return, you’ll need a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD), a one-time-use document that allows entry as a confirmed permanent resident.
The PRTD is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to eligible holders of PR status who are currently outside Canada and lack valid documents to return. Applications cost $50 CAD and are typically submitted by mail through the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC), though online applications are also possible under certain conditions.
Applicants must include their original, valid passport and may be asked to attend either a virtual or in-person interview, although this requirement is rare. Once approved, the PRTD is affixed to the passport as a counterfoil and is usually valid for six months.
Processing times for PRTD applications vary widely due to individual circumstances and potential operational impacts such as those caused by COVID-19-related disruptions. Some VACs may offer limited services or be temporarily closed.
Once back on Canadian soil, permanent residents should promptly apply for a new PR card to ensure smooth travel in the future. It’s worth noting that traveling by private vehicle from the U.S. into Canada is often an exception where a valid PR card may not be required.
Remaining informed about your immigration documents and taking proactive steps can help avoid unnecessary travel complications. For those needing legal guidance, seeking professional immigration advice is recommended.
Maple News will continue to provide timely updates and insights on Canadian immigration requirements as they evolve.