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Returning by private vehicle

There are other documents you can use to enter the country.

When you return to Canada, apply for a PR card if you plan to travel outside Canada again.

Some examples of private vehicles include, but are not limited to: a car, truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle that you own, borrow, or rent. It is a vehicle not available for public use.

Returning by commercial vehicle: airplane, bus, train, or boat

You must apply for a permanent resident travel document. Otherwise you may not be able to travel to Canada.

You can apply for a PR card when you return to Canada.

An officer will assess whether you meet the requirements for a travel document. A decision will normally be made without a personal interview, based on your application, information and documents submitted. If your application is complete and you meet the requirements, you will be issued a travel document counterfoil in your passport.

The travel document is the only document that you will need from the visa office to meet the requirements for re-entry to Canada.

Travel document counterfoils are normally issued for a single entry to Canada. If you meet the residency obligation but are residing outside of Canada on a long-term basis (for example, if you are a permanent resident accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse), you may want to request a long-term multiple entry travel document. To do so, you should include a cover letter explaining your circumstances and requesting a multiple entry travel document. These can be issued for up to five years but cannot extend beyond the expiry date of your passport.

Once in Canada, you should apply for a permanent resident card. Unlike the travel document, the permanent resident card allows you to enter Canada multiple times without having to apply for a travel document each time. You can apply for a permanent resident card using the application kit Applying for a Permanent Resident Card (IMM 5445).

If your application for a travel document is refused, you will receive a refusal letter. The letter explains the reasons for the refusal and your appeal rights. If you decide to appeal a negative decision, follow the instructions in the “Notice of Appeal” form and the letter notifying you of your appeal rights enclosed with the refusal letter.

Exception: One-year validity

Exceptions to issuing a five-year card are described in R54(2), in which case a one-year card is issued. R54(2) states:

54.(2) A permanent resident card is valid for one year from the date of issue if, at the time of issue, the permanent resident

(a) is subject to the process set out in paragraph 46(1)(b) of the Act;
(b) is the subject of a report prepared under subsection 44(1) of the Act;
(c) is subject to a removal order made by the Minister under subsection 44(2) of the Act and the period for filing an appeal from the decision has not expired or, if an appeal is filed, there has been no final determination of the appeal; or
(d) is the subject of a report referred to the Immigration Division under subsection 44(2) of the Act and the period for filing an appeal from the decision of the Immigration Division has not expired or, if an appeal is filed, there has been no final determination of the appeal.

In practice, this means that all cards are issued for a validity of five years except where an applicant is described in R54(2)(a) to (d) above. Where a card is valid for one year, pending finalization of any report, admissibility hearing, Minister's delegate review or appeal, the client has the option of applying for a new card whenever they are no longer in the enforcement stream, e.g., an appeal has been allowed. It should be noted, however, that once a card is issued, irrespective of its validity, and the client takes possession, the transaction is considered completed. Cards are not automatically cancelled, revoked or re-issued based on subsequent enforcement events.