Urgent processing of a permanent resident card

To qualify for urgent permanent resident (PR) card processing, you must be travelling within the next three months due to:

  • a job opportunity
  • your own serious illness
  • the death of a family member
  • work related to your current job
  • the serious illness of a family member

Even if you qualify for urgent processing, we can’t guarantee that you’ll get your PR card on time. See the current processing times for PR cards.

Tell us about your situation

I am leaving Canada in less than three weeks And I have not applied for a PR card yet

We can’t process a PR card application in less than three weeks. Once you’re outside Canada, submit a application for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) application to the nearest visa application centre.

If your return flight to Canada is in less than six weeks:

  • mark your application “urgent”
  • provide your travel dates and flight itinerary when applying

A PRTD will let you re-enter Canada if you don’t have a PR card. Without a PR card or a PRTD, you won’t be able to travel to Canada except by private vehicle.

Apply for your PR card when you return to Canada.

Learn more about what happens after you apply for a PRTD.

I am leaving Canada in less than three weeks And I already applied for a PR card but won't get it before I need to leave

We can’t process a PR card application in less than three weeks. Once you’re outside Canada submit a PRTD application to the nearest visa application centre.

If your return flight to Canada is in less than six weeks:

  • mark your application “urgent”
  • provide your travel dates and flight itinerary when applying

A PRTD will let you re-enter Canada if you don’t have a PR card. Without a PR card or a PRTD, you won’t be able to travel to Canada except by private vehicle.

Learn more about what happens after you apply for a PRTD.

I am leaving Canada in less than three weeks And my PR card just expired

We can’t process a PR card in less than three weeks. Once you’re outside Canada, submit a PRTD application to the nearest visa application centre.

If your return flight to Canada is in less than six:

  • make sure to mark your application “urgent”
  • provide your travel dates and flight itinerary when applying

A PRTD will let you re-enter Canada if you don’t have a PR card. Without a PR card or a PRTD, you won’t be able to travel to Canada except by private vehicle.

Apply for your PR card when you return to Canada.

Learn more about what happens after you apply for a PRTD.

I am leaving Canada in less than three weeks And I can't find my PR card

We can’t process a PR card in less than three weeks. Once you’re outside Canada, submit a PRTD application to the nearest visa application centre.

In your PRTD application, provide a detailed explanation of what happened to your PR card.

If your return flight to Canada is in less than six weeks:

  • mark your application “urgent”
  • provide your travel dates and flight itinerary when applying

A PRTD will let you re-enter Canada if you don’t have a PR card. Without a PR card or a PRTD, you won’t be able to travel to Canada except by private vehicle.

When you return to Canada, apply for a replacement PR card. There is a $50 fee and you must fill out section H (solemn declaration) when completing the application.

Learn more about what happens after you apply for a PRTD.

I am leaving Canada in more than three weeks And I have not applied for a PR card

Apply for a PR card and write “urgent” on the envelope.

To support your urgent request, include:

  • proof of travel that shows your destination and travel dates, such as:
    • your itinerary
    • a copy of your ticket
  • a copy of the receipt for your trip (a ticket receipt) with the:
    • date
    • amount paid
    • payment method
  • a letter explaining the reason for the urgency
  • proof of the urgency, such as a:
    • doctor’s note
    • death certificate
    • letter from your employer

Make sure the copies are clear. We must be able to read all of the information on each document. Include an English or French translation with any documents that are not in English or French.

If you forget to include something or your situation doesn’t qualify for urgent processing, we’ll process your application normally.

If you don’t receive your PR card before you travel, find out how to return to Canada without a PR card.

I am leaving Canada in more than three weeks And I recently submitted an application for a PR card

Check your application status online.

If your application is already in process

Use the case specific web form and provide:

  • proof of travel that shows your destination and travel dates, such as:
    • your itinerary
    • a copy of your ticket
  • a copy of the receipt for your trip (a ticket receipt) with the:
    • date
    • amount paid
    • payment method
  • a letter explaining the reason for the urgency
  • proof of urgency, such as a:
    • doctor’s note
    • death certificate
    • letter from your employer

Make sure the copies are clear. We must be able to read all of the information on each document. Include an English or French translation with any documents that are not in English or French.

If you forget to include something or your situation doesn’t qualify for urgent processing, we’ll process your application normally.

Include a valid email address under “Enquirer information”.

When your card is ready, we’ll usually send it to you. Sometimes, we may ask you to pick it up at a local office.

If your application isn’t in process or doesn’t appear in our system

Apply for another PR card and write “urgent” on the envelope.

Be sure to include:

  • a new application
  • another set of pictures
  • all your supporting documents
  • certified copies of documents (if needed)
  • a valid email address where we can contact you
  • proof of travel that shows your destination and travel dates, such as:
    • your itinerary
    • a copy of your ticket
  • a copy of the receipt for your trip (a ticket receipt) with the:
    • date,
    • amount paid, and your
    • payment method
  • a copy your application fee receipt from your first application
  • a letter explaining the reason for the urgency
  • proof of the urgency, such as a:
    • doctor’s note
    • death certificate
    • letter from your employer

If you forget to include something or your situation doesn’t qualify for urgent processing, we’ll process your application normally.

When your card is ready, we’ll usually mail it to you. Sometimes, we may ask you to pick it up at a local office.

If you don’t receive your PR card before you travel, find out how to return to Canada without a PR card.

I am outside Canada And I don't have my valid PR card with me

You can’t apply for a PR card at our offices outside Canada.

Submit an application for a PRTD to the nearest visa application centre.

If your return flight to Canada is in less than six weeks:

  • mark your application “urgent”
  • provide your travel dates and flight itinerary

A PRTD will let you re-enter Canada if you don’t have a PR card. Without a PR card or a PRTD, you won’t be able to travel to Canada except by private vehicle.

Learn more about what happens after you apply for a PRTD.

I am outside Canada And my PR card has expired while traveling

You can’t apply for a PR card at our offices outside Canada.

Submit a PRTD application by mail to the nearest visa application centre.

If your return flight to Canada is in less than six weeks:

  • mark your application “urgent”
  • provide your travel dates and flight itinerary

A PRTD will let you re-enter Canada if you don’t have a PR card. Without a PR card or a PRTD, you won’t be able to travel to Canada except by private vehicle.

Apply to replace your PR card when you return to Canada.

Learn more about what happens after you apply for a PRTD.

I am outside Canada And my PR card was lost or stolen while traveling

You can’t apply for a PR card at our offices outside Canada.

If your PR card is lost or stolen while you’re outside Canada, you must report the loss or theft to the nearest Canadian visa office.

To return to Canada, submit a PRTD application for a by mail to the nearest visa application centre.

If your return flight to Canada is in less than six weeks:

  • mark your application “urgent”
  • provide your travel dates and flight itinerary

With your application, include a copy of any police report you may have filed about the loss or theft of your PR card.

A PRTD will let you re-enter Canada if you don’t have a PR card. Without a PR card or a PRTD, you won’t be able to travel to Canada except by private vehicle.

Apply to replace your PR card when you return to Canada.

Learn more about what happens after you apply for a PRTD.

For more information

You can see current processing times and service standards for PR cards.

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