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Lost Your PR Card Abroad? Here's How to Get Back to Canada
- Vikrant Gungash
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
By Vikrant Singh, April 29, 2025
Losing your Permanent Resident (PR) card while outside Canada can be a stressful experience, especially if you need to return home by plane, train, bus, or boat. As a permanent resident, your PR card is the official proof of your status and is essential for re-entry to Canada via commercial transportation.
If you lose your PR card abroad, the first step is to notify Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) immediately. This will help deactivate the card and prevent any potential misuse.
Returning to Canada Without a PR Card
Without a valid PR card, you cannot board commercial transportation back to Canada. Instead, you must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) — a temporary, single-use document allowing you to return home.
Unlike the PR card, a PRTD is typically only valid for one entry and does not replace your PR card. If you require a multiple-entry PRTD, you may submit a cover letter explaining your situation when applying, but approval is not guaranteed. Once back in Canada, you should apply for a new PR card immediately.
How to Apply for a PRTD
To apply for a PRTD, follow these steps:
Prepare all necessary documents listed in the document checklist (IMM 5644).
Complete the required forms, available online via the Permanent Residence Portal or on paper.
Pay the $50 application fee and keep the receipt.
Submit your completed application and supporting documents.
If applying on paper, validate your form before printing and sign it. Paper applications must be submitted at a Visa Application Centre. For online applications, use the Permanent Residence Portal.
If your situation is urgent, select the "urgent" option in the Portal or mark "Urgent" on your application envelope if applying by paper.
Processing times for PRTDs can vary from about two to eight weeks for non-urgent cases, depending on the country and case complexity. In urgent cases, IRCC aims to prioritize applications, though expedited processing is not guaranteed.
Eligibility for Urgent Processing
You may qualify for urgent processing if:
You have an immediate job opportunity or urgent work obligation.
You or a family member experiences a serious illness or death.
Your PR card was lost or stolen during travel.
You are in a crisis, emergency, or vulnerable situation.
To request urgent processing, include:
Proof of your travel plans (e.g., flight itinerary).
Proof of ticket purchase.
A letter explaining the need for urgent processing.
Supporting documents such as a doctor’s note or employer letter.
After You Submit Your Application
Once IRCC receives your application, they will:
Verify its completeness.
Assess your residency obligations and PR status.
If additional documents are needed, IRCC will reach out. In some cases, an interview may be required, though decisions are often made without one.
If approved, you will receive instructions to submit your passport, after which the PRTD will be issued. If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reason and information on how to appeal.
Land Border Crossings
Interestingly, if you are returning to Canada by private vehicle (not commercial transportation), you do not need a PR card or PRTD. However, you must provide other identification, such as:
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
Provincial driver's license
Health card
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Vehicle registration
Employment letters
Be prepared to answer questions from Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers about your travels.
Lost PR Card Inside Canada
If your PR card is lost or stolen while in Canada, the process is more straightforward. You can apply for a replacement through the Permanent Residence Portal or on paper. Submit the completed IMM 5444Â form, along with all necessary documents and the $50 fee.
In certain urgent cases, you may qualify for expedited processing. New PR cards are typically mailed to Canadian addresses unless you are requested to pick it up in person.
In short: Losing your PR card while outside Canada is not the end of the world — but it does require quick action. By applying for a PRTD and following IRCC procedures carefully, you can ensure a smooth return to Canada.
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