Permanent Resident Travel
Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)
Are you outside Canada without a valid PR card? You may need a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) to board a commercial flight, bus, boat or train to Canada.
01 What Is a PRTD?
A permanent resident travel document is temporary proof of Canadian permanent resident status for travel. IRCC places the document in a valid passport or travel document so a permanent resident without a valid PR card can board a commercial carrier to Canada.
02 Do You Need a PRTD?
Select the situation that matches your planned return to Canada.
You Have Your Valid PR Card
You do not need a PRTD. Show your valid PR card and passport or travel document when travelling to Canada by commercial carrier.
You Are Outside Canada Without a Valid PR Card
If you will return by plane, bus, boat or train, apply for a PRTD. This includes situations where your PR card expired or was lost, stolen or damaged while you were abroad.
You Will Cross by Land in a Private Vehicle
A PRTD is not required to reach a Canadian land border in a private vehicle. You must still satisfy the Canada Border Services Agency of your identity and permanent resident status using appropriate documents.
You Are in Canada
A PRTD is for permanent residents outside Canada. If you are in Canada and need proof of status for future commercial travel, apply to renew or replace your PR card.
You Are Not a Permanent Resident
A PRTD is only for Canadian permanent residents. Canadian citizens and people who do not have permanent resident status cannot apply.
03 How Is the Residency Obligation Assessed?
IRCC reviews your permanent resident status and residency record as part of the PRTD application. The applicable period depends on how long you have been a permanent resident.
At Least 730 Qualifying Days
If you have been a permanent resident for five years or more, you must show at least 730 qualifying days in the five years immediately before the examination of your application.
Ability to Reach 730 Days
If you have been a permanent resident for less than five years, you must show that you will be able to reach at least 730 qualifying days by the fifth anniversary of becoming a permanent resident.
Qualifying Time Abroad
Days outside Canada may count when you accompany a Canadian citizen spouse, common-law partner or parent; work abroad full-time in a qualifying assignment for a Canadian business or public service; or accompany a permanent resident spouse, partner or parent who has that qualifying employment.
Evidence should cover the relevant period and support both your travel history and any time abroad you ask IRCC to count. The legal tests for qualifying employment and accompanying a family member are specific, so the result depends on the underlying facts and documents.
04 What If You Do Not Meet the Residency Obligation?
If your qualifying days are insufficient, you may ask IRCC to consider humanitarian and compassionate factors. Your application should explain why you remained outside Canada, the hardship that loss of status would cause, and the best interests of any child directly affected, where applicable.
This is a discretionary assessment. You must provide documents supporting the exceptional circumstances and the impact of losing permanent resident status.
05 How to Apply
The usual process is completed from outside Canada. Each family member who needs a PRTD must submit a separate, complete application.
Review Your Residency Record
Review your travel history, calculate your qualifying days and identify the residency rule that applies before preparing the application.
Prepare Forms and Supporting Documents
Complete the application and document checklist. Include copies of your valid passport or travel document, the passport pages used during the relevant five-year period, proof of permanent resident status and evidence supporting your residency calculation or humanitarian and compassionate request.
Pay the Processing Fee
Pay the fee online and include the payment receipt with the application. The fee is not refunded once processing has started or if the application is refused.
Submit the Application
Apply online through the Permanent Residence Portal. Paper applications are available where an applicant cannot apply online and requires an accommodation, including for accessibility reasons; contact the nearest visa application centre before submitting on paper.
Submit Your Passport if Approved
IRCC may request more information or an interview. If the application is approved, IRCC will explain how and where to submit your valid passport or travel document so the PRTD can be placed in it.
06 Frequently Asked Questions
Does an expired PR card mean I lost permanent resident status?+
Is a PRTD valid for more than one trip?+
Can I apply for a PR card while outside Canada?+
How long does PRTD processing take?+
Can I appeal a refusal based on the residency obligation?+
Talk to a Licensed Expert
Need to return to Canada without a valid PR card?
Get personilized guidance to assess the applicable residency rules, review your evidence and help prepare your PRTD application.
