Outside Canada and need to return? Apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to re-enter Canada. Use this checklist to prepare your application.

You must be outside Canada to apply for a PRTD. If you are inside Canada, you need a PR Card renewal instead.

Required Documents for All Applicants

Identity Documents

Valid passport

  • All biography pages

  • All signature pages

  • All pages with visas and entry/exit stamps

Previous passports (if applicable)

  • All biography pages

  • All signature pages

  • All pages with visas and entry/exit stamps

Immigration Documents

Landing paper - Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) or Record of Landing (IMM 1000)

Current or expired PR Card (if available)

  • If lost: copy of police report filed for the lost card

Application Forms

Complete these online forms at YCI.co:

Representative Documents (provided by YCI before submission)

  • Representative Submission Letter

  • Use of Representative Form (IMM5476)

Additional Documents for Minor Applicants (Under 18)

Proof of relationship - One of:

  • Birth certificate (photocopy)

  • Adoption order issued by Canadian court

  • Legal guardianship document issued by Canadian court

Alternative documentation:

  • School records (report cards, transcripts, attendance records)

For unaccompanied minors:

  • Authorization for travel (signed by parent/guardian)

Residency Obligation Requirements

PRTD applicants must prove they meet residency obligations. Requirements depend on days spent outside Canada in the past 5 years.

If You Spent Less Than 1,095 Days Outside Canada

You meet the basic residency obligation. Provide at least two of the following:

  • Employment records or pay stubs from time in Canada

  • Bank statements showing Canadian activity

  • Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notice of Assessment for past 5 years

  • Evidence of Canadian government benefits received

  • Rental agreements or property documents

  • Club or association memberships

  • Correspondence showing Canadian address

  • Credit card or utility bills

Note: These documents prove your ties and presence in Canada before leaving.

If You Spent More Than 1,095 Days Outside Canada

You may still qualify under specific circumstances. Select the situation that applies:

Situation A: Employment Outside Canada by Canadian Business

If you were employed full-time by a Canadian business or Canadian public service while outside Canada.

Required employer letter confirming:

  • Position and title of signing official

  • Nature of business and qualification as Canadian business

  • Complete overseas assignment details

  • Confirmation of employment continuation

  • Statement that business wasn't created for residency purposes

Supporting documents:

  • Articles of incorporation and business licenses

  • Corporate tax documents or financial statements

  • Employee Assignment Agreement

  • Agreements with foreign clients/businesses

Situation B: Accompanying a Canadian Citizen Outside Canada

Days with a Canadian citizen spouse, common-law partner, or parent (if under 22) count toward residency.

Required documents:

  • Canadian citizen's passports/travel documents (past 5 years)

  • Citizenship proof (certificate, card, or passport)

  • Proof of citizen's addresses abroad (past 5 years)

  • Marriage certificate or common-law partnership evidence

  • Birth certificate or adoption documents (if accompanying parent)

Important: The Canadian citizen's travel must overlap with yours.

Situation C: Accompanying a Permanent Resident Outside Canada

Days with a PR spouse, partner, or parent who was employed by a Canadian business/public service count.

Required documents:

  • Proof the PR meets their own residency obligations

  • PR's passports/travel documents (past 5 years)

  • Employment documentation for the PR

  • Marriage certificate or common-law partnership proof

  • Birth certificate or adoption documents (if accompanying parent)

Need detailed guidance? See Understanding PR Residency Obligations for comprehensive explanations.

Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations

If you don't meet standard residency obligations, request H&C consideration.

Required: Comprehensive explanation letter addressing:

  • Why you remained outside Canada - Detailed circumstances preventing earlier return

  • Best interests of children - If children are affected, explain their needs

  • Circumstances beyond control - Medical, legal, family emergencies

  • Efforts to comply - Steps you took to try to meet obligations

  • Hardship if status lost - Consequences of losing Canadian PR status

Critical supporting evidence:

  • Medical records and doctor's letters

  • Death certificates (if family emergencies)

  • Court documents or legal orders

  • Employment contracts showing inability to leave

  • Family dependency documentation

  • Any evidence substantiating your claims

Travel urgency: If you have urgent travel needs (family emergency, medical), explain this clearly and provide supporting evidence.

Read more: Our guide Understanding PR Residency Obligations provides detailed H&C guidance and examples.

Recommended Additional Documents

Strengthen your PRTD application:

  • Canadian Income Tax Notices of Assessment (all available years)

  • T4 slips from Canadian employment

  • Property tax bills or ownership documents

  • Vehicle registration in Canada

  • Professional licenses or certifications in Canada

  • Children's school enrollment records

  • Medical records from Canadian healthcare system

Processing Time Considerations

PRTD processing times vary significantly by country and application complexity:

  • Standard applications: 2-8 weeks

  • Complex cases (H&C, extensive travel): Several months

  • Urgent circumstances: May be expedited with evidence

Plan ahead: Apply as soon as you know you need to return to Canada. Do not book flights until you receive your PRTD.

Signature Authorization (Optional)

Provide a clear signature on plain white paper using blue ballpoint pen for digital insertion, or manually sign printed forms.

Document Quality Standards

All documents must be:

  • Clear, legible scans or photos

  • Complete (all pages)

  • Properly oriented

  • In color (if original is in color)

  • Showing all four corners

  • Free from glare or shadows

Translation: All documents not in English or French require certified translations plus original documents.

In the Wrong Place?

Inside Canada? You cannot apply for a PRTD from inside Canada. See PR Card Renewal Checklist to renew your PR card.

Questions about meeting residency obligations? Read Understanding PR Residency Obligations for detailed guidance on the 730-day rule and exceptions.