Last Updated On 20 January 2023, 9:06 AM EST (Toronto Time)

Permanent residents outside Canada without valid PR cards need a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) to return to Canada.

Moreover, a permanent resident travel card is generally valid for a single entry to Canada.

If you are a Canadian permanent resident outside Canada needing a PRTD, you must apply for a new PR card as soon as you return to Canada.

In this article, you can learn about permanent resident travel documents (PRTD).

Who is eligible for a permanent resident travel document?

You can apply for a permanent resident travel document if want to return to Canada and you are:

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

How to apply for a permanent resident travel document?

You can apply for a permanent resident travel document if you meet the eligibility criteria and residency obligation.

To apply, you must submit a complete application, including all required forms and supporting documents applicable to your country or territory.

Moreover, you would also have to pay the non-refundable application fee of $50.

Additionally, you must show in your application that you meet the requirements to remain a permanent resident.

If you plan to apply with your family, each family member must submit a separate application for a permanent resident travel document with the correct fee.

This rule applies to all, regardless of their age.

Canada PR Residency Obligation – Here Is How To Calculate!

Steps to apply for a permanent resident travel document

Step 1: Use the IRCC tool to find your country-specific forms and document requirement for your application.

Step 2: Once you have identified your country-specific documents, fill out the required forms. In general, you would fill out and submit the following forms.

Form IMM 5444 – Application for a permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document
Form IMM 5644 – Document checklist

The forms below are additional. Submit the forms below only if they apply to you.

Form IMM 5476 – Use of a representative (if applicable)
- If this applies to you, you and your representative must sign this form by hand
Form IMM 5475 – Authority to release personal information to a designated individual

While filling out the form, remember to fill out each section. If something does not apply to you, either writer ‘N/A’ or ‘Not Applicable.’ Leaving sections blank may result in your application being returned or delayed.

Step 4: Once you have filled out all the forms, pay your application fee of $50. You must include your proof of payment receipt with your online or paper application.

As mentioned, you have a separate application for each family member and pay the required application fees.

Step 3: Submit your supporting documents and application. Those applying online can submit all documents through the permanent resident portal.

For full official IRCC guide to apply, click here.

Processing times for PRTD varies by country. Usually, it may take up to 6 to 8 weeks for processing of PRTD. However, it may take even longer than 8 weeks.