PR Travel Document Explained

A Permanent Resident (PR) Travel Document is essential for Canadian permanent residents outside the country without a valid PR card. Navigating the requirements and understanding the process for obtaining this document is crucial. This travel document ensures that you can return to Canada without unnecessary hassles.

Understanding the specifics of the PR Travel Document can save you a lot of worry and headache. It serves as proof of your permanent resident status when you return to Canada, particularly if your PR card has expired or you left it behind. Knowing who needs this document, how long the application process takes, and the associated costs will help you plan better and avoid complications.

In this article, we’ll dive into what a PR Travel Document is, who needs one, the time and costs involved, and whether you can apply for it from inside Canada. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the importance of this document and be better prepared for your travels as a Canadian permanent resident.

What Is a PR Travel Document?

A PR Travel Document is a temporary travel document issued to Canadian permanent residents who are outside Canada and do not have a valid PR card. It serves as proof of your status as a permanent resident and allows you to return to Canada. Without this document, airlines may not allow you to board your flight back to Canada, and you may face complications at the border.

The PR Travel Document can be issued to allow the holder either one single entry to Canada, or multiple entries to Canada. A PRTD is issued as a countermeasure for situations where permanent residents cannot present a valid PR card while travelling. It is important to note that this document is not a long-term replacement for a PR card – it is a temporary solution when someone does not have a PR card. Once you return to Canada, you should apply for a new PR card at the earliest opportunity.

To obtain a PR Travel Document, you must demonstrate that you still meet the residency obligations required by Canadian law. This involves proving that you have spent at least 730 days in Canada in the past five years. If you meet this requirement, you can proceed with the application and gather the necessary documents to support your claim.

Who Needs a PR Travel Document?

Understanding who needs a PR Travel Document is essential for hassle-free travel. Any Canadian permanent resident who is outside Canada without a valid PR card needs this document to re-enter the country on board any commercial vehicle, such as a plane, bus, or train. Some common situations where a permanent resident of Canada would need a PRTD would include:

• PR Card stolen, lost, or destroyed while the permanent resident is outside Canada
• The permanent resident applied to renew their PR card, but has not yet received it before they had to leave Canada
• They just became a permanent resident, and have not yet received their first PR card
• The permanent resident does not have a valid PR card, and has left Canada

If you find yourself in another country without a valid PR card, you will need a PR Travel Document to return to Canada. This document becomes particularly important because airlines and border officials will require proof of your PR status before allowing you to board a flight or cross the border into Canada. Without it, your return could be delayed.

Additionally, temporary residents or those with other forms of Canadian visas do not need a PR Travel Document. This document specifically targets those holding permanent resident status who need to re-enter Canada without a valid PR card. By understanding who exactly needs this document, you can ensure that you meet all travel requirements and avoid unnecessary delays.

How Long Does It Take and How Much Does It Cost?

The time it takes to get a PR Travel Document can vary based on application volumes and which visa office processes the application. Generally, the processing time ranges from a few days to several weeks or even months. The specific timeframe depends on factors such as the workload at the visa office handling your application and the completeness of your submitted documents. It is advisable to apply as soon as you realize you need the document to avoid any last-minute delays. Always check the current processing times on the official government website to get an accurate estimate.

As for the cost, there is a fee associated with applying for a PR Travel Document, which is CAD$50. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Alongside the application fee, you might also incur additional costs for things like mailing your application, obtaining passport-sized photos, and getting any required documents notarized.

It’s essential to prepare all necessary documents to avoid any delays in processing. These typically include your completed application form, proof of your permanent resident status, passport-sized photographs, and any additional information that supports your case. Knowing the time and cost involved helps in better planning and ensures a smoother application process.

Can I Apply for a PR Travel Document from Inside Canada?

No, you cannot apply for a PR Travel Document from inside Canada. The PR Travel Document is specifically designed for permanent residents who are outside the country and do not have a valid PR card to re-enter Canada. If you are currently within Canada and need to renew your PR card, you must follow the standard PR card renewal process.

The PR Travel Document application must be submitted from outside Canada. You can send your application to the nearest Canadian visa office in the country where you are currently located. Be sure to check the specific requirements and steps for applying from that visa office, as procedures can vary depending on the location.

While you cannot apply for a PR Travel Document from inside Canada, you can take steps to ensure you are prepared before leaving the country. Always check the expiration date on your PR card and apply for a renewal well in advance of any planned travel. This proactive approach helps you avoid the need for a PR Travel Document altogether, as you’ll have your valid PR card on hand when you need it.

What if you don’t meet the residency requirement?

In order to have your PRTD application approved, you must meet the residency obligation outlined in section 28 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which is 730 days out of every 5 years spent inside Canada.

If the permanent resident who is outside Canada does not meet the residency requirement at the time they apply for a PRTD, the application will be rejected unless the applicant has sufficient Humanitarian and Compassionate considerations to overcome the breach of the residency obligation.

It is important to note that if a PR Travel Document application is rejected, then the applicant’s PR status in Canada is revoked. A PRTD refusal can be appealed. Due to the complexity of the application, and the severity of the outcome if a mistake is made, it is strongly recommended to hire a professional to assist with a PRTD application made on humanitarian and compassionate grounds or a PRTD residency obligation appeal.

Conclusion

A PR Travel Document is crucial for Canadian permanent residents who find themselves outside the country without a valid PR card. Understanding the requirements and application process for this document can save you from unnecessary hassle and delays. Whether you need it due to an expired PR card or because you forgot your card at home, knowing how to obtain a PR Travel Document helps ensure a smooth return to Canada.

If you’re outside of Canada and need a PR Travel Document, remember to apply as soon as possible to account for processing times. The CAD$50 fee and additional costs are a small price for the peace of mind that comes with having the correct travel documents.

For further guidance and support with your PR Travel Document or any other immigration concerns, contact Doherty Fultz Immigration. Our experienced immigration consultants in Toronto, Ontario, can help you navigate the complexities of Canadian immigration. Reach out to us today for expert assistance.