In November Toronto Star published a piece that exposed the nightmares of thousands of applicants waiting for immigration documents. New immigrants are stuck even after the approval of their PR application. The PR Card is vital and must be presented at a port of entry to re-enter Canada. The brutal wait limits emergency travel and restricts them from meeting various application deadlines. Not having Permanent Resident cards (PR cards) also restricts the emergency travel needs of a new immigrant. If we look at the statistics until January 4, more than 70000 applicants are waiting for their PR card.
However, in some cases, IRCC has another option to process the PR cards faster. Canadian permanent residents who are planning to travel outside Canada in the upcoming three months are eligible for Urgent processing of a permanent resident card if the purpose of their travel is due to any of the following:
- A job opportunity
- Your serious illness
- The death of a family member
- Work related to your current job
- The serious illness of a family member
IRCC clearly states that qualifying for an urgent PR card processing doesn’t guarantee that a new PR will receive their document in time. You can learn more about the current processing timeframes here. At this point, first-time applicants have to wait at least 42 days to receive their PR card. The average processing time for PR card renewal/ replacement is 63 days.
If you’re not eligible for urgent PR card processing, there are temporary alternate measures for PRs who wish to travel outside Canada such as a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD).
You can benefit from:
- Applying anytime, 24/7
- Quick and easy upload of all your information, including payment
- No printing required
About PRTD
Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) is a one-time travel document for PRs. You can now apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) card through the new portal. It proves to travel companies across Canada that you’re a permanent resident and you do not have a PR card in your possession. The card is valid with any commercial transporter such as Air, Train, Bus, and Boat. To see the required documents, please visit this link.
For more detailed information on the application and requirements. Please visit the PRTD official documentation page.
People who aren’t allowed to apply for a PRTD Card:
- Canadian Citizen
- Immigrants who do not have PR status.
- Those who already have a PR card.
- PRs who intentionally want to decline their PR status.
- Previous PRs who forfeited their prior PR status.
Requirements :
- Ascertain who you are.
- Confirm your PR status
- Meet the residency obligation of a permanent resident. ( You must meet the residency obligation to become eligible to apply for the PRTD card) You must be present in Canada for at least 730 days within the last 5 years.
The PRTD card is just an alternate measure in the absence of a valid PR card, you will need to reapply for a fresh card after each trip. In the event of no emergency, the applicants are advised to wait till the actual PR card arrives.
