A Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) is a one-time travel document that allows Canadian permanent residents (PRs) who are outside of Canada and do not have a valid PR card to return to Canada by a commercial carrier, such as an airplane, train, bus, or boat.
If you’re a PR currently outside Canada and your PR card is expired or was lost/stolen before travel, here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for a PRTD.
Step 1: Determine If You Need a PRTD
You need a PRTD if:
- You are a Canadian permanent resident;
- You are outside of Canada;
- You do not have a valid PR card in your possession;
- You plan to return to Canada by commercial carrier.
You do not need a PRTD if:
- You are traveling to Canada by private vehicle (e.g., driving through the U.S.);
- You have a valid PR card with you;
- You are a Canadian citizen (PRTDs are not for citizens).
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
The main application form is:
- IMM 5524 – Application for a Permanent Resident Travel Document
You can download this form from the IRCC website.
You must also include:
- IMM 5476 if you are using a representative;
- A completed Document Checklist (IMM 5627);
- All required supporting documents (listed below).
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
Typical required documents include:
- A copy of your expired/lost PR card (if available);
- Valid passport or travel document (copy of bio-data page);
- Photos meeting the PR card photo specifications;
- Proof of permanent resident status, such as:
- Record of Landing (IMM 1000);
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292/5688);
- Photocopies of previous PR cards;
- Travel history (e.g., entry/exit stamps, airline tickets);
- Proof that you meet the residency obligation (730 days in Canada within the last 5 years), such as:
- Employment records;
- Lease agreements or bills;
- School transcripts;
- Bank statements;
- If you were accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse abroad, evidence of relationship and their citizenship.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
- You must pay online at the IRCC payment portal.
Print the receipt and include it with your application.
Step 5: Submit the Application
- Submit your application to the visa office responsible for your country or region.
- Some visa offices accept applications by email or online, while others require a paper submission or use Visa Application Centres (VACs).
- Check the specific instructions for the country you are applying from:
Find your visa office
Step 6: Attend a Biometrics Appointment (if required)
- If you have never provided biometrics (photo and fingerprints) to IRCC in the last 10 years, you may be required to give them at a VAC.
- You will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) after submitting your application.
Step 7: Wait for a Decision
Processing times vary by country and volume. Most PRTDs are processed within 2–8 weeks, but faster processing may be possible for urgent travel (you must provide proof).
You may be:
- Approved: You’ll receive a counterfoil (visa sticker) in your passport.
- Refused: You’ll receive a refusal letter and may appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeal Division within 60 days.
Step 8: Use the PRTD to Re-Enter Canada
- The PRTD is usually valid for one-time entry only.
- Upon entry, plan to renew your PR card as soon as possible.
Tips and Notes
- Do not apply for a new PR card from outside Canada—it must be mailed to a Canadian address.
- Keep records of your time in Canada to make it easier to prove residency in the future.
- Keep your PR card valid if you plan to travel.
