As a permanent resident (PR) of Canada, your PR card acts as official proof of your immigration status and is necessary for re-entering the country by commercial travel—whether it’s a plane, train, bus, or cruise ship. If you lose your PR card while outside Canada, returning home can become a complicated affair. 

Thankfully, there is a clear process for obtaining a one-time travel document known as the Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD), which allows you to come back to Canada.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know and do if your PR card is lost while outside of Canada.

Let’s dive right in.

Get Expert Guidance Before You Begin

Losing your PR card in a foreign country can be confusing as well as emotionally taxing. That’s why it’s highly recommended to reach out to a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer before initiating the process. These professionals can help you evaluate your eligibility for a PRTD, guide you on gathering the correct documentation, and help reduce the chances of application delays or rejections.

In addition, you must report the lost or stolen card to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) right away. This step helps prevent the misuse of your lost card by ensuring it’s officially deactivated.

How Can You Return Without a PR Card?

If you lose your PR card while outside Canada, here’s how you can return to Canada. 

Well, if you’re outside Canada without a valid PR card, it is vital to note that you cannot use commercial travel to re-enter the country. In such cases, your only option is to apply for a PRTD.

This travel document is especially designed for Canadian permanent residents who are outside the country and need to return due to a lost, stolen, or expired PR card. It generally allows for a single re-entry into Canada.

Though you can request a multiple-entry PRTD, approval is not guaranteed. If you believe you need multiple entries, it’s best to include a detailed cover letter explaining your situation. Once you successfully return to Canada using the PRTD, it’s important to apply for a new PR card immediately.

How to Apply for a PRTD: Step-by-Step Process

To make the process more manageable, here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a PRTD:

  1. Download the Application Package
    Start by downloading the complete application kit, including the instruction guide (IMM 5529) and required forms.
  2. Review the Document Checklist (IMM 5644)
    This checklist is essential—it ensures you include all necessary supporting documents such as proof of permanent residency, travel records, and identification.
  3. Complete the Application Forms
    You can fill out the application either online via the Permanent Residence Portal or by paper submission if you require accommodations for accessibility.
  4. Pay the Processing Fee
    The cost for submitting a PRTD application is CAD $50. Be sure to keep the payment receipt and attach it to your application package.
  5. Submit Your Application
    • For online applications, upload all the completed documents and submit through the Portal.
    • For paper submissions, deliver your package to the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your current country.

Important Tip: If applying by paper, don’t forget to validate the IMM 5444 form digitally before printing it. The validation ensures all mandatory fields are completed and helps avoid delays.

Need Urgent Processing? Here’s How to Request It

If you’re in a situation where time is of the essence—such as needing to return to Canada within five days—you may qualify for expedited processing.

Examples of situations IRCC may consider urgent include:

  • You’ve received a job offer or must return to work
  • You or a close family member is facing a medical emergency
  • There has been a death in your immediate family
  • Your PR card was lost or stolen while travelling
  • You’re facing a vulnerable or crisis situation abroad

Even if your reason isn’t listed above, you may still apply for urgent processing. Be sure to include a clear and compelling explanation, along with all supporting documentation.

To apply for urgent processing:

  • Select “Yes, my request is urgent” in the online Portal
  • For paper submissions, write “Urgent” clearly on the envelope

Documents Needed for Urgent Requests

If you’re submitting an urgent PRTD application, be thorough. Include the following documents to support your request:

  • A detailed travel itinerary with departure and arrival dates
  • Receipt showing proof of payment for travel
  • A letter explaining the need for urgent return
  • Supporting documents such as a job letter, medical certificate, or obituary

Keep in mind that even with all these materials, IRCC retains full discretion to approve or deny urgent requests.

What Happens After You Submit?

Once your PRTD application is submitted, IRCC will:

  • Review your application for completeness
  • Confirm your permanent residency status and residency obligation compliance
  • Determine whether any additional documentation or clarification is needed

If your application is incomplete or if more information is required, IRCC will reach out to you through the email address or portal associated with your application. In some cases, you may also be asked to attend an interview, although this is not common.

If Your Application Is Approved

Should your application be approved, IRCC will instruct you to send your passport or travel document. You’ll also be given details about where and how to submit it for visa stamping. After this is done, your passport along with the approved PRTD will be mailed back to you.

If Your Application Is Refused

In the event your PRTD application is denied, IRCC will provide a formal letter explaining the reasons for refusal. The letter will also outline your legal options, including whether you are eligible to appeal the decision.

Crossing by Land? You May Not Need a PRTD

If you lose your PR card while outside Canada and are returning to Canada by a private vehicle—your own car, a rented car, or a borrowed one—you may enter the country via a land border crossing even without a PR card or PRTD.

In this case, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will need you to provide alternative documents proving your permanent residency. These could include:

  • Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
  • A provincial driver’s license
  • A provincial health card
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • Vehicle ownership papers
  • A letter from your Canadian employer

CBSA officers may also ask questions regarding your recent travels, how long you’ve been abroad, and your future plans. Answer truthfully and cooperate with all requests.

Lost PR Card While in Canada? Here’s What to Do

If you happen to lose your PR card while still in Canada, the process to get a replacement is far simpler. You don’t need a PRTD—just apply for a new PR card directly.

You may apply:

  • Online through the Permanent Residence Portal
  • On paper, if you have special accommodation needs

Steps to apply for a replacement card:

  1. Fill out the PR card application form (IMM 5444)
  2. Include all the required documents as per the checklist (IMM 5644)
  3. Pay the CAD $50 fee online and attach the receipt
  4. If the card was stolen, provide a police report or incident number

You may also request urgent processing if you meet the criteria discussed earlier. However, even urgent applications generally take a minimum of three weeks to process.

Receiving Your New PR Card

If approved, your new PR card will be mailed to your Canadian address. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • PR cards are not delivered outside Canada
  • If you live in a rural area without mail service, you can provide a PO Box
  • IRCC does not mail PR cards to third-party addresses
  • In some cases, you may be asked to collect the card from a local IRCC office

If you need to pick it up in person, don’t forget to bring your passport and the original versions of the documents you submitted.

Conclusion 

Losing your PR card abroad can be a frustrating experience, but it’s not the end of the road. Whether you choose to return via land or need to apply for a PRTD, there’s a well-outlined process in place. By acting quickly, staying organized, and understanding your responsibilities as a Canadian PR, you can ensure your return to Canada is as smooth as possible.

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].