wats123

Hi

I've just realised my card has expired and I'm booked to go to Florida in early April. I realise by renewing my card it won't arrive in time. What are my options?

Thanks.

Shirtback

PRTD.
Permanent resident travel document

Or urgent processing (no guarantee)
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/informa...processing.asp

Or postpone/cancel your trip. Unless you're driving.

wats123

I looked at that but it says I have to be outside Canada.

wats123

If I apply for a PRTD do I fill out form send it to the states and they mail it back to me here in Canada?

Snowy560

From March 15 Canada's entry requirements are changing and you will need your PR card in order to board a plane back to Canada. Otherwise, you will have to apply for a PRTD once you are outside of Canada in order to return, as you can see in the links SB provides.

The other option is to drive over the border in a private vehicle as a PR card is not mandatory in this situation. I realise that from Florida this is impractical unless you can come with a workaround. If it's just a holiday and not time critical, you may find it less stressful to postpone your trip if this is possible.

S

wats123

Would I not be allowed on a flight even if I still have my pr card even if it has expired?

Snowy560

Leaving Canada won't be the issue. Returning will be.

I wouldn't recommend turning up at the airport for your return flight with an expired PR card after March 15.

What would your "Plan B" be if/when you are denied boarding?

S

FlyingDutchman6666

If you lived in Toronto, I'd have suggested driving across the border to the nearest US airport, and taking a flight to Florida from there. You don't need a PR card to cross the border by private vehicle, and for the internal US flight the airline just needs to see proof of ID and perhaps valid immigration status.

But you're in Halifax and since Bangor, ME is 7 hours away, that's not very practical. Maybe a solution for when all else fails.

Former Lancastrian

Basically you have 3 choices

1. Get a new PR card urgent processing (highly unlikely) or a PRTD.
2. Fly and hope the airline staff at check in on the way back don't ask to see the PR card.
3. Cancel the vacation.

wats123

Ok thanks, so I can only apply for a PRTD once in the US? I'm only going to be there a week so I'm not sure it would be sent back to me in time.

Former Lancastrian

That could also be a problem and both consulates are located in New York And LA so visiting one is not an option. Also if flying back after 15 March 2016 if no valid PR card you would need eTA and PRs cannot apply for eTA unless you lied on the application for one. This means you would have to show the expired PR card to airline staff and they may deny you boarding.
Is the vacation refundable or could you get credit for travel at a later date?

wats123

I don't think I'd be able to get a full refund. As all the rest of the family have Canadian passports. I did look at the eta form but I figured I shouldn't fill in the application.

neilcumming

My PR card has expired and Im outside of Canada .Im planning on returning to Canada in March so I called the VAC in Mexico City and I have send my passport and PR Card (not copies ) by courier which Im not happy about and they say it will take between 7 to 10 business days which is 1 1/2 weeks to 2 weeks .You also need to send pay slips and tax return info etc.The problem with the ETA if you did apply for it and Im not suggesting it ,is you would need a return flight leaving Canada .

Snowy560

You are right: PRs are not permitted to get an eTA.


S