If a PR card expires outside Canada, what can you do?

PR cards or Permanent Resident cards cannot be re-issued outside Canada, however, Permanent Resident Travel Documents (PRTDs) can. If a permanent resident of Canada wishes to leave Canada for some time the individual can and if he wants to return, they must present their PR card, which confirms their PR status.

PR cards usually last for five years, although some last for less. If your PR card expires, you need not worry as you have not lost your PR status, but it means that you cannot use the card to re-enter Canada. The only exception is if you are traveling by private car.

A PR card application can be made only from within Canada. Canada. If a person is outside Canada when their PR card expires, they cannot apply for a new one. Instead, they have the option of applying for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD). If the PRTD is approved, the PR can then use the PRTD to re-enter Canada. The PRTD is usually valid for six months after it is issued. It can only be used once. As soon as a person is back inside Canada, they should apply for a PR card. A Canadian PR status is mandatory if you want to apply for a PRTD. They must also currently be outside Canada.

Usually, a person applies for a PRTD by mail through the nearest Canadian Visa Application Centre (VAC). The government website provides a searchable list of VACs and other resources for permanent residents overseas.

At the moment, due to COVID-19, some VACs are not accepting PRTD applications. Some VACs may even be entirely closed. The government offers a list of VACs and which services are provided here. If a person is unable to send their application to the VAC, they can apply online. The person must send in their original passport as part of their application. They may be called for an in-person or virtual interview, although this is unlikely. If their application is successful, they will receive the PRTD, which is a counterfoil on the passport.

To find out more about the application of PR cards and PRTD’s contact us at Vashist Immigration, our RCIC licensed immigration consultants will help you.