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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.

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