I plan to submit my PR card renewal application just before my overseas trip, and the new card will likely be issued while I am still abroad. Can I use my old, valid PR card to return to Canada if the new card has already been issued and mailed to my Canadian address? I would appreciate your quick reply, as my trip is approaching soon.
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.
We appreciate that you are concerned about this situation.
As we note in our article Do I really need a PR card to travel back to Canada?
To re-enter Canada by commercial carrier (train, plane, boat, or bus), you require a valid PR card or a valid Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD). You will not be permitted to board a commercial carrier if you cannot prove you can enter Canada. Some travel companies also require valid PR documents to be presented when you leave Canada with a return ticket already booked. You may wish to check the company’s policy before making your travel plans.
Given the current situation with Canada Post and possible shipping delays due to an increase in volume with other private couriers, it is best that you contact the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Call Centre directly to see if they have any information they can provide you.
You can contact them at: 1-888-242-2100 (In Canada Only)
You can also submit a case-specific enquiry: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/contacts/web-form.asp
We hope this information is helpful.
Sincerely,
Your Settlement.Org Team