I am a British Citizen and been denied ETA because Canadian government say I was once a permanent resident.
This was over 30 years ago and I never had a PR card.
Have tried to renounce my PR status so I can apply for ETA but government website keeps asking for the document to be resubmitted.
Can’t resubmit as that option is no longer electronically available on the website.
They seem to be asking for photos and my passport - which passport - GB passport?
Also say submit everything electronically - how do I submit passport electronically?
Have tried sending web enquiry but no reply.
Now in situation where I am not PR but cannot apply for ETA, what should I do?
Don’t know how to phone to speak to a person instead of a website.
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.
We can appreciate that you would be concerned about this situation and would be interested in finding out what your options are.
You mentioned you tried to renounce your permanent residency. Was it confirmed that you renounced it?
It is important to note that in terms of loss of permanent residency, a person does not lose it until a final determination has been made.
This means that your PR status needs to be formally removed.
You can find some information on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website , Here is an excerpt,
Losing your permanent resident status does not happen automatically. You cannot lose your permanent resident status simply by living outside of Canada long enough that you don’t meet the residency requirement. Unless you have gone through an official process, you have not lost or given up your permanent resident status, even though you may not be eligible to return to Canada as a permanent resident.
an adjudicator determines that you are no longer a permanent resident following an inquiry; or- a visa officer determines you do not meet the required residency when you apply for apermanent resident travel document or temporary resident travel document .
you do not live in Canada for two out of five years;- you are convicted of a serious crime and told to leave Canada; or- you become a Canadian citizen .
In terms of re-entering Canada, 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? 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 to enter the country.
When you return to Canada, apply for a PR card 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) , valid for one entry. Otherwise you may not be able to travel to Canada.
You can apply to replace your PR card when you return to Canada.
We suggest that it is important and probably best that you speak to a Lawyer who is familiar with Canadian immigration issues for additional information regarding your situation.
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.
=====Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CRS, CRS-DCSettlement.Org