immlaw@akahlon.ca | +1 (647) 450-0000
Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) Application

Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) Application

A Permanent Resident (PR) of Canada enjoys the right to live, work, and study in the country. However, when travelling outside Canada, re-entry requires valid documentation. If your PR card has expired or is lost while you are abroad, a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) is essential to return to Canada by commercial transportation.

At Kahlon Law Office, we understand that securing a PRTD can be time-sensitive and legally complex. Our immigration lawyers are here to assist you in navigating the process and ensuring your return to Canada without unnecessary delays.

Who needs a PRTD?

You must apply for a PRTD if:

  • You are a permanent resident outside Canada.
  • You do not have a valid PR card.
  • You intend to travel back to Canada by air, train, bus, or boat.

You do not need a PRTD if:

  • You are a Canadian citizen.
  • You already have a valid PR card.
  • You are traveling to Canada in a private vehicle (e.g., car, motorcycle) from the U.S.

What are the eligibility requirements for a PRTD?

To qualify for a PRTD, you must:

  • Prove your identity and PR status.
  • Demonstrate that you have met the residency obligation (physically present in Canada for at least 730 days in the past 5 years).
  • If you do not meet the residency obligation, you may still apply under Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds.

What is the residency obligation and what are the exceptions?

A PR must have been physically in Canada for at least 730 days within the last 5 years before applying. However, certain exceptions allow you to count time spent outside Canada towards this requirement, including:

  •  Accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse, common-law partner, or parent abroad.
  •  Employment with a Canadian business or government abroad.
  •  Exceptional circumstances under H&C grounds.

If you have been outside Canada for an extended period, legal submissions with supporting evidence are crucial. Our experienced immigration lawyers can help present a strong case on your behalf.

Can humanitarian & compassionate grounds help you retain your PR status?

If you have not met the 730-day residency requirement, you may still retain your PR status on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds. This is a highly discretionary process where an officer assesses whether losing your PR status would cause unusual, undeserved, or disproportionate hardship.

Relevant factors may include:

  •  Strong family ties in Canada.
  •  Medical conditions requiring treatment in Canada.
  •  Personal safety concerns in your country of residence.
  •  The best interests of a child directly affected.

Legal representation can significantly enhance your chances of success when making an H&C claim.

What is the application process for a PRTD?

Applying for a PRTD involves:

  •  Gathering supporting documents (passport, proof of residency, travel history, employment records, etc.).
  •  Filling out the PRTD application form (IMM 5444).
  •  Paying the required processing fee ($50 CAD).
  •  Submitting the application through the Permanent Residence Portal or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Processing times vary by country and volume of applications. Urgent processing may be available in cases of medical emergencies, family crises, or humanitarian needs.

What happens if your PRTD application is refused?

If your PRTD is refused, you may lose your PR status. However, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) within 60 days. A strong legal strategy can make the difference between retaining your PR status or facing removal proceedings.

At Kahlon Law Office, we provide:

  •  Detailed legal submissions to support your case.
  •  Representation at the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) if your application is denied.
  •  Urgent application assistance to minimize delays.

Why choose Kahlon Law Office?

  •  Expertise in complex immigration cases – including PR status challenges.
  •  Personalized legal strategies to strengthen your PRTD application.
  •  Proven success in PRTD appeals and residency obligation cases.

If you are outside Canada and need a Permanent Resident Travel Document, contact Kahlon Law Office today. We can guide you through the process and help secure your return to Canada.

CONTACT US TODAY +1 (647) 450-0000

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Email: immlaw@akahlon.ca

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