What is a permanent resident travel document and how do I apply?

You may need to apply for a (PR) travel document if:

you're a permanent resident,
you're outside of Canada without a valid PR card, and
you need to travel back to Canada.

For example, if your PR card is expired, lost, or stolen while you are outside Canada, you may need to apply for a PR travel document.

Commercial carriers like airlines and bus companies usually ask for your PR card or PR travel document to let you travel to Canada. And border officials usually ask for your PR card or PR travel document to prove your status when you ask to reenter Canada.

A PR travel document is usually only valid for a single entry to Canada, so you'll need to apply to replace your PR card once you're back in Canada. You need to be inside Canada to apply for a new PR card.

If you’re driving from the U.S.

You may be able to enter Canada without a PR card or PR travel document if:

you're driving in a private vehicle from the United States and
you have other documents you can show the border officials to prove your status.

Check before you apply

Before you apply for a PR travel document, make sure you still meet the requirements to keep your permanent resident status. If you do not meet the requirements, applying for a PR travel document or asking to enter Canada could put your status at risk.

If you have concerns, get legal help before doing anything.

Refugees in Canada

If you came as a refugee, you could lose your permanent resident status and refugee protection if you:

travel to the country you claimed refugee protection against, even for a short time,
apply for a passport from the country you claimed refugee protection against even if you do not use it to travel,
travel to any country using a passport from the country you claimed refugee protection against,
return to live in your home country, buy a home, or start a business there, or
become a citizen of a country other than Canada.