As a permanent resident of Canada, you can apply for a temporary travel document known as the permanent resident travel document (PRTD) if you do not have a valid Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) and want to enter Canada.

A permanent resident travel document serves the same purpose as a PR card. It is issued by the Canadian Immigration Visa Office.

A PRTD will allow you to enter Canada by commercial vehicle (airplane, bus, train, or boat). You can only apply for a PRTD from outside of Canada.

Who Qualifies for a Temporary Travel Document?

A PRTD allows only a single entry to Canada. You can apply for a PRTD if you meet the following requirements:

• Be a permanent resident of Canada
• Do not have a valid PR card
• Be outside Canada
• Return to Canada by a commercial vehicle (airplane, bus, train, or boat)

If your PR card is not ready or has expired while traveling, then you can apply for a PRTD to return to Canada.

What are the Requirements for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)?

A Canadian Visa Officer is required to verify your identity and permanent residency before issuing a PRTD. They will also verify if you have fulfilled your permanent residency obligations.

Residency obligations require permanent residents of Canada to be physically present in the country for 730 days within the period of 5 years.

Residency obligations are usually assessed while applying for a PR card renewal, a PRTD, or when applying for Canadian citizenship.

If you have fulfilled your residency obligations, then you will be issued a PRTD and be allowed to return to Canada.

If you have not fulfilled your residency obligations, then your permanent residency status may be revoked.

In that case, you may appeal this decision to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within 60 days. These are known as Residency Obligation Appeals.

If your appeal is allowed and you can retain your permanent residency status.

Who Can Not Apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document?

You can not apply for a PRTD if you are the following:

• A Canadian citizen
• A permanent resident with a valid PR Card
• A permanent resident currently in Canada
• A permanent resident who is voluntarily renouncing their permanent residency
• A person who has lost your permanent residency

What is a valid Canadian travel document?

Here are a few examples of valid Canadian government-issued travel documents: a passport, a citizenship card, a permanent resident card, immigration documents issued to foreign nationals, etc.

Is a Canadian permanent resident card a travel document?

The permanent resident card is considered both an identification card and a travel document for the permanent residents of Canada.

Are all temporary travel documents valid for a single entry?

The validity of your travel documents depend on the issuing office.

Can you apply for a travel document if you are not a permanent resident or a refugee?

Temporary travel documents are only available for PR cardholders, refugees, and Canadian citizens.

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