Let’s find out the possibility of traveling before getting a Canadian PR card. To begin with, when an individual applies for Canadian PR and receives a COPR, they must do a landing and receive a PR card. This is crucial for successfully completing the process of becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident.
Traveling before getting a Canadian PR card
The possibility of landing is a two-way process. Furthermore, the landing could be part of a whole Canadian immigration process. In the process, new permanent residents and their dependents come to Canada to move to the country. In addition, this could also be soft landings, in which new permanent residents arrive in Canada to execute the entire process of acquiring the status and their first PR card.
The above two cases also imply that there might exist instances where new PRs have to travel before attaining their PR card.
New PRs have the possibility of traveling before receiving their Canadian PR card. However, the process is more complex than just returning to Canada.
We will unleash what individuals must do in such circumstances. Notably, the details ahead also apply to those who have an expired PR card. Generally, Canada’s government urges individuals to renew their PR card up to nine months before its expiry.
PR Card and its usage
IRCC issues a PR card as an identification document to confirm the status of the document in Canada. The conception of the PR card happened in 2002 and was always used as an option for printed identity documents.
Once a new Permanent Resident gets approval for a PR card, they must acquire a PR visa to travel to Canada. PR visas enable PRs to arrive in Canada and reside hassle-free. This will confirm their PR status.
It is vital to note that when a permanent resident comes to Canada for the first time, they will not require a PR card. However, they will need their PR visa if they hold a passport from a country that requires a visa to travel to Canada. The following things are also needed:
- A valid passport;
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence;
- Valid medical examination result
The first PR card of permanent residents will reach them through mail to their address. The address will be the same as that they provide to the Canadian border officer at the port of entry. They will have to report their address in Canada within a timeframe of 180 days.
Things to do for traveling before getting a Canadian PR card
Individuals must note that the Canadian government will not send the PR cards to addresses other than Canada. Additionally, third parties will not be accepting a PR card on behalf of a new Permanent Resident.
This is why a new PR outside Canada devoid of a valid PR card must proceed with the PRTD application. A Permanent Residence Travel Document is a single-usage travel document that PRs can use to re-admit to Canada. Newcomers in Canada must use these documents under the following conditions:
- They hold Permanent Residence.
- Don’t possess a valid PR card depicting their status.
- They live outside Canada.
- If they travel back to Canada by air, bus, train, or boat.
Suppose a new permanent resident is returning to Canada through their personal vehicle. In that case, he or she must take note of other accepted documents to demonstrate his or her identity and status.
Applying for a PRTD
Individuals can apply for PRTDs outside Canada, which means to apply for a PRTD, new applicants must do the following:
- Attain the application package.
- Fill the application package.
- Collect all applicable forms and relevant supporting documents.
- Paying the compulsory fees online.
In certain circumstances, permanent residents might not have a chance to submit a paper application. It will all depend on the place from where they may be applying. However, in such scenarios, applicants must choose the online payment mode to submit the relevant supporting documents. This will be the permanent residence portal.
In the case of paper applications, PRs must submit their applications to their nearest Visa Application Centre. The probability of receiving the PRTD will highly depend upon the application method and application location.
In addition, after applicants apply for it, they will need to mark their presence in an interview with a VAC agent before receiving a decision on their application.
What are the other alternatives?
New PRs can also opt for urgent processing of their PR card if they need to travel and have some time before they leave the country.
This kind of urgent processing requires the need to travel in the upcoming three months under the following conditions:
- An employment opportunity;
- Your severe illness;
- A family member’s death;
- Work associated with your present job;
- A family member’s severe health condition or illness.
Notably, even if a permanent resident qualifies for a PR card’s urgent processing, they might not receive it on time. The processing of a PR card application can’t be done in less than three weeks.
If you wish to know about Canadian Permanent Residence, connect with our immigration experts at MakeHomeCanada. Our considerable experience in the immigration field can help you. You may write to us [email protected]
