No PR card yet - should I apply for travel document

[flower07]

I landed on 11th July and was told that I would get my PR card within 8 weeks. Knowing this, I scheduled a flight back home for mid-Septemebr, but now I don't think I will receive my PR card before I go.

Going through some posts I read that if you come from a Visa-exempt country, you can re-enter with your landing document. I am from Hungary, and Hungarian citizens don't need a visa to come to Canada. So I called the call centre and went to their office in person, and at both places they told me I need to apply for a travel document to come back. That means I have to go to Vienna because there's no embassy in Hungary.

I would appreciate if someone enlightened me about this. Should I apply for a travel document (would be a hassle) or there's no need?

Thanks guys.

[CharlieD10]

Landing on only your COPR does not work for air travel.  You will need to apply for a travel document.

[lovely20]

I landed on 11th July and was told that I would get my PR card within 8 weeks. Knowing this, I scheduled a flight back home for mid-Septemebr, but now I don't think I will receive my PR card before I go.

Going through some posts I read that if you come from a Visa-exempt country, you can re-enter with your landing document. I am from Hungary, and Hungarian citizens don't need a visa to come to Canada. So I called the call centre and went to their office in person, and at both places they told me I need to apply for a travel document to come back. That means I have to go to Vienna because there's no embassy in Hungary.

I would appreciate if someone enlightened me about this. Should I apply for a travel document (would be a hassle) or there's no need?

Thanks guys.

Hang in there, you still have a couple more days to go.  My hubby landed on June 23 and we received his card yesterday, took 45 days.  So if you are flying out mid-September there is a good chance you will have your PR card with you when you fly out of Canada.  Another thing you can do is have someone you trust mail the PR card to you in Hungary. 

[flower07]

Thanks for the responses!

I hope to get it before I travel, I just want to be prepared in case I don't, which means a trip to Austria

[sthomas]

Landing on only your COPR does not work for air travel.  You will need to apply for a travel document.

Does it work if I travel by car? My husband and I are planning to visit the US.

[KazInAz]

Same applies if you travel by car.

My husband landed on June 14 and rec'd his card Aug. 15. 

Kaz

[flower07]

If I get the card while I'm away, can I ask somebody to mail it to me? Is it safe? Which courier would you recommend that ships fast and cheap? Thanks for your thoughts!

[rjessome]

I landed on 11th July and was told that I would get my PR card within 8 weeks. Knowing this, I scheduled a flight back home for mid-Septemebr, but now I don't think I will receive my PR card before I go.

Going through some posts I read that if you come from a Visa-exempt country, you can re-enter with your landing document. I am from Hungary, and Hungarian citizens don't need a visa to come to Canada. So I called the call centre and went to their office in person, and at both places they told me I need to apply for a travel document to come back. That means I have to go to Vienna because there's no embassy in Hungary.

I would appreciate if someone enlightened me about this. Should I apply for a travel document (would be a hassle) or there's no need?

Thanks guys.

The Call Centre is wrong.  As a visa exempt individual, you do not have to apply for a Travel Document.  You can fly on your own passport and when you re-enter Canada, advise the officers at the POE that you are a PR, show them your COPR and advise that you are waiting to receive your PR card.

Let me make something very clear.  A Travel Document only allows a visa-required individual to board a commercial transport carrier.  It does not prove status.  Your status as a PR allows you re-entry into Canada, not the TD.

[steaky]

If I get the card while I'm away, can I ask somebody to mail it to me? Is it safe? Which courier would you recommend that ships fast and cheap? Thanks for your thoughts!

Courier is better.  I use UPS in Canada.

[sthomas]

The Call Centre is wrong.  As a visa exempt individual, you do not have to apply for a Travel Document.  You can fly on your own passport and when you re-enter Canada, advise the officers at the POE that you are a PR, show them your COPR and advise that you are waiting to receive your PR card.

Let me make something very clear.  A Travel Document only allows a visa-required individual to board a commercial transport carrier.  It does not prove status.  Your status as a PR allows you re-entry into Canada, not the TD.

So if my husband and I travel by car to the USA, and then come back to Canada, can I just present them my COPR. I read it somewhere in the gov't site that I could, but things makes me paranoid. I will have to present a visa to enter the US, but my concern is going back to Canada.

[flower07]

The Call Centre is wrong.  As a visa exempt individual, you do not have to apply for a Travel Document.  You can fly on your own passport and when you re-enter Canada, advise the officers at the POE that you are a PR, show them your COPR and advise that you are waiting to receive your PR card.

Let me make something very clear.  A Travel Document only allows a visa-required individual to board a commercial transport carrier.  It does not prove status.  Your status as a PR allows you re-entry into Canada, not the TD.

Hmm, this is interesting. Why would they tell me something that's not true?? Or would they? Is this somewhere written down?

I believe they have record of my PR status in their computer system, that's why I don't understand why I need to get a travel document..

[kelKel]

The call center seems to tell everyone this.  I was assured by rjessome that we did not need our card.  We travelled without it and had no problems getting on the plane with just our COPR.  They asked if we lived and Canada and my husband said he was waiting for his card and showed his COPR and not another question.  As well coming back into Canada they barely looke at it and said welcome home.  Oh btw he's visa exempt.

[flower07]

The call center seems to tell everyone this.  I was assured by rjessome that we did not need our card.  We travelled without it and had no problems getting on the plane with just our COPR.  They asked if we lived and Canada and my husband said he was waiting for his card and showed his COPR and not another question.  As well coming back into Canada they barely looke at it and said welcome home.  Oh btw he's visa exempt.

I might just do the same...but I know I always worry too much about these things...

Kelkel, where is your husband from?

[kelKel]

LOL believe me I was a complete paranoid freak, thinking they wouldn't let him on the plane ect.  They barely looked it and printed the ticket beforehand.  He's a German citizen and we had travelled to an island.

[rjessome]

Kelkel, you are not THAT paranoid!   

 @ flower07 - The instruction guide to apply for a TD is here:  http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5529E.PDF

Read the following statement at the top of page 3:

Travel documents are issued to permanent residents abroad to provide proof to a transportation company that the holder is entitled to re-enter Canada as a permanent resident.

I know this is somewhat confusing and even among professionals we debate this issue.  However, the TD allows the PR to board the commercial transport carrier.  The fact that a person is a PR is what allows them to enter Canada at the POE.  A permanent resident IS a permanent resident, with or without a PR card.  Just like a citizen IS a citizen with or without a passport.  Kelkel's husband was allowed to board the plane to Canada on the strength of his German passport because he is visa exempt.  When he entered Canada, he had to indentify himself as a PR to the officers at the POE.  The airline only cares that he was legally able to board the plane because if he wasn't and was denied entry, they would have to foot the bill for his return flight.  As a PR, you are guaranteed entry to Canada.  Even if for some reason the PR is found inadmissible at the POE to Canada and given a Section 44 report and removal order, they would STILL be allowed entry as they have the right of appeal.