Any person wishing to enter Canada’s borders must possess a valid travel document. Canadian permanent residents are able to use their permanent resident card (PR card) in order to enter the country. However, if a permanent resident does not have a valid PR card and needs to enter Canada, they may be eligible to apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD).

Generally, PRTDs are valid for a single entry to Canada, allowing a permanent resident to enter the country before obtaining a new PR card. A permanent resident may only apply for a PR card from inside of Canada, so the PRTD is often necessary to facilitate entry to Canada. A person may apply for a permanent resident travel document if they meet the following criteria:

• They are a permanent resident of Canada;
• They do not have a valid PR card showing PR status;
• They are outside Canada, and;
• They will return to Canada by airplane, boat, train, or bus.

If a person meets the criteria for a PRTD, they can submit an application. Please note that upon submission of the application, a visa officer will review it to ensure it is complete and that the applicant has met their residency obligations. If the applicant has failed to meet their residency obligations, then their status as a permanent resident may fall into jeopardy. Please note that immigrants from countries requiring a visa to enter Canada who have received their confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) should be issued a travel visa with their COPR. This travel visa allows them to travel to a Canadian Port of Entry (POE) to enter Canada where they can begin the process of obtaining their PR card. It is not necessary for a newly confirmed permanent resident to obtain a PRTD, as the above-mentioned travel visa will be issued to those immigrants who require it.