Apply for a permanent resident travel document

At a glance

If you’re a permanent resident of Canada, you need a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) if:

you’re outside Canada without a valid permanent resident card (PR card), and
you’re returning to Canada by commercial vehicle (airplane, boat, train or bus)

Processing timeWhy processing times vary

Varies

Fees

$50

Valid for

Single (one-time) entry

Before you apply

Who can apply for a permanent resident travel document

You can apply for a PRTD if you:

have permanent resident status in Canada
don’t have a valid PR card showing your permanent resident status
are outside Canada
are returning to Canada by airplane, boat, train or bus

You could be outside Canada without a valid PR card for different reasons:

It expired or got damaged.
It was lost or stolen.
You needed to travel outside of Canada before you received it (for a family emergency, for example).

If you want to give up your permanent resident status

If you want to give up (renounce) your permanent resident status and want to come to Canada as a visitor only, don’t apply for a PRTD.

You should apply to voluntarily give up (renounce) your permanent resident status.

How to apply

Get your forms and documents ready

The application package includes the instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out.

If you need a permanent resident travel document urgently

You may apply urgently for a PRTD for reasons such as serious illness, or a lost or stolen PR card.

Find out how to apply urgently for a PRTD

Read the instruction guide

Our instruction guide (IMM 5529) (opens in a new tab) has detailed information on how to prepare, complete and submit your application.

Review the document checklist

Use the checklist to make sure you include all the forms and documents you need.

Review the document checklist (IMM 5644) (opens in a new tab)

Fill out the application form

If you apply online, fill out the application for a permanent resident travel document form (IMM 5444) in the Permanent Residence Portal.

If you can’t fill out the form online

You can fill out the IMM 5444 form on paper if you can’t apply online and require accommodations, including for accessibility reasons.

To apply on paper, download and fill out the IMM 5444 form (opens in a new tab) .

Make sure you click the “Validate” button at the top of the form before printing and signing it.

If you have a representative or designated individual

You don’t need a representative to help you with your PRTD application. Using a representative is a personal choice.

If you want to appoint someone to do business with us on your behalf (optional), you can use either a:

Download and complete 1 of these forms based on who’s helping you:

Make sure:

you sign it digitally or by hand
your representative or designated individual also signs it
you include it with your application

If you’re applying from China and have a Chinese passport

You must include an “Inquiry of Exit & Entry Record” from China.

It must show a record of your entry to and exit from China for 5 years before the date of your application.
You can get the document from the local Public Security Bureau.
Make sure you have the document translated into English or French.

Pay your fees online

You need to pay the $50 fee when you apply.

Make sure you include your receipt (proof of payment) with your application.
We can’t refund the fee once we start processing your application.

Pay your fees online (opens in a new tab)

Submit your application and supporting documents

You will submit your application and all supporting documents through the Permanent Residence Portal.

You must submit a complete application for each person in your family who needs a PRTD.

Each application must show that the person meets the requirements to remain a permanent resident.
For example, you can’t have a removal order to leave Canada.

If your application is missing information or documents, we’ll return it to you.

Apply in the Permanent Residence Portal (opens in a new tab)

If you can’t apply online

You may be able to apply on paper if your nearest visa application centre (VAC) accepts paper applications by mail or in person.

Before you apply, contact your nearest VAC (opens in a new tab) .

After you apply

How we process your permanent resident travel document application

All PRTD applications are processed on a priority basis. If we require further information, a letter will be sent to you.

After you submit your application, we’ll:

check that it’s complete
assess it to confirm that:
- you met your residency obligations
- you’re still a permanent resident of Canada

In some cases, we’ll ask you to attend an interview to get more information.

If we approve your application, we will:

email you with instructions on how and where to submit your valid passport or travel document
return your passport to you with your permanent resident travel document

If we refuse your application, follow the instructions in the refusal letter.

If we ask you for documents

We may ask you to submit more documents after you apply. If we do, submit them to us online.

Go to our web form.
Click on Update or ask about your application.
Under Add a document to your application, click the Continue to form button.
Make sure you fill in these required fields correctly:
- What is your application number?
  - You can find your application number at the top of the letter we sent you.
- Under What did you apply for?, choose Permanent Resident Travel Document.
- Under What application did you submit?, choose Urgent.
Under Upload your document(s), choose the documents you want to send to us.
Follow the steps to submit your web form.

Go to the web form (opens in a new tab)

Keep your information up to date

You must tell us if you move or change your address, phone number or any other contact information after you apply.

Update your contact information (opens in a new tab)

How to check your application status

You must contact us to check the status of your application:

Go to our web form.
Click on Update or ask about your application.
On Check your application status, click the See details button to continue to the form.
Make sure you fill in these required fields correctly:
- What is your application number?
  - You can find your application number at the top of the letter we sent you.
- Under What did you apply for?, choose Permanent Resident Travel Document.
- Under What application did you submit?, choose Urgent.
Follow the steps to submit your web form.