Your PR card can be used to show you have permanent resident status in Canada. When you are going to travel outside of Canada, you should make sure you have a valid permanent resident (PR) card before you leave Canada.
Travelling in a commercial vehicle
A commercial vehicle can be an airplane, bus, boat, train or bus. If you’re travelling in a commercial vehicle, you need a valid PR card to return to Canada.
If your card is expiring or you don’t have a card
Apply for or renew your PR card before you leave Canada. You can only get your card when you’re in Canada. We can’t mail it to a third-party or outside Canada.
If you’re outside Canada without a card
If you’re outside Canada and don’t have a valid PR card, you need a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) to return to Canada. You can only apply for a PRTD from outside Canada.
If you apply for a card and it isn’t ready before you leave
You need a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) to return to Canada because we can’t mail cards to a third-party or outside Canada. You can only apply for a PRTD from outside Canada.
Travelling in a private vehicle
A private vehicle can be a car, truck, motorcycle or recreational vehicle that you own, borrow or rent. If you’re travelling in a private vehicle, you can use your PR card or other documents to return to Canada.