Re-entering Canada with an Expired or Lost PR Card

To return to Canada using commercial transportation such as a plane, bus, train or boat, you must present either a valid PR card or a single-entry Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD). Without one of these two documents, commercial workers will not allow you to board. This requirement is enforced by Canadian immigration authorities and applies to all commercial transportation providers.

If your PR card is near its expiry and you plan to travel, you should renew it before leaving Canada. PR cards can only be renewed from within Canada and cannot be renewed from abroad.

Why You Need a PR Card

Canadian permanent residents are ideally required to present a valid Permanent Resident (PR) card when returning to Canada, as it is the official document that proves their legal status. However, some individuals may find themselves outside the country with an expired PR card or in other scenarios such as PR card loss, delayed PR card renewal, or unexpected travel.

Crossing Canadian Border by Car

If you are in the United States, returning to Canada without a valid PR card will be easier in comparison to the other methods. You can cross the border from the U.S. using a private vehicle such as a car, truck, or motorcycle that you either own, borrow, or rent. This does not include public buses or other commercial transportation.

At the border, Canadian officials will verify your permanent resident status and may allow entry at their discretion, even without a valid PR card. If you are outside the United States, you can first fly into the U.S. and then drive to the Canadian border. However, given the current immigration climate, this option is not strongly suggested, nor is it advisable.

Getting a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)

Contrary to renewing your PR Card in Canada, if you need to return to Canada by plane, boat, train, or bus, you must apply for a PRTD from outside Canada. A PRTD confirms your permanent resident status and allows re-entry for single time or in some cases multiple entries may be granted.

To apply, you must provide a valid passport, proof of permanent resident status such as a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) or an expired PR card, and documents that demonstrate and prove your ties to Canada. These may include a lease agreement, mail indicating name and mailing address, bills etc. You must also complete the application form and pay the corresponding processing fee of $50, this fee may increase so be sure to verify processing fees on the Government of Canada website as they can increase. Processing times depend on your location and the visa office’s backlog or application volume, so it is best to apply early with complete, if not extra, documentation.

U.S. Citizens Who Are Canadian Permanent Residents

If you are a U.S. citizen and a Canadian permanent resident, your re-entry is fairly straight-forward. You can use your U.S. passport to enter Canada by land, air, or sea without needing a Canadian PR card or PRTD. However, it is still important to carry proof of your Canadian permanent resident status, such as a COPR or expired PR card, in case border security officials ask for it.

Once You Are Back in Canada

After returning to Canada, you should apply for a new PR card as soon as possible if your previous card has been expired, lost, or never received. Applications must be submitted from within Canada and processing can take upwards of several weeks.

Although travelling without a valid PR card can be stressful, it is doable with proper planning and can be avoided entirely if you renew your PR card prior to travelling. Regardless of how you return to Canada, applying for a new PR card is crucial.

If your PR card is expired or lost and you are currently outside of Canada, at Canadim we can help. Contact us for assistance with obtaining a PRTD or renewing your PR card once you are back in the country.