Returning to Canada as a PR without a card
I recently got my permanent residence in Canada; until my PR card arrives, they provided me with a piece of paper. Unfortunately the airline does not accept that piece of paper to let you on the plane. There is such a thing called an emergency travel permit that one can obtain from outside Canada, which airlines accept, but I will not have enough time to get it in time as it takes 2 weeks on average for it to get processed and they send my passport back.
In all of this drama, I do have a valid multiple-entry work visa from Canada from the past that expires on October 15. My return flight is on October 14. Do you think the airline will let me on the plane?
Best Answer
The airline might allow with the work permit visa but I think it's a risk; I would never do it. You are basically boarding the flight on the incorrect visa (now that you are a PR) and trying to clear customs with another (CoPR). What if the Canadian immigration officer asks you why you are showing him/her your CoPR instead of your PR card/PR visa/PR Travel document that he/she assumes you used to board the flight? Noone knows (or atleast I don't) whether the airline shares the information with CBSA after you board your flight. E.g., does it show up on the CBSA officer's screen that you boarded with the visa type/visa number etc. My guess is it doesn't, but do you want to take the risk of being denied entry/accused of traveling with false papers at the Canadian border?
The reason I say this is because once you became a PR, your visa will no longer be valid, atleast on the CBSA's side.
After I became a PR and had to travel back to Canada without the PR card (it's processing got delayed and I had to leave Canada for US), I applied for a PRTD and I got it within a week of applying. I boarded the flight with that and the CBSA didn't even ask for my CoPR, just looked at PRTD and let me in.
I would recommend applying for a PR travel document. It is relatively easy and quick to get. I got mine in 7 days, shipping time included. Note that you have to be outside Canada to apply for a PRTD.
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Can I return to Canada with an expired PR card?
When your PR card expires, you can't use it as a travel document. If your PR card will expire within six months, you should apply to renew your card. You need to be in Canada. If you're re-entering Canada by commercial vehicle and have an expired PR card, get your PRTD to re-enter Canada.Can a permanent resident enter Canada without a passport?
As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. must show the following documents for all methods of travel to Canada: a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and. a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)Can I lose my permanent resident status in Canada?
Yes, you can lose your permanent resident (PR) status. If you haven't been in Canada for at least 730 days during the last five years, you may lose your PR status.Can I mail PR card outside Canada?
No. We do not mail PR cards outside of Canada. If you need to return to Canada and your PR card has expired or been lost or stolen, you will need to apply for a permanent resident travel document. It is only valid for one re-entry.Can I return to Canada without my PR Card?
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