Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD): what it is and when you need it

A Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) is a temporary official document that proves you have PR status and allows a commercial carrier to let you board transportation to Canada when you do not have a valid PR card in your possession. In plain terms: if you’re a PR outside Canada and your PR card is expired, lost, stolen, damaged, or simply not with you, a PRTD is often the fastest compliant way to fly (or take a bus/train/boat) back to Canada.

IRCC’s guidance is consistent on the core rule: commercial carriers generally check for a valid PR card or a PRTD before boarding you to Canada. If you don’t have one, you may be denied boarding even though you still have PR status.

PRTD vs PR card vs COPR or Record of Landing

It’s easy to confuse immigration documents when you’re under travel pressure. Here’s the key distinction: your PR card is the standard proof document for returning to Canada on a commercial carrier, while a PRTD is a temporary replacement for travel when you’re abroad. By contrast, your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and Record of Landing are important status documents, but they are not valid for commercial travel back to Canada in place of a PR card or PRTD.

Commercial travel vs returning by land in a private vehicle

The “PR card or PRTD” rule is mainly about commercial transport (airplane, bus, train, boat). If you’re returning by land in a private vehicle (such as a car you own, borrow, or rent), official guidance indicates you may be able to return with your PR card, a PRTD, or other documents—because the situation is different from airline pre-boarding document checks. That said, a land return is not a loophole: you still need to establish your identity and status, and you can still face questions about your residency obligation or admissibility at the border.

Who can apply for a PRTD and what IRCC will assess

At a high level, IRCC expects PRTD applicants to prove three things:

• Identity (who you are, typically via your passport or travel document)
• PR status (that you are in fact a Canadian permanent resident)
• Residency obligation compliance (or a request to be considered on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, where applicable)

The residency obligation: the 730-day rule in plain language

To keep PR status, you generally must have been in Canada for at least 730 days within the last 5 years (the days do not have to be continuous). Some time outside Canada can count toward the 730 days depending on your situation (for example, certain accompanying spouse/parent scenarios or Canadian business/government assignments). Because the rules can be fact-specific, it’s smart to review official guidance and keep evidence of travel dates, work arrangements, and family ties.

If you’re unsure whether your time abroad counts, consider reviewing your travel history carefully and reading an official explanation of “time outside Canada that counts.” You can also refer to our residency obligation guide and day-counting examples.

If you’re short of 730 days: what the PRTD application can trigger

A PRTD application is not just a travel request—it can also become the moment IRCC assesses your compliance with the residency obligation. If you clearly meet the obligation, the application is usually a straightforward documentation exercise. If you don’t meet it, you may still request consideration on humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds, supported by evidence and a detailed explanation (for example, serious illness of a close family member, lack of control over circumstances, best interests of a child, or other compelling factors).

Be cautious: a negative decision can have bigger consequences than a travel delay. If an officer determines you no longer meet the residency obligation, you may face a formal process that can ultimately lead to loss of PR status after the required steps and any available review/appeal process. If you suspect you are short of the residency obligation, it’s often worth getting a case review before you apply. See our “am I at risk?” PR travel checklist for a structured way to assess your situation.

How to apply for a PRTD step by step

IRCC has moved PRTD applications into the Permanent Residence Portal for most applicants, with paper options available when online application isn’t possible and accommodations are required (for example, accessibility reasons). Always use the newest forms and checklist from official sources when you apply.

Step 1: Confirm you actually need a PRTD

You typically need a PRTD if all of the following are true:

• You are a Canadian permanent resident and you are outside Canada.
• You do not have a valid PR card in your possession.
• You plan to return to Canada using a commercial carrier (plane, bus, train, or boat).

If you can return by land in a private vehicle, a PRTD may not be strictly necessary, but it can still be the cleanest approach—especially if you will need to travel onward by air after you arrive.

Step 2: Gather the core documents and evidence

While the exact list depends on your circumstances and country-specific instructions, expect to prepare:

• Passport/travel document copies: IRCC commonly asks for copies of your current valid passport and copies of pages from passports/travel documents used in the past 5 years.
• Proof you meet the residency obligation: this is often the most important part of the file. Think travel history, entry/exit stamps, boarding passes, leases, employment letters, pay stubs, school records, tax documents, and any evidence supporting time abroad that counts.
• Fee payment receipt: the published processing fee for a PRTD is CAD $50.
• Any additional supporting documents: for example, name change evidence (if applicable), translations, custody/consent documents for minors, and H&C evidence if you are requesting discretion.

