Canada Visa Portal: PRTD Application Submission

Did you know over 80,000 Canadian permanent residents need a travel document each year to return home? If you’re abroad without a valid PR card, the Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) is your key to re-entering Canada.

Thanks to the Canada visa portal, applying is now faster and easier. You can submit your request online anytime, with secure digital uploads and instant payment processing. No more printing or mailing paperwork.

This digital-first approach saves time and keeps your permanent resident travel plans on track. The portal guides you step-by-step, ensuring all requirements are met before submission.

While most cases are handled online, paper options remain for special circumstances. Whether digital or physical, your resident travel document helps maintain your status while abroad.

What Is a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)?

Returning to Canada without a valid PR card? The Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) is your solution. It serves as temporary proof of your permanent resident status, allowing you to board flights, trains, or boats to Canada.

Purpose of a PRTD

This resident travel document is mandatory for commercial travel if your PR card is lost, expired, or stolen while you’re outside Canada. It’s valid for single or multiple entries until your passport expires.

Exceptions exist for private vehicles (e.g., car or rental). You won’t need a PRTD if crossing the border this way.

Who Needs a PRTD?

You should apply if:

• Your PR card is missing or expired abroad.
• You’re traveling by commercial transport (air, bus, etc.).

Note: Older documents like IMM 1000 or IMM 5292 are no longer accepted.

Canadian citizens and valid PR card holders don’t need a PRTD. Non-permanent residents must apply for a visa instead.

Eligibility Requirements for a PRTD

Meeting Canada’s residency rules is key to securing your travel document. The process ensures only Canadian permanent residents who meet obligations can re-enter the country. Below, we break down the criteria and exceptions.

Residency Obligation Criteria

You must prove 730 days of physical presence in Canada within the last five years. Days count if you were:

• Living in Canada.
• Working abroad for a Canadian business or government.
• Accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse/partner.

“Humanitarian and compassionate grounds may exempt applicants from the 730-day rule—documented evidence is mandatory.”

Exceptions apply for Crown employees or those with a valid card issued during the absence. Time spent in transit (e.g., layovers) doesn’t count.

Who Cannot Apply for a PRTD?

Certain groups are ineligible:

• Canadian citizens (use a passport instead).
• Those who renounced permanent resident status.
• Individuals who lost status due to non-compliance.

If your passport expires before the PRTD’s intended use, you’ll need to renew it first. The document’s validity never exceeds your passport’s expiry date.

Documents Needed for Your PRTD Application

Gathering the right paperwork is the first step to securing your return to Canada. Immigration officials require verified proof of resident status and travel history to process your request. Missing or incomplete files can cause delays, so double-check each item before submission.

Mandatory Documents

Your valid passport is the cornerstone of your application. Include copies of all pages with stamps or visas from the last five years. The IMM 5644 checklist must also be completed and signed.

Additional essentials:

• Payment receipt for the processing fee.
• Two recent passport-sized photos meeting Canadian specifications.
• If applicable, a copy of your lost or expired PR card.

Supporting Evidence for Residency

Proving you meet the 730-day requirement involves submitting:

• Tax assessments or CRA notices showing Canadian income.
• Employment records (pay stubs, contracts) with Canadian employers.
• Rental agreements or property ownership documents.

“Chinese passport holders must provide Exit/Entry Records from their local Public Security Bureau.”

For minors, include a signed authorization letter from guardians. All foreign-language documents require certified translations alongside the originals.

Step 1: Prepare Your PRTD Application

Starting your travel document process requires careful preparation. Whether you apply online or by mail, using the correct forms and precise details ensures faster processing.

Downloading the Correct Forms

For digital submissions, you’ll need IMM 5444E and IMM 5644. These are available on the Canada visa portal. Paper applicants must print identical versions.

Key tips:

• Always download the latest versions to avoid rejections.
• Match your name exactly as it appears on your passport.
• Online forms require digital signatures—no handwritten ones.

Completing the Application Accurately

Errors can delay your return. Follow these steps:

• Use black ink for paper forms; typed entries are preferred for digital.
• Attach two recent photos meeting Canada’s specifications.
• Review residency proofs like tax files or employment records.

“False information may lead to a 5-year ban from Canada—verify every detail before submitting.”

For special cases (e.g., accessibility needs), paper applications are accommodated. However, online submissions are strongly recommended for speed.

Step 2: Pay the PRTD Processing Fee

Before submitting your request, you’ll need to cover the mandatory processing cost. This non-refundable charge ensures your case enters the review queue. Payments are accepted exclusively in Canadian dollars (CAD).

Fee Amount and Payment Methods

The standard rate is $50 CAD per applicant, including children. Families must pay separately for each member. Two payment options exist:

• Online portal: Secure credit/debit transactions with instant confirmation.
• Bank draft: Only accepted at designated Visa Application Centres (VACs).

