Pathway finder

Keep my permanent resident status: Applying for a travel document or PR card from abroad

Deadline

Appeals and court reviews have short deadlines, often 15 to 60 days from the day you receive the decision. Call early.

Routes people usually look at

1
A permanent resident travel document (PRTD)
You need one to board a flight to Canada without a valid PR card. The officer will assess the residency obligation when deciding.
2
An appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD)
A permanent resident can appeal a residency decision made outside Canada. The notice of appeal must reach the IAD within 60 days after you receive the decision and any written reasons.
3
Asking to attend the hearing in person
The IAD can order that you appear in person, and an officer then issues a travel document so you can come to Canada for the hearing.

Apply for the travel document with a full explanation of any time short of 730 days.
If refused, note the date you received the refusal.
File the notice of appeal within 60 days.
Gather evidence of your ties to Canada and the reasons you were away.
Prepare for a hearing, usually by video, where you and family may testify.

The refusal letter, with proof of when you received it
Your PRTD application and passports
Evidence of time in Canada and of ties here: family, property, work, bank accounts
Evidence of the reasons for your absence, such as medical records

The 60-day IAD deadline is strict. For travel document processing, see IRCC’s processing times page.

What’s usually involved

Apply for the travel document with a full explanation of any time short of 730 days.
If refused, note the date you received the refusal.
File the notice of appeal within 60 days.
Gather evidence of your ties to Canada and the reasons you were away.
Prepare for a hearing, usually by video, where you and family may testify.

Documents you’ll typically need

The refusal letter, with proof of when you received it
Your PRTD application and passports
Evidence of time in Canada and of ties here: family, property, work, bank accounts
Evidence of the reasons for your absence, such as medical records

Timing

The 60-day IAD deadline is strict. For travel document processing, see IRCC’s processing times page.

Common pitfalls

This is general information, not legal advice about your situation.

Talk it through with Manny

Deadlines are short, so book or call early. Bring this summary. Consultations in English, Punjabi and Hindi.