VisabuddiesVB
ExploreGuidesQuestionsHow it works
Sign inStart selling
GuidesCanadaPermanent Resident

Traveling Abroad After eCOPR While Waiting for Your PR Card

Canada • Permanent Resident • immigration 0 views
By VisaBuddies Communityvia community — compiled from public visa forums

Documents Needed

  • PR card application

    Typically takes around 2-4 weeks to process after your electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence (eCOPR), though IRCC's website may quote figures like ~29 days.

  • Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)

    Needed to re-enter Canada if you leave before your PR card arrives.

Step-by-Step

After receiving your eCOPR, here's what to know if you plan to travel to see family before your PR card arrives:

  1. PR card processing generally takes about 2-4 weeks, with IRCC's own posted processing time often cited around 29 days — but this can vary, so check current IRCC processing times before finalizing travel plans.

  2. You can leave Canada, but you cannot re-enter without either your PR card or a valid PRTD. Airlines require one of these two documents to board a flight back to Canada as a PR.

  3. If you must travel before your card arrives, apply for a PRTD at the visa office responsible for your region, so you have a valid document to re-enter with.

  4. Consider timing your trip after your PR card arrives if at all possible, to avoid the extra step and processing time of a PRTD application.

Dos, Don'ts & Tips

  • Tip: Check IRCC's current posted PR card processing time before booking travel, since it can shift over time.
  • Do: Apply for a PRTD in advance if you must travel before your PR card arrives.
  • Don't: Don't leave Canada assuming you can re-enter without a PR card or PRTD — you cannot board without one.

Have a question about this? Join the discussion.

View Thread

Related Guides

work

Changing employers during a PR application on a closed work permit — can you work for the new employer while LMIA is pending?

immigration

Traveling Back to Canada on COPR Without a PR Card During a Family Emergency

immigration

Police Clearance Certificate older than 6 months: is it still valid?

immigration

How to submit Proof of Funds (POF) bank statements if your bank only provides separate monthly statements

immigration

Submitted an expired medical via webform for PR, but IRCC still requested a new one? Do the new medical