Anyone wishing to enter Canada’s borders must possess a valid travel document. Canadian permanent residents can use their permanent resident card (PR card) 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).

NSRIC Immigration and Visa Consulting (NIVC) will help you with your PRTD application. The application package consists of the instruction guide and all the forms that need to be completed. Use the instruction guide and document checklist to ensure you get everything with our experts when submitting your documents online.

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 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.
• 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 through NIVC. Upon application submission, a visa officer will review it to ensure it is complete and the applicant has met their residency obligations. If the applicant fails to meet their residency obligations, then their status as a permanent resident may avoid falling 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 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.