Permanent Resident Travel Document- how long to get?

[Francis123]

I am applying for a permanent resident travel document as my PR card hasn't showed up and I will be re-entering Canada. It says current processing times are about 30 days, but can I rush mine? Anyone else have experience doing this? I need mine within the next 15 days. Help!

[pinklady]

If you are from the US, you won't need it!!
COPR and passport wil be enough to reenter canada.
Honestly!!

[Francis123]

If you are from the US, you won't need it!!
COPR and passport wil be enough to reenter canada.
Honestly!!

I talked to border patrol and they said you be the PR card to enter otherwise it's still possible to get refused entry without it. She did say you can try to proof to a border agent that your PR card is on it's way via COPR but it's no guarantee they'll let you in.

[CharlieD10]

You are a visa-exempt person, you should be able to use just your US passport and enter.  The border agent is being unnecessarily "by the book" and may even be incorrect.  Travel documents apply to persons from NON-VISA-EXEMPT countries, because we need a permit (visa, PR card) to enter the country.  You DO NOT.

[pinklady]

After I landed, I went on vacation to the US. I didnt have my PR card. At the border, when I reentered Canada,  I was asked where I lived, I said Canada. I said I was a permanent resident. I handed over my UK passport (also a visa exempt country) with my COPR attached to it. That was enough. We got waved through.
There was no issue whatsoever. No questioning above the normal questions.
I know border crossings can be stressful, I have had plenty of rough times, but once you have landed, you are a PR of Canada and it'll be ok.
Don't worry!

[Baloo]

After I landed, I went on vacation to the US. I didnt have my PR card. At the border, when I reentered Canada,  I was asked where I lived, I said Canada. I said I was a permanent resident. I handed over my UK passport (also a visa exempt country) with my COPR attached to it. That was enough. We got waved through.
There was no issue whatsoever. No questioning above the normal questions.
I know border crossings can be stressful, I have had plenty of rough times, but once you have landed, you are a PR of Canada and it'll be ok.
Don't worry!

At land borders it is Ok, but not at airports.

[Rinnerz]

People on here and other boards have had no issue boarding planes to return to Canada without their PR card, as long as they were already visa-exempt. I believe kelKel was one of the more recent ones to do this (well, her husband).

[Baloo]

People on here and other boards have had no issue boarding planes to return to Canada without their PR card, as long as they were already visa-exempt. I believe kelKel was one of the more recent ones to do this (well, her husband).

Visa exempt, yes I know some that have been Ok.

When landing, most people (visa exempt or not) are normally informed that land borders are ok with a passport and COPR, airports are not.

We all know the real world is different

[Rinnerz]

We all know the real world is different

No argument there, Baloo .

[sthomas]

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/faq/pr-card/pr-card-faq12.asp

No matter how you travel back to Canada, all permanent residents entering Canada must satisfy the border services officer that they have valid permanent resident status. A valid permanent resident card is the best proof of your status.

If you do not present your card when you return to Canada, you may be asked to show one of the following documents:

    * a completed Confirmation of Permanent Residence form;
    * the original Record of Landing (if it is dated 1973 or later);
    * a passport stamped with the date you were granted permanent residence (if your Record of Landing is dated 1972 or earlier);
    * a certified true copy of a Record of Landing document issued by CIC National Headquarters; or
    * a letter issued by CIC National Headquarters attesting to your permanent resident status.

The border services officer may also need to confirm your permanent resident status by asking you questions and checking our information systems.

That should answer your question.

BUT

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/faq/pr-card/pr-card-faq11.asp

The card gives holders reliable proof of their permanent residence status in Canada. The high-tech security features make the card extremely resistant to tampering or duplication. The card simplifies document screening for transportation officials because all permanent residents must produce the card when boarding a commercial carrier to Canada.

I am from a non-visa exempt country, but I will go with my husband to US sometime this year and will just do what is required of me. Based on their website, car travel is the best option if no pr card yet. Because you can just present the following documents in the border control. By plane, airport people will ask for your card.