Flying soon without a renewed PR card.

[John Hensell]

I have read these forums back and forth but I still feel little weary. The information I found might be out of date so I want to make sure this is correct. I recieved a christmas gift to go to the states for a couple weeks during my PR renewal time. I had then applied for a urgency to which it was accepted but I had the renewal returned twice for bad pictures. The third time I inspected it personally and made sure it fit specifications. That was the 13th of march that I recieved the letter stating the pictures were wrong again and I expressed it to arrive on the 18th of march. Leaving only 7 business days before i'd have to leave the country for my flight.

So here I am. I've read that since I am a US citizen that I can enter Canada again purely because I am from a visa free country and that my expired PR card wouldn't matter. I would have to though upon landing in Canada show that my card is expired and prove that it's being renewed? I am not to sure on that part. I had to send my reciept to the CIC with all the documentations. Is there a letter they can give me that would suffice? Also, I was told that I might need my landing documents. Not to sure what that is. I came 9 years ago and kept using the 6 month turn around until I married and got my PR card.

Anyway, I want to make sure 100% that I can enter Canada without issues before I attempt to. Thanks

 

[Rob_TO]

When flying without a PR card it's more the airlines that may cause difficulty. If you state you're a PR to the airline but don't have a valid card or travel document, the airline may refuse boarding. So for US citizens it's usually easier to simply tell the airline you're traveling to Canada as a visitor on your visa-exempt passport. Then there will be no issue around proving your PR status.

Once in Canada you are guaranteed entry as a PR regardless of if you have your PR card or not. PR card is not a requirement for entry as really all CBSA needs to confirm your PR status is your passport and basic bio-data. You can also bring any supporting proof (like renewal application) to show CBSA, though you may not even need it.