While PR and away Father (also PR) got disabled

[sendwaheed]

Hello Dear,

Me and my elderly parents entered Canada in March 2014. After receiving our PR in August, we traveled back to Pakistan to dispose properties.

During the trip my father (PR) had a stroke and got permanently paralyzed. He is not only able to move only right side of his body but has also lost cognitive abilities.

He does not talk, listen or comprehend anything around him. We want to return to Canada as most of our family members are already Canadian.

I want to know the following:

(1) What are the chances that we (with my father) will be allowed back into Canada.

(2) What kind of help will we be able to get in Dad’s rehabilitation process?

Thank you so kindly for your help.
WS

[SettlementOrgMod]

Hello WS,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be concerned about this situation and interested in finding out what your options are.

As you may know, in order to re-enter Canada by commercial vehicle you must have a valid PR card.

If you and your family do not have valid PR cards, in terms of re-entering Canada without a PR card, you can find some detailed 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.

If your PR cards have expired and your family decides to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) at the nearest Canadian Visa Office, if you have not met your residency requirements, starting this process may also start the process to determine whether or not you or your family have lost their PR status.

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

In terms of what kind of help your father may receive once he has re-entered Canada, in most provinces there is a 3 month waiting period for health insurance coverage. You can find some information in our Settlement.Org How can I pay for health care in my first 3 months in Ontario, or if I don’t have OHIP? article.

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.

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Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org