Refugee Travel Document - Questions and Answers

[SKROR]

Which travel document after PR: RTD or Certificate of Identity? My RTD has expired.​

Hi everyone, I hope someone here can help or share their experience.
I was a protected person and have recently become a permanent resident. I now want to apply to renew my travel document, but I’m confused about which one to apply for.
There seem to be two options:
Refugee Travel Document – for people with protected person status
Certificate of Identity – for permanent residents who are not protected persons and cannot get a national passport
Since I am now a permanent resident, I’m not sure which option is correct. I also noticed that the fees are different for each. ($ 120 & 260 )
Additionally, my previous Refugee Travel Document is expired, but it still contains a valid U.S. B1/B2 visa. The application checklist says to send any travel documents with the new application. I’m concerned about sending the original because I still need the U.S. visa in the future.
I am still waiting for my PR card. Can I apply for the travel document using just my eCOPR, or do I need to wait for the PR card first?
Has anyone in a similar situation successfully applied? Is it acceptable to send a photocopy of the expired Refugee Travel Document instead of the original?
I don’t have a lawyer and plan to apply on my own, so I want to make sure I do this correctly.
Thank you very much to anyone who has experience or knowledge about this process.

Wait for the PR card just in case. Also, you have to send your expired travell document, but to get it shipped back to you, write an explanation letter and attach it in the new application envelope saying that the expired document has yiur valid US visa and you would need it back to travel to USA.

And, yiu have to apply for a new travel document for refugees as you are a protected person not the protected temporary resident, that's when you need to apply for certificate of identity in most cases.

I hope this helps.

Thanks

 

[Odin90210]

You can back to Canada without pr and without applying for it if you are holding refugee travel document. A refugee even doesn’t have to apply for pr. You can live without pr until you die. Only keep extending work permit, refugee travel documents etc.

As stated clearly on all RTD. An RTD is NOT a passport and does NOT guarantee entry into Canada. You must ALWAYS be able to show proof of your legal residency in Canada. I learnt this the hard way during my recent vacation with Turkish airlines. Always have your notice of decision with you AT ALL TIMES.

 

[Canadian_rainbow]

As stated clearly on all RTD. An RTD is NOT a passport and does NOT guarantee entry into Canada. You must ALWAYS be able to show proof of your legal residency in Canada. I learnt this the hard way during my recent vacation with Turkish airlines. Always have your notice of decision with you AT ALL TIMES.

I see. I have travelled to the USA 3 times and once Bahamas. No one asked me any other documents since I had only refugee travel document. Canada or other countries.

 

[Odin90210]

I see. I have travelled to the USA 3 times and once Bahamas. No one asked me any other documents since I had only refugee travel document. Canada or other countries.

it depends on the airline. I’ve read similar experiences on this platform.

 

[HereToStay]

I see. I have travelled to the USA 3 times and once Bahamas. No one asked me any other documents since I had only refugee travel document. Canada or other countries.

How was travel to the Bahamas? Does rtd need a visa?

 

[Canadian_rainbow]

How was travel to the Bahamas? Does rtd need a visa?

It was very easy. No need visa. Why you came and where will you stay. That’s all. Regular immigration questions.

 

[Gusmcr]

As stated clearly on all RTD. An RTD is NOT a passport and does NOT guarantee entry into Canada. You must ALWAYS be able to show proof of your legal residency in Canada. I learnt this the hard way during my recent vacation with Turkish airlines. Always have your notice of decision with you AT ALL TIMES.

Legally only the RTD should be enough to allow to board back to Canada, but the airlines prefer to be cautious otherwise they can be fined, if they mistakely board someone.

In this case we SHOULD BE TWICE cautious and always carry proof of our current status in Canada, IRB decision, work permit, study permit, etc, print some IRCC page, IATA page.... (those who are not PR yet).
Don't wait to learn the hard way like I did. After this last episode I got afraid to travel internationaly again.

 

[Flowercita]

You can back to Canada without pr and without applying for it if you are holding refugee travel document. A refugee even doesn’t have to apply for pr. You can live without pr until you die. Only keep extending work permit, refugee travel documents etc.

That is true.
You don't necessarily need or must apply for PR. It's an option they offer to refugees but is not mandatory.

 

[Flowercita]

You can back to Canada without pr and without applying for it if you are holding refugee travel document. A refugee even doesn’t have to apply for pr. You can live without pr until you die. Only keep extending work permit, refugee travel documents etc.

Hi. Did You receive your decission? I think You applied before me. I'm from aug2023. Are You still waiting?

 

[Canadian_rainbow]

Hi. Did You receive your decission? I think You applied before me. I'm from aug2023. Are You still waiting?

Hi. I’ve applied in may 30th for pr and no decision yet. Still security has not started and info sharing in progress.

 

[Flowercita]

Hi. I’ve applied in may 30th for pr and no decision yet. Still security has not started and info sharing in progress.

It was supposed by this time You had your PR. So delayed everything. So sad.

 

[Elkana]

You can back to Canada without pr and without applying for it if you are holding refugee travel document. A refugee even doesn’t have to apply for pr. You can live without pr until you die. Only keep extending work permit, refugee travel documents etc.

Yes but the reality is different. Officers will ask a lot of questions to believe you

 

[Canadian_rainbow]

Yes but the reality is different. Officers will ask a lot of questions to believe you

I see. I’ve travelled a few times and I did not face that kind of situation. Maybe others experienced different experiences.

 

[DS78]

I am holding certificate of identity and travelling to Singapore do i need a visa for one hour layover in san fransisco please?

 

[zak86]

I am holding certificate of identity and travelling to Singapore do i need a visa for one hour layover in san fransisco please?

Yes you will need usa visa for sure.. unless you have a Canadian passport.