# PR card Expired - PRTD - Can I start process?
**URL:** https://discourse.settlement.org/t/pr-card-expired-prtd-can-i-start-process/5530
**Category:** Permanent Resident Card
**Created:** [June 3, 2016, 5:04pm UTC](https://discourse.settlement.org/t/pr-card-expired-prtd-can-i-start-process/5530 "2016-06-03T17:04:28Z")
**Posts on this page:** 2
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@ForumUser](https://discourse.settlement.org/u/ForumUser)
#### Post date: [June 3, 2016, 5:04pm UTC](https://discourse.settlement.org/t/pr-card-expired-prtd-can-i-start-process/5530/1 "2016-06-03T17:04:28Z")
Hello, i was hoping to be able to gather some information.
I know that for the PRTD i need to do it abroad.
My PR card is expired and the application has not been processed yet so i will not be receiving my new one for a while.
I want to visit my home country next month but only for a week.
I was wondering if i can start the application before i leave because costa ricas embassy is in guatemala and the time it will take is most likely longer than my stay.
Ive tried contacting the agencies in guatemala and they havent been able to give me any information about the subject.
if you know anything about it i would appreciate it so much. Thank you for your time.
---
### Author:  [@SettlementOrgMod](https://discourse.settlement.org/u/SettlementOrgMod)
#### Post date: [June 9, 2016, 11:59am UTC](https://discourse.settlement.org/t/pr-card-expired-prtd-can-i-start-process/5530/2 "2016-06-09T11:59:18Z")
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.
We can appreciate that you would be interested in this type of information.
You can find some detailed information on the [Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)](http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/travel-document/) website in the [Permanent resident travel document](http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/travel-document/) section.
Here is an excerpt,
> [@](#):
>
> You can apply for a permanent resident travel document if you:
>
> - are a permanent resident,- do not have a valid PR card showing your PR status,- are **outside Canada,** and- will return to Canada by airplane, boat, train or bus.
and additionally in the [Applying for a travel document (permanent resident abroad) (IMM 5529)](http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5529ETOC.asp) section,
> [@](#):
>
> This application is for permanent residents outside Canada who do not have a valid permanent resident card to return to Canada. Travel documents are issued to permanent residents abroad to provide proof to a transportation company that the holder is entitled to re-enter Canada as a permanent resident.
>
> **Note to holders of a:**
>
> - Record of Landing (IMM 1000)- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)
>
> These documents are **not** valid for travel to Canada. You must have a permanent resident card or a travel document to re-enter Canada by train, plane, boat or bus.
>
> **Who should not apply for a travel document?**
>
> - Canadian citizens- Permanent residents with a valid permanent resident card- Permanent residents **in** Canada- Permanent residents who want to [voluntarily give up (renounce) their permanent residence status](http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5781ETOC.asp)
You can find some information on the IRCC website in the [I am outside of Canada and do not have a PR card. How can I return to Canada?](http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=605&t=22) section.
Here is an excerpt,
> [@](#):
>
> **I am outside of Canada and do not have a PR card. How can I return to Canada?**
>
> **Canada’s entry requirements are changing**
>
> Permanent residents (PR) of Canada must carry and present their valid PR card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD) when boarding a flight to Canada, or travelling to Canada on any other commercial carrier. If you do not carry your PR card or PRTD, you may not be able to board your flight, train, bus or boat to Canada.
>
> It is your responsibility to ensure that your PR card is still valid when you return from travel outside Canada, and to apply for a new PR card when your current card expires.
>
> **Returning by private vehicle**
>
> There are [other documents you can use](http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/travel-voyage/td-dv-eng.html)to enter the country.
>
> When you return to Canada, [apply for a PR card](http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/pr-card/apply-how.asp) if you plan to travel outside Canada again.
>
> Some examples of private vehicles include, but are not limited to: a car, truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle that you own, borrow, or rent, and that is not available for public use.
>
> **Returning by commercial vehicle: airplane, bus, train, or boat**
>
> You must [apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD)](http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/travel.asp), valid for one entry. Otherwise you may not be able to travel to Canada.
>
> You can [apply to replace your PR card](http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/pr-card/apply-replace-pr-card.asp) when you return to Canada.
You may also want to contact the [IRCC Call Centre](http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/contacts/call.asp) directly for some information regarding what your options may be.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.
=====
Anna
[Settlement.Org](http://Settlement.Org) Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
[Settlement.Org](http://Settlement.Org)