How to retrieve my residence card number needed to apply for ETA

[Andreas Krüger]

I have a received a permanent residence status from the time we lived in Canada (-2010). I now live abroad with my Canadian spouse and children. My card is expired (which created a lot of hassle the last time I tried to exit Canada) and lost. How can I find my card number needed to apply for an ETA so I can go on holiday together with my family? I have a social insurance number.

regards

Andreas Krüger
Sweden

 

[scylla]

You can't apply for an ETA at this time since technically you are still a permanent residency of Canada. You have to officially renounce your PR status first (before you can apply for the ETA). Instructions here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/voluntarily-renounce.asp

Alternatively, if you want to keep your PR status, you can apply for a PR Travel Document to come to Canada. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/travel-document/

 

[Andreas Krüger]

Thank you.
Following question? As we do not plan to move back to Canada and want to visit Canada as a tourist I will either have to renounce my PR and then I can apply for an eta? How long time will this take?

OR

If I want to maintain my PR status, how do I find/get hold of my PR card number that I do no longer have.

 

[scylla]

If you have no plans to return to Canada - I would personally renounce your PR status (your wife can always apply to sponsor you again if you change your mind). Otherwise you're going to continue to run into issues like the one you have now. I believe renouncing your status takes a few weeks (3?) - but once it's done, it's done. And then applying for an ETA will be easy and you'll be immediately approved going forward.

Otherwise you'll need to apply for a PRTD (travel document) each time you want to return. This involves paperwork and waiting (probably around the same processing time as renouncing).

Anyway - just my two cents on what will make your life easiest.

 

[Andreas Krüger]

Thank you for your help.

 

[Andreas Krüger]

How do I get the number for my residence card as demanded in box number 7 in the application to renounce my PR? "The number on your Record of Landing, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Permanent Resident Card," I also need the number when applying for the ETA

I do not have the number, nor the card, (I threw it out after being hassled by Canadian officials for having an expired card last time visiting Canada) How do I proceed with the application if I do not have the number?

 

[scylla]

Sorry - that question I can't answer. Maybe try contacting your local Canadian embassy.

Any chance you still have your COPR (landing document)?

 

[Bs65]

How do I get the number for my residence card as demanded in box number 7 in the application to renounce my PR? "The number on your Record of Landing, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Permanent Resident Card," I also need the number when applying for the ETA

I do not have the number, nor the card, (I threw it out after being hassled by Canadian officials for having an expired card last time visiting Canada) How do I proceed with the application if I do not have the number?

I would put in not available in any section you do not have the information much as people here who have renounced after being away for 30 plus years. It will help if you at least recall the month/ year you landed but all they really need I expect is your full name your current passport number and date of birth to id you.

In addition write a letter of explanation that you simply do not have some information and you should be fine given after all you are giving something up which is always easier than the other way around.

Once you have renounced PR then any specific info about being a PR is irrelevant for applying for an ETA other than answering any question of course about previous status honestly.