If you’re a Canadian permanent resident (PR) currently outside Canada and your PR card is expired, lost, or not with you, you won’t be allowed to board a commercial flight or travel back to Canada — unless you have a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD).
This essential travel document confirms your PR status and acts as a temporary re-entry visa, allowing you to return legally to Canada by air, sea, or land.
A PRTD is an official document issued by IRCC through a Canadian visa office abroad. It allows a valid permanent resident who is outside Canada — but without a valid PR card — to re-enter the country via commercial transport.
You must apply for a PRTD before boarding a flight back to Canada if you don’t have a valid PR card in hand.
You need a PRTD if:
You are a permanent resident of Canada
You are outside Canada
Your PR card is expired, lost, stolen, or never received
You want to return to Canada by air, bus, train, or boat
You do not need a PRTD if you are driving to Canada in a private vehicle (land border crossing may accept other documents with proof of PR).
To be eligible, you must:
Hold valid permanent resident status
Not have renounced or lost your PR status
Meet the residency obligation (at least 730 days in Canada in the last 5 years), or
Qualify under humanitarian grounds or exemptions (e.g., accompanying Canadian citizen spouse abroad)
Download and complete the following:
IMM 5524 – Application for a Travel Document (Permanent Resident Abroad)
IMM 5476 – Use of a Representative (optional)
IMM 5475 – Authority to Release Personal Information (if needed)
Prepare supporting documents:
Passport
Expired/lost PR card (if available)
Travel history & itinerary
Proof of residency (tax returns, leases, utility bills, etc.)
Photos (as per IRCC photo specifications)
Pay the fee:
$50 CAD (paid online)
Submit application:
Through the IRCC Portal, or
To the nearest Canadian visa office or VAC (Visa Application Centre) in your current country
Typically 2–6 weeks, depending on visa office and country
Emergency processing may be available in urgent situations (e.g., medical emergency, death in the family)
IRCC may request additional documents or interviews
If approved:
You’ll receive a temporary one-time travel document inserted into your passport
It’s usually valid for one entry only
Use it to board a flight or cross the border into Canada
Once in Canada:
Apply immediately for a new PR card through IMM 5444
If your PRTD application is refused:
IRCC likely determined that you do not meet the residency obligation
You may appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) within 60 days
Alternatively, you may renounce PR and apply for a visitor visa or other pathway
It’s strongly recommended to consult an immigration lawyer if your status is at risk.
| Feature | PR Card | PRTD |
|---|---|---|
| Who gets it? | PRs in Canada | PRs outside Canada |
| Purpose | Proof of PR & travel | Temporary re-entry document |
| Validity | 5 years | Usually single-use |
| Application location | Inside Canada | Outside Canada (Visa office) |
| Fee | $50 CAD | $50 CAD |
Whether you’re aiming for Permanent Residence, Temporary Residence, Canadian Citizenship, or any of our Other Services, April In The Rockies Immigration Solutions is here to guide you every step of the way. Book your free consultation today and let’s make your Canadian dream a reality.
