Glossary
Updated 20 May 2026
A Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) is an important document for Canadian permanent residents (PR) who wish to return to Canada after a trip abroad. A PRTD is issued to those who do not have a valid permanent resident card (PR card) or cannot renew their card because they have been outside Canada for too long.
To apply for a PRTD, a permanent resident must prove their legal residence status and meet the residency obligation (730 days in 5 years). The PRTD application is submitted at a Canadian visa office abroad, accompanied by documents such as a passport, photos, and proof of PR status. Processing times typically range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the country.
A PRTD is valid for one entry and usually lasts for a maximum of 6 months. This is a useful solution to help permanent residents maintain their residency status when facing difficulties with their PR card. However, to avoid trouble, you should renew your PR card before it expires or maintain your residency time according to regulations.
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