Along with numerous
other changes, brought about by the introduction of the new
immigration law in June of 2002, was the creation of a Permanent
Resident Card (PR Card). All new permanent residents, that is people
becoming permanent residents after June 28, 2002, are automatically
issued PR Cards. If you are a new immigrant, your visa will be
issued and upon your entry into Canada you personal data and photo
are confirmed and the card is issued automatically.
If you were a permanent resident before June 28, 2002 you may apply
for a PR Card. PR Cards are not mandatory if you are not planning to
travel internationally. However, PR Cards are mandatory if you are
planning to leave Canada and return thereafter. Because the PR Cards
are designed for permanent residents who will be travelling
internationally, the application process requires that you have a
valid passport or travel document.
Persons outside of Canada must ordinarily apply to the nearest
Canadian Embassy or Consulate for a travel document. The application
kits for travel documents are available on the Canada Immigration
website at www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/travel.html.
Persons Inside Canada
Information and application forms are available on Citizenship on
the website at www.cic.gc.ca/englsih/applications/prcard.html. At
the time of this writing the application process is taking
approximately 18 weeks. In special cases a request for urgent
processing can be made. If you are in the process of mailing your
application, include a copy of your proof of intended travel and
write “urgent - proof of travel included” on your envelope. If you
have already mailed your application and have not received your card
you may contact the department by fax at 1-514-496-8670 providing
the department with your name, id number, date of birth, address,
telephone number, email address, a copy of your plane ticket and a
copy of the primary page of your passport. You will receive a
response in a few days informing you when your PR Card will be
issued. This service is not available for those who mailed their
application less than 12 weeks ago.
If you must travel and you do not have a PR Card you may submit an
application for a temporary travel document, by mail, to a Canadian
Visa Office in the location that you will be visiting. You may also
submit that application in person at any Canadian Visa Office around
the world. Same day services is provided in urgent cases and
applicants will normally be required to pick up the travel document
in person at the Visa Office.
If you would like assistance with making an application for a PR
Card please feel free to contact us by email at:
immlaw@caronpartners.com |