Practical tip: build a clear timeline. A simple table of dates (country, entry date, exit date, reason for travel, evidence attached) can make an officer’s review easier and reduce back-and-forth requests.

Step 3: Apply online in the Permanent Residence Portal (or on paper if eligible)

Most applicants will apply online through the Permanent Residence Portal using the “Application for a Permanent Resident Card or Permanent Resident Travel Document” digital form (IMM 5444E). You’ll also follow the official Document Checklist (IMM 5644) and upload the required supporting documents into the portal.

If you can’t apply online and require accommodations (including for accessibility reasons), IRCC indicates a paper application is available. Use the newest version of the IMM 5444 form, validate where required, and follow the checklist carefully.

Step 4: Understand what happens after submission (including passport submission)

If IRCC approves your PRTD, they will provide instructions on how and where to submit your valid passport or travel document so they can attach the PRTD counterfoil. This matters for travel planning because you may be without your passport for part of the process. If you have upcoming travel within the region you’re in, plan accordingly.

Also note that IRCC issues the PRTD counterfoil based on the name on your passport. If you changed your name outside Canada, ensure your passport reflects the correct name and include official documents linking the old and new names.

Single-entry vs multiple-entry PRTD

PRTDs can be issued for a single entry or, in some cases, multiple entries. If you meet the residency obligation and want a multiple-entry PRTD, IRCC’s guidance allows you to include a cover letter explaining your circumstances for consideration. Multiple-entry PRTDs cannot extend beyond the expiry date of your passport.

Urgent PRTD requests and realistic timing expectations

“Urgent” processing is not automatic and is not guaranteed. IRCC indicates there are urgent pathways in limited situations, typically when you are outside Canada and your return travel is within the next few days, and you can provide proof of urgency (for example, medical or death-related documentation, employer letters, and proof of travel). Even if you qualify, IRCC notes they can’t guarantee you’ll receive the travel document in time.

How to make an urgent request stronger (without overcomplicating it)

• Proof of travel: itinerary, ticket, and receipts that clearly show dates and destination.
• A short urgency letter: one page explaining why you must return by a specific date.
• Documentary proof: doctor’s note, death certificate, employer letter, or other objective evidence.
• Clean scans: unclear copies can trigger resubmission requests and delays.

If your case has residency obligation risk, urgent processing is even trickier—because urgency does not remove the requirement to assess eligibility. In these cases, it may be safer to get professional advice before you file.

Backup options if a PRTD isn’t feasible in time

Returning to Canada by land in a private vehicle

Official guidance notes that, if you travel by land in a private vehicle, you may be able to return using other documents, and the border officer will determine entry by confirming identity and status. This option can be practical if you can legally enter the United States (or are already there), then cross into Canada by car. However, it can also increase uncertainty if your PR status needs detailed verification or your residency obligation is borderline. Bring organized evidence of your status and travel history.

Rebooking and minimizing risk

If you have time and flexibility, rebooking your travel can be the simplest risk-reduction strategy—especially if you need to submit your passport for a counterfoil and you can’t afford to be without it. Where possible, avoid last-minute filing and build in buffer time for document requests.

After you return to Canada: renew your PR card and prevent repeat emergencies

Once you’re back in Canada, your priority should be to apply for a new PR card (renewal or replacement) as soon as you’re eligible. IRCC states you can’t apply for a PR card while overseas, and they can’t mail it outside Canada. A PRTD solves the immediate travel problem, but a valid PR card is what prevents the next one.

• Read our PR card renewal guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.
• Use a travel journal system (even a spreadsheet) to track days and keep evidence organized.
• Consider renewing your passport early if it’s nearing expiry, since travel document validity is tied to passport validity in practical ways.

Common PRTD mistakes that cause delays or refusals

• Assuming COPR/Record of Landing is enough to board: these are not valid travel documents for commercial boarding to Canada.
• Weak residency proof: submitting only a short letter without documents, or providing inconsistent dates.
• Unclear scans: unreadable passport pages, missing stamps, or cut-off pages can trigger returns or requests.
• Forgetting translations: documents not in English/French typically need proper translation support.
• Ignoring name consistency: the PRTD counterfoil is based on your passport name; name changes should be documented properly.
• Filing without a strategy when you’re short of 730 days: a PRTD refusal can escalate into a status problem, so get advice if your days are tight.

If you want help choosing the safest return route (PRTD vs land entry) or building a residency evidence package, we can do a quick eligibility and risk review. Book a consultation or request a case review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), official government publications