Canada Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)

Last Updated On 9 March 2024, 10:06 AM EST (Toronto Time)

To return to Canada, permanent residents who are outside the country and do not have valid PR cards must get a permanent resident travel document, or PRTD.

A permanent resident travel card is also often good for just one entry into Canada.

You must apply for a new PR card as soon as you return to Canada if you are a permanent resident of Canada living abroad and you require a PRTD.

You may read more about the permanent resident travel document (PRTD) in this article.

Canada Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) Eligibility Criteria

If you would like to travel back to Canada, you can apply for a permanent resident travel document if you are:

are a permanent resident,
are outside of Canada and intend to return by bus, train, airline, or boat, and
do not possess a valid PR card proving your PR status.

How can I apply for a PRTD?

If you fulfill the requirements for eligibility and residency, you can apply for a travel document designating you as a permanent resident.

You must submit a complete application, along with any necessary supporting documentation and paperwork that are specific to your nation or region, in order to apply.

Additionally, you would be required to pay the $50 non-refundable application fee.

You also need to demonstrate in your application that you fulfill the permanent residency obligation.

If you want to apply with your family, each member needs to apply separately and pay the appropriate amount for a travel document that allows them to become permanent residents.

Everyone is subject to this law, regardless of age.

Steps to Apply For Permanent Resident Travel Document

Step 1: Locate the country-specific forms and documentation needed for your application using the IRCC tool.

Step 2: Complete the necessary forms after determining whether the papers are specific to your country. Generally speaking, you would complete and send in the following paperwork:.

Application for Permanent Resident Card or Permanent Resident Travel Document (Form IMM 5444)

Form IMM 5644: Checklist of Documents

Please note that you will need to download these forms and save them to your device. Only then will you be able to fill them out.

The supplementary forms are listed below. You need to only fill out the forms below if they apply to you.

Use of a representative (if applicable) on Form IMM 5476. If you hire a representative, then you must sign this form by hand with your agent.

Form IMM 5475: Permission to Disclose Personal Data to a Specified Person

Don’t forget to complete every section of the form. Write “N/A” or “Not Applicable” if something does not apply to you.

If you omit any information, your application can be delayed or returned.

Step 4: Pay the $50 application fee after completing all the forms. Your online or paper application must be submitted with your proof of payment receipt.

As previously stated, you must submit a separate application and pay the necessary expenses for each member of your family.

Step 5: Send in your application and any accompanying documentation. All documentation must be submitted through the permanent resident portal for those who apply online.

Click here for the whole official IRCC application guidance.

What is the Canadian PRTD processing time?

Each country has different PRTD processing times. Generally, processing PRTDs might take up to 6 or 8 weeks. It might take more than eight weeks, though.

Satinder Bains

Satinder brings expertise, knowledge, and experience related to internal work flows at IRCC. She worked at Canadian Consulate in Chandigarh before moving to Canada. Her articles on “Chinook – An internal IRCC tool used to bulk process temporary applications” was one of the notable work on our news website