Experiences flying to Canada with only CoPR and no PR card

[Freshboi]

Hey all,

Got my CoPR, waiting on the PR card. I'm a US citizen and I want to go to the US via air to visit family before the PR card arrives. My understanding is that airlines have a problem with this because they need to see a PR Card or PRTD in order to feel comfortable letting you on the plane and ensuring you won't be sent back on their dime. And to the airline, a CoPR is not sufficient.

I'm keen to hear experiences from people who have tried to do this despite it not being completely above board.

I do have a valid Canadian work permit and honestly what I'd like to do is just tell the airline that I'm returning to Canada as a worker if they ask. I travelled to and from the US several times while my PR application was processing and no one ever asked me anything, so I'm not particularly worried.

 

[APPNOV2014NY]

For Air travel to Canada , your US passport is sufficient. Once you land at airport, you can show your COPR to CBSA to enter Canada as PR.

 

[k.h.p.]

US citizens can get to Canada with a US passport, as noted above. No PR card nor PRTD needed. When you check in to the flight, select "US citizen" for travel documents.

 

[NHLNFL]

Hey i don't want to hijack your post but figured I'd ask.

How were your experiences returning to Canada while your application was in progress? I'm assuming you stated that because you were an inland applicant because outland applicants usually shouldn't have issues anyway.

What documents did you carry on you and at what times during the application?

 

[zoya_99]

Hey all,

Got my CoPR, waiting on the PR card. I'm a US citizen and I want to go to the US via air to visit family before the PR card arrives. My understanding is that airlines have a problem with this because they need to see a PR Card or PRTD in order to feel comfortable letting you on the plane and ensuring you won't be sent back on their dime. And to the airline, a CoPR is not sufficient.

I'm keen to hear experiences from people who have tried to do this despite it not being completely above board.

I do have a valid Canadian work permit and honestly what I'd like to do is just tell the airline that I'm returning to Canada as a worker if they ask. I travelled to and from the US several times while my PR application was processing and no one ever asked me anything, so I'm not particularly worried.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=064&top=10

You definitely need a PR card or PRTD to return to Canada.

 

[Freshboi]

Hey i don't want to hijack your post but figured I'd ask.

How were your experiences returning to Canada while your application was in progress? I'm assuming you stated that because you were an inland applicant because outland applicants usually shouldn't have issues anyway.

What documents did you carry on you and at what times during the application?

I left Canada 3 times while it was in progress. Twice to the US and once to Europe. Never had any issues. I just brought my passport and work permit with me.

 

[Freshboi]

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=064&top=10

You definitely need a PR card or PRTD to return to Canada.

Notice the language here: "You must apply for a permanent resident travel document. Otherwise you may not be able to travel to Canada".

it doesn't say that you can't return to or enter Canada, because if you're a PR you always have the right to enter Canada. So it's not true that you definitely need a PR card or PRTD to return to Canada. The trouble comes with if the airline will let you on the plane. That's the part I'm interested in. I'm betting that they won't bother me about that though. They just say that you "must" apply for a PRTD here because that's the only way they can guarantee the airline with let you board.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=064&top=10

You definitely need a PR card or PRTD to return to Canada.

Americans don't.

 

[zardoz]

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=064&top=10

You definitely need a PR card or PRTD to return to Canada.

A US citizen can travel just on their USA passport. It's an exception to this rule.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1116&top=16

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Notice the language here: "You must apply for a permanent resident travel document. Otherwise you may not be able to travel to Canada".

it doesn't say that you can't return to or enter Canada, because if you're a PR you always have the right to enter Canada. So it's not true that you definitely need a PR card or PRTD to return to Canada. The trouble comes with if the airline will let you on the plane. That's the part I'm interested in. I'm betting that they won't bother me about that though. They just say that you "must" apply for a PRTD here because that's the only way they can guarantee the airline with let you board.

The airline won't have any issue. Don't mention your PR status.

 

[NHLNFL]

I left Canada 3 times while it was in progress. Twice to the US and once to Europe. Never had any issues. I just brought my passport and work permit with me.

Okay great. And did you tell them you are an inland applicant? Did they ask your reason to enter Canada, etc?

Im just curious because as a US citizen I plan on leaving for 10 days to the US for pleasure purposes. What if it's without an OWP?

I know nothing guarantees reentry anyway. I wonder if I have a valid visitor record that will still be valid when I return as well. Im not sure when I'll receive the work permit.

Anyway others have said you are good with a US passport. COPR is not required for land travel by private transport as well if that is an option