Pr cards cannot be reissued outside Canada but Permanent Resident Travel Documents (PRTDs) can.
A permanent resident of Canada leaves for a while, upon return he must present his PR card that shows the status of his residence in Canada.
PR cards usually last up to five years, some might last for a few years. If a PR card expires, it does not mean that person has lost his Canada permanent residence . It means that the person cannot re-enter Canada with the same card. The only time they might be exempted if they are driving by car into the country.
A resident can only re-apply for a reissue for a PR card if they are in Canada. If a person is outside the country while the PR expires, then that person cannot apply for a new one. However, they have the option of applying for a Permanent Resident Travel Document. Once the PRTD is approved, the resident can use the PRTD to re-enter the country. The Prod is valid up to six months after once it is issued, it can only be used once.
As soon as the person is back in Canada they should apply for their PR card.
To apply for the PRTD the candidate must have Canadian PR status. They must also be outside the country when applying for the PRTD, the cost is 50$ CA
Usually, a person applying for the PRTD applies by mail through the nearest Canadian Visa Application Centre(VAC). The government website provides a searchable list of VACs and other resources for overseas permanent residents.
In lieu of covid 19, most of the VACs aren’t accepting any PRTD applications. Some VACs are closed until further notice from the government. But, the government is offering a list of VACs and the services they offer. Here’s the list of such VACs.
In both circumstances, 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 it might not be compulsory for some. If their application is successful, they will receive the PRTD.
Due to the covid situation, there is no saying as to how long it might take for PRTD to process.
