A permanent resident (PR) of Canada may leave the country for a period of time. If that person wishes to return, they must provide their PR card, which verifies their status as a permanent resident. The majority of PR cards are valid for five years, however, others are valid for less time. The expiration of a PR card does not imply that a person’s PR status has been lost. They are unable to re-enter Canada using their card. Only if they are traveling by private car are they exempt.

A PR card can only be applied for in Canada. They will not be able to apply for a new PR card if their current one expires outside of Canada. Instead, they can apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) (PRTD). The PR can then use it to re-enter Canada if it is accepted. The voucher is valid for 6 months and can only be used once. A person should apply for a PR card as soon as they return to Canada.

A person must have PR status in Canada to apply for a PRTD. They must also be outside of Canada at the moment. The application fee is $50 CAD.

Normally, a person applies for a PRTD by mail at the Canadian Visa Application Centre closest to them (VAC). A searchable list of VACs, as well as other information for permanent residents living abroad, can be found on the government website.

Some VACs are refusing to accept PRTD applications due to COVID-19. Some VACs may be completely shut down. The government provides a list of VACs as well as the services they provide.

If you are unable to deliver your application to the VAC, you can apply online.

The person must submit their original passport as part of their application in both situations. It’s possible they’ll get called in for an in-person or virtual interview, but it’s doubtful. If their application is approved, they will obtain the PRTD, which is a passport counterfoil.

You can’t forecast how long a PRTD will take to process because of COVID and the fact that each case is unique.