Permanent residents travelling outside Canada

Can I travel outside Canada without my PR card?

It depends on how you’re traveling.

Find out what documents you need to return to Canada.

Can my time abroad count toward my permanent resident status?

It depends on what you do and who you travel with. Your time outside of Canada may count toward your permanent resident status if you meet 1 of these conditions:

You work outside Canada

You need to work full-time for:

• a Canadian business or organization, or
• the Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government

You travel with a spouse or common-law partner

Your spouse or common-law partner needs to be:

• a Canadian citizen, or
• a permanent resident working outside Canada, full-time for:
  • a Canadian business, or
  • the Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government

You’re a dependent child and travel with your parent

Your parent needs to be:

• a Canadian citizen, or
• a permanent resident working outside Canada, full-time for:
  • a Canadian business or
  • the Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government

What happens if my permanent resident card expires while I am outside Canada?

When your permanent resident (PR) card expires, you still have your PR status. To keep your status, you need to stay in Canada for a certain amount of time.

You can’t use an expired PR card as a travel document.

If you’re still in Canada and your PR card will expire in less than 9 months, you should apply to renew your card.

If you’re outside Canada, find out what documents to use to return to Canada, depending on how you’re travelling.

Can I get my permanent resident card processed urgently?

Yes, you must prove that you need your card urgently when you submit your application. If you don’t qualify, we’ll process your application normally.

If you already submitted your application, you can request that we process it urgently depending on its status.

Find out if you’re eligible for urgent processing and how to apply.

If you’re outside Canada and want to come back, learn how to re-enter Canada without a PR card.