A permanent resident (PR) of Canada might leave Canada for some time. If that person wants to return, they must however present their PR card. This is the card that confirms their PR status in Canada. As you probably know, most PR cards last for five years. If a PR card expires, that does not mean a person has lost PR status. The implication is that you will not be able to use that card to re-enter Canada. However, there is an exception if you are travelling by private car. In this article, we will look at what you can do if your PR card expires outside Canada.
A person can only apply for a PR card from within Canada. This means that if you are outside Canada when your PR card expires, you cannot apply for a new one. Instead, you will need to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD). If the PRTD is approved, you can then use the PRTD to re-enter Canada. The PRTD is usually valid for six months after it is issued and you can only use it once.
How To Apply For A PTRD?
To apply for a PRTD, you must have a Canadian PR status. Also, you must currently be outside Canada. The application for a PRTD is $50 CAD. The normal application process for a PRTD by mail through the nearest Canadian Visa Application Centre (VAC). For a list of VACs, you can go through the government website. Also, you will find other resources for permanent residents currently overseas.
Due to COVID-19, some VACs are not accepting PRTD applications. So, you can find a list of VACs and which services are provided here. If you are unable to send their application to the VAC, you can apply online.
In both cases, you will need to send your original passport as part of your application. Please note that you may be called for an in-person or virtual interview. If your application is successful, you will receive the PRTD, which is a counterfoil on the passport.
Due to COVID and the fact that each case is different, there is no way to predict how long processing for a PRTD will take.
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