Leaving canada with an expired PR card?

[a_baig]

I am permanent resident since April 2005....my PR card is due for renewal in April 2010.
Hopefully will be completing the 730 residency obligation by mid april 2010(jst in time).

My question is if i apply for renewal after completing the 730 dayz late in april....then can i leave canada with an expired PR card while my renewal is in process?

I understand tht a PR card is essential for travelling back into the country....but is it the same rule while leaving the country.
At the canadian airport  @  the time of departure..do they ask for valid PR card?
Has anyone ever experience this sort of situation?

Waitin for some good inputs
Thanks

[Leon]

They will not ask you for a PR card to leave but the problem with applying just before you leave is that you will not be able to get your PR card because only the first one is sent by mail.  The next one you have to pick up at the local CIC office.  As you are out of the country, you will not be able to do this.  It would be better for you not to apply to renew, leave the country, do what you have to do and when you want to return to Canada again, apply for a PR travel document to get back.  Once you are back in Canada, you can apply for your new PR card.  Just keep some proof of your residency in case they ask for it at that time.

[a_baig]

Thats a very smart available option which i had never known and though about.
Hats off to u for suggesting this.
I was always of the opinion that once your PR card is due for renewal then you should do so at the earliest.

So hopefully i can leave in last week of april...soon after completing the residency obligation and then come back by july and apply for renewal.
Is there any problem if i leave canada just during the expiry time?
Will they doubt my intention?

Thanks a lot for your sensible advise

[Leon]

Another option you might have is applying for your PR card about 3 months before it expires.  The processing time is now 81 days.  I know you will not meet your 730 days until shortly before it expires but actually, immigrations own rules state that if you are PR less than 5 years, they may only look at if you could be able to meet the residency requirements in your first 5 years, not if you already have.  In the form, they ask if you have been outside Canada more than 1095 days, not how long you have been in Canada.  You can call CIC and ask.  I have also heard about expedited processing if you are wanting to travel.  You might want to ask about that as well.

[khangura]

 My PR Card will expire on 12 Jan 2010. I have applied for renewal of PR Card on 10 Sep 2009. I will be going to India on 15 Jan 2010 and will be back by 15 Apr 2010. On 02 Nov 2009 I have mailed my air ticket photo copy to PR Card processing center requesting them to urgent processing of my application. According to processing time of PR Card renewal application in their web site I may not receive my PR card before end of Jan 2010. Please advise whether I can still travel with expired PR card and apply for travel document from abroad while coming back to Canada.

Thanks

[Leon]

Nobody will stop you from leaving with an expired PR card and yes, you can apply for a travel document to go back.