Travelling outside of Canada as a permanent resident

Your PR card can be used to show you have permanent resident status in Canada. When you are going to travel outside of Canada, you should make sure you have a valid permanent resident (PR) card before you leave Canada.

Travelling in a commercial vehicle

A commercial vehicle can be an airplane, bus, boat, train or bus. If you’re travelling in a commercial vehicle, you need a valid PR card to return to Canada.

If your card is expiring or you don’t have a card

Apply for or renew your PR card before you leave Canada. You can only get your card when you’re in Canada. We can’t mail it to a third-party or outside Canada.

If you’re outside Canada without a card

If you’re outside Canada and don’t have a valid PR card, you need a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) to return to Canada. You can only apply for a PRTD from outside Canada.

If you apply for a card and it isn’t ready before you leave

You need a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) to return to Canada because we can’t mail cards to a third-party or outside Canada. You can only apply for a PRTD from outside Canada.

Travelling in a private vehicle

A private vehicle can be a car, truck, motorcycle or recreational vehicle that you own, borrow or rent. If you’re travelling in a private vehicle, you can use your PR card or other documents to return to Canada.