“Processing begins only after fee confirmation—ensure your receipt is legible and attached.”

Including the Receipt with Your Application

Your proof of payment must accompany your submission. For online filings, upload the PDF receipt. Paper applicants should staple a printed copy to Form IMM 5644.

Note: Fees aren’t refunded if your request is denied or withdrawn after processing starts. Double-check eligibility before paying.

Step 3: Submit Your PRTD Application Online

Skip the paperwork—Canada’s visa portal lets you submit your request in minutes. The digital system guides you through each step, reducing errors and delays. No more mailing stacks of forms or waiting for couriers.

Using the Permanent Residence Portal

First, create an account with your email and a secure password. The portal saves progress, so you can pause and resume later. Key features include:

• Auto-filled fields for returning users.
• Instant error alerts for missing information.
• Secure cloud storage for uploaded files.

Uploading Documents and Digital Signatures

Files must be in PDF or JPG format, under 4MB each. Label them clearly (e.g., “Passport_Scan.pdf”). For signatures:

• Type your full name as a digital signature.
• Use the “Preview” tool to verify legibility.

“Technical issues? Contact support via the portal’s web form—responses typically arrive within 48 hours.”

After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a tracking number. Check your spam folder if it doesn’t arrive within an hour.

Alternative: Submitting a Paper PRTD Application

Not everyone can apply digitally—here’s how to navigate the paper process. Some countries lack reliable internet, while others face technical barriers. Physical submissions follow strict guidelines to avoid delays.

Mailing Requirements for Visa Application Centres (VACs)

Paper submissions must go through designated VACs. These centres are available in select countries, including:

• India (New Delhi, Mumbai)
• Philippines (Manila)
• United Kingdom (London)

Prepare your envelope carefully:

• Place the completed checklist (IMM 5644) on top.
• Include a copy of your payment receipt.
• Use a tracked courier service for proof of delivery.

Urgent Processing Requests

Need to travel within 5 days? Urgent processing is available for:

• Medical emergencies (e.g., family hospitalization).
• Stolen or lost cards with imminent travel plans.

“Urgent requests require proof—attach flight tickets or a doctor’s note to avoid rejection.”

Non-English/French documents need certified translations. Submit originals and translations together.

After Submission: What to Expect

Understanding the timeline helps manage travel expectations. Once submitted, your case enters a queue for review by immigration officials. Standard processing takes 6–8 weeks, though urgent cases may be faster.

Tracking Your Case Status

Check progress through the Canada visa portal using your tracking number. Updates appear at key stages:

• Initial review completion
• Request for additional documents (if needed)
• Final decision notification

Ensure your contact details stay current to avoid missed communications.

Receiving Your Travel Authorization

Approved requests result in a counterfoil placed in your passport. Collect it at the designated Visa Application Centre (VAC). This sticker serves as your entry permit to Canada.

“Lost documents? Contact the VAC immediately—reprints may delay travel by 10+ business days.”

If refused, you’ll receive a letter explaining reasons and appeal options. Common issues include:

• Insufficient residency proof
• Expired passport
• Incomplete payment

Upon returning to Canada, apply for a new PR card if yours is expired. Keep copies of all canadian permanent residency documents for future reference.

Common PRTD Application Mistakes to Avoid

Nearly a quarter of all PRTD requests face delays due to avoidable errors. Understanding these pitfalls ensures your submission sails through smoothly.

Incomplete Forms or Missing Documents

Unsigned forms top the rejection list. Always double-check signatures, especially for digital submissions where typed names replace ink.

Other frequent oversights:

• Outdated application versions (download fresh copies from the Canada visa portal).
• Blurry passport scans—ensure all edges and stamps are legible.
• Omitting the fee receipt, which halts processing immediately.

“Unsubstantiated humanitarian claims without evidence (e.g., medical reports) lead to instant denials.”

Incorrect Residency Obligation Proof

Miscalculating your 730 days is a costly error. Days spent outside Canada with a Canadian employer or spouse count—vacations don’t.

Gather airtight proof like:

• CRA tax filings showing Canadian income.
• Employment contracts with local addresses.
• School records for dependent children.

Follow these requirements to apply PRTD successfully. A meticulous review saves weeks of back-and-forth with immigration officials.

Conclusion

A smooth journey back to Canada starts with proper planning. The online portal streamlines your permanent resident travel document process, reducing delays and errors.

Always verify you meet residency rules before applying. Submit early—last-minute requests risk travel disruptions. Complex cases may benefit from professional guidance.

Ready to begin? Visit the official portal to start your resident travel document submission today. Safe travels!