The Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) is a temporary official document that proves a person's status as a Canadian permanent resident. It is used specifically by PRs who are outside Canada and do not have a valid PR card — for example, because their PR card has expired while they were abroad or because they lost their PR card. The PRTD allows the holder to board a flight or other commercial carrier to return to Canada. Transportation companies (airlines, cruise lines) are required by law to verify that a PR has a valid travel document before boarding.

Unlike the PR card (which is a reusable multi-trip document), the PRTD is generally a single-entry document — it is used to return to Canada once, after which the PR should apply for a new or renewed PR card. For current fees and application requirements, refer to the IRCC PRTD page.

• Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), s 31(3) — the travel document requirement for PRs on commercial carriers
• IRCC: Permanent resident travel document — canada.ca/prtd
• IRCC: How to apply for a PRTD — canada.ca/prtd-apply
• Guide 5529 — Applying for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) — canada.ca/guide-5529

When a PRTD is needed

A PRTD is needed when a Canadian permanent resident is outside Canada and does not have a valid PR card to show to a carrier. Common situations include:

• The PR card expired while the person was abroad
• The PR card was lost or stolen while abroad
• The person became a PR while abroad and was never issued a PR card (e.g., a person who received PR through a family or humanitarian process while outside Canada)
• The person is a new PR who left Canada before receiving their PR card

PRs who are inside Canada and whose PR card has expired do not need a PRTD to remain in Canada — they can still live and work in Canada without a valid PR card. However, they need a valid travel document (either the PR card or a PRTD) to re-enter Canada after travelling abroad.

Residency obligation assessment

When a PR applies for a PRTD, the visa officer at the Canadian office abroad assesses whether the PR has met the residency obligation — the requirement to be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within the 5 years before the application. Key points:

• If the PR has met the 730-day requirement, the PRTD is generally issued
• If the PR has not met the 730-day requirement, the officer must assess whether to issue the PRTD — this may trigger a residency obligation determination
• If the officer determines the PR has not met the residency obligation without H&C (humanitarian and compassionate) grounds to excuse it, they may report the PR and initiate a process that could result in loss of PR status
• The PR can appeal a negative residency obligation decision to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD)

For the full residency obligation framework, see the residency obligation page.

Application process

To apply for a PRTD:

1. Complete Form IMM 5524E (Application for a Travel Document — Permanent Resident Abroad)
2. Gather supporting documents: proof of PR status (COPR, old PR card if available, confirmation of status), identity documents, proof of residency obligation compliance, and any H&C submissions if the obligation has not been met
3. Submit the application in person or by mail to a Canadian visa office abroad (embassy, high commission, or consulate)
4. Pay the $50 application fee (check the current IRCC fee schedule)

For current application requirements and the document checklist (IMM 5644), refer to the IRCC PRTD application page.

Urgent PRTD applications

IRCC offers an urgent processing option for PRTDs when the applicant has a demonstrated urgent need to return to Canada (for example, a family emergency, urgent medical treatment in Canada, or an employment obligation). For current urgent processing criteria and how to request it, refer to the IRCC urgent PR card/PRTD page.

PRTD validity — single entry

A PRTD is typically valid for a single entry to Canada and for a specific validity period (usually aligned with the next available flight or travel date, or for a short period). It is not a renewable document — once used to return to Canada, the PR should apply for a new PR card from within Canada. For current PRTD validity conditions, refer to the IRCC PRTD page.

PRTD vs. PR card

Feature	PR Card	PRTD
Purpose	Standard multi-use travel document; proof of PR status	Emergency single-use travel document for PRs abroad without a valid PR card
Validity	5 years (most cases)	Single entry; short validity period
Where issued	IRCC in Canada — mailed to Canadian address	Canadian visa office abroad
Residency obligation assessed?	Yes — when renewing	Yes — when applying
What to do after use	Renew before expiry	Apply for a PR card once back in Canada

The PRTD is a critical document for PRs who find themselves outside Canada without a valid PR card. Without it, a carrier will refuse to board the PR for travel to Canada. PRs who plan to travel abroad for extended periods should ensure their PR card remains valid for the duration of their trip (or at least until their return). If a PR card expires while abroad, the PRTD is the only mechanism to return as a PR. For current fees, processing times, and visa office locations, refer to the IRCC PRTD page.