What to Do If You Lose Your PR Card While Outside Canada
Author: Sanjay Prasher (SP), M.B.A, CICC
Member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), CICC R-514499
Gold Member, Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC)
As a Canadian permanent resident (PR), your PR card is your golden ticket for re-entering Canada via commercial transportation (plane, train, bus, or ferry). But what happens if it’s lost or stolen while you’re overseas? Don’t panic—here’s your step-by-step guide to getting home.
Report the Loss
Notify Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) immediately to deactivate your card and prevent fraud.
File a police report if theft is suspected (include the report in your application).
Apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)
A PRTD is a single-entry visa that lets you return to Canada without a PR card.
Completed IMM 5644 (Document Checklist)
IMM 5444 (Application Form)
Passport or travel document
Proof of PR status (e.g., expired PR card copy, COPR)
Two passport-sized photos
Proof of residency in Canada (e.g., utility bills, lease agreements)
$50 application fee receipt
Online: Submit via the Permanent Residence Portal.
Paper Application: Required for accessibility needs—mail to a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Immigration consultant in toronto canada Pro Tip: Click “Validate” on paper forms before printing to avoid delays.
IRCC prioritizes applications if you:
Are traveling within 5 days (e.g., job emergencies, family crises).
Provide proof: flight tickets, employer letters, medical certificates.
Required Documents for Urgent Requests:
Travel itinerary
Payment receipt for travel
Detailed explanation letter
Note: Urgent processing isn’t guaranteed—officers assess case-by-case.
If you’re entering by private vehicle (car, rental, borrowed):
No PR card/PRTD needed—but carry alternate ID:
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
Provincial driver’s license
SIN or health card
Prepare for questions from CBSA officers about your residency and travel plans.
Apply for a Replacement
Use the Permanent Residence Portal or paper form IMM 5644.
Pay the $50 fee and include a police report (if stolen).
Urgent Processing
Available for emergencies (same criteria as PRTD).
Processing time: ~3+ weeks.
PR Card Delivery Rules:
Mailed only to Canadian addresses (PO boxes accepted in rural areas).
No third-party deliveries.
No. You need a valid PR card or PRTD for commercial travel.
Typically 2–8 weeks, but urgent cases may expedite.
You’ll receive a refusal letter explaining appeal options.
No—you must be physically in Canada to replace a PR card.
No—land borders don’t require a PRTD. Use alternate ID (COPR, driver’s license).
Losing your PR card can derail travel plans and stress your residency status. At CTIV, we help clients:
Navigate PRTD applications
Expedite urgent cases
Avoid common pitfalls
Contact Sanjay Prasher immigration consultant in toronto canada for a Free Consultation:
“Your journey home starts here ith Consult with an experienced immigration representative about your PR card or PRTD.”
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