Traveling without a PR Card Help

[JToPrey]

Hello, I am traveling out of Canada on December 13th, and have been waiting for my PR card since mid-October. I only have eCoPR at the moment. I understand the eCoPR cannot be used for travel and I cannot adjust my flights at all. What options do I have? I don't want to really chance waiting for the card, but is there someone I can call to check the status or get delivery updates?

I have seen that I can apply for a PR Travel Document (PRTD), but I'm getting mixed information on whether that is done now or when I get to my destination. Even with that, the PRTD asks me to give a valid reason for applying now while in Canada, which to me I'm not sure I'll be able to give as this trip for vacation.

As it is only 17 days before I leave, I'm stressed about what I can do to make sure I'll be able to leave and re-enter. Any help is appreciated, let me know if you need any more details.

 

[armoured]

I'd try calling IRCC now.

-My understanding is that actually you can apply for the PRTD before departing (seemingly not officially but not really an issue). I wouldnt do right now, but I can't suggest when.
-Flight return date may limit your capacity to get the PRTD in time.
-Flying out is not a problem. If your return dates are firm, your only option may be to re-route so as to enter by land (i.e. via USA). Assuming you have a US visa or similar.

 

[JToPrey]

Thanks for your reply on this armoured. I'm currently on hold with the IRCC now, thankfully not too long of a hold. Any suggestions for what I should tell the IRCC?

-I'm torn between waiting for a little while longer to get the PR card and applying for the PRTD, hard to say when to pull the trigger of course like you mentioned.
-I return on the 9th of January, via Toronto, changing the flight is not an option for me. How does the return date affect things if you don't mind?

This process seems crazy to me, I mean I'm approved already but the eCoPR is not enough for border agents, there has to be something I can do without the PR Card. I should be used to this with how convoluted some processes are with the IRCC, but this is frustrating.

 

[armoured]

Thanks for your reply on this armoured. I'm currently on hold with the IRCC now, thankfully not too long of a hold. Any suggestions for what I should tell the IRCC?

Obviously what's the status, has it been sent, do they have info on when it iwll be sent, you have a flight in 3 weeks. Check the address to which it will be sent.

-I'm torn between waiting for a little while longer to get the PR card and applying for the PRTD, hard to say when to pull the trigger of course like you mentioned.

I would wait for now. At least see what they say.

-I return on the 9th of January, via Toronto, changing the flight is not an option for me. How does the return date affect things if you don't mind?

If you do not have the PR card or a PRTD, you won't be allowed to board the flight back. (Also how likely you'll have time to get the passport stamped). Where will you be travelling to? Do you know where the Canadian embassy/consulate with visa section is (which country/city)?

This process seems crazy to me, I mean I'm approved already but the eCoPR is not enough for border agents, there has to be something I can do without the PR Card. I should be used to this with how convoluted some processes are with the IRCC, but this is frustrating.

These are the options: get the PR card (it can be couriered/sent to you abroad if it arrives at your address and you have someone who can send it; get the PRTD; travel via USA.

 

[JToPrey]

The agent was very nice but could only tell me what I submitted looked fine and the PR card was not shipped yet, no timeline, nothing they can do with the 3 weeks, nothing to expedite, in fact he said I can't apply for PRTD until I am in Ireland, but that hopefully won't matter as you've stated previously.

I'll do what I can for the PRTD, hopefully the card just comes, won't be able to come via the US.

Thanks for your help, at least I know what options are available to me.

 

[armoured]

Good luck. Now note, I wouldn't apply for the PRTD too early. I'm only kind of guessing, but I reckon applying 3-5 days before departing on assumption they'll understand is reasonable. (YMMV, use at own risk, etc) Do make it clear that you have tight timelines and where possible mark PRTD as urgent. Check the form beforehand to clarify any questions you may have (eg since you are recently a PR you are - by simple math - in compliance with the residency obligation.*

Again, where you're doing this may make a difference. The visa section has to be capable of getting the passport (usually through the VFS or other visa application centres) and sending it back to you. Some places - eg India - seem to be longer for all passport submissions. I don't have reliable info on that.

And let's hope the PR card comes before you depart or soon enough for it to be sent to you.

I suppose you could try the call centre again - in a week or so - and inquire if it's possible to get the PR card done urgently. Can't hurt to ask anyway.