Passport card vs passport book

[can_usa_97]

Does it matter?

I'm hoping we didn't waste our money. The application does not specify and being we have no intentions of traveling anywhere else for quite a long time, if ever (that the passport card doesn't go). We requested passport cards for our 3 year old twins. The cost is considerably less and is used for land or sea travel between Canada/USA and Mexico, ect.

About us:
~ we've been living in the usa since 98, married since 97, he's been here on a green card but all our family has moved away or passed away and so we are starting the process to return to CA where we have family all together, both our first marriages, husband 32, myself 29, 3 year old twins - intend to live with SIL & MIL till we can get into a home ourselves.



ETA: I should clarify or explain further that I keep reading about them requesting your passport for the visa... for anyone not familiar with the passport card - it is like a drivers license, or what your PR card looks like... so it won' have a spot to stamp or whatever. Does the Landing Visa paperowork HAVE to be in a passport book style?

 

[iarblue]

Here we call it a enhanced drivers lic which has the passport and drivers lic in one not very popular yet as Canada has not yet fully enclosed it to the public yet.You best call cic and ask them cause im not sure if Canada can add the visa to your US card and the visa here right now is a piece of paper.but you may be able to keep the card and cary the visa witht the card cause as soon as you get the PR card you dont need to carry the visa paper.
So your best to call cic and ask them first incase you need the paper one and need to order it but for application purposes i would immagine you can copy the card and send it with the app.

 

[sbwv09]

I saw on the application that you have to have a passport.. a passport card is different. It isn't a passport and all you can really do with it is cross the US/CAN border. If you don't have the full passport you have no place to put the visa when it comes, so just go ahead and get the full passport.

 

[iarblue]

thats what im saying a passport card is a passport.But it is only recgonized between Canada and the US.But for the visa part of it im not sure how they are doing it with the card or if they even are.Soon enough all visas will be cards but for now i would call cic and ask them its a simple call.

 

[can_usa_97]

Thanks.

Yeah, is a passport and the application doesn't specify. And the space for the number doesn't even have a specific character limit or anything either.

I too have just a passport card. If the VISA is a piece of paper, then it seemed like it wasn't an issue. Hmm

I guess I"ll ring them Monday.

 

[PMM]

Hi

Thanks.

Yeah, is a passport and the application doesn't specify. And the space for the number doesn't even have a specific character limit or anything either.

I too have just a passport card. If the VISA is a piece of paper, then it seemed like it wasn't an issue. Hmm

I guess I"ll ring them Monday.

The passport card is not eligible for PR. See: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2010/ob205.asp

 

[sbwv09]

Right, a passport is a passport and a passport card is just not. I wish they would use the term 'enhanced drivers license' so that people don't get confused.

 

[YorkFactory]

Right, a passport is a passport and a passport card is just not. I wish they would use the term 'enhanced drivers license' so that people don't get confused.

It's not a driver's license, though—it doesn't confer any driving privileges. I think the term "national identity card" would raise many red flags in certain segments of the U.S. population, but that's effectively what the passport card is.

 

[sbwv09]

It's not a driver's license, though—it doesn't confer any driving privileges. I think the term "national identity card" would raise many red flags in certain segments of the U.S. population, but that's effectively what the passport card is.

You're right, I stand corrected

 

[iarblue]

See there you go PMM answered it i said i didnt know if it was eligable for immigration and its not so you will have to get your paper one and yes thats what i said here in Canada we call it enhanced licence in the US they call it passport card the main reason this card was made was for people who traveled between canada and the us frequently(truck drivers) it just gives all the information on your lic and passport in on to make the crossing quicker.
So like PMM said NO get a paperback one.

 

[heatherusa]

in the US they call it passport card the main reason this card was made was for people who traveled between canada and the us frequently(truck drivers) it just gives all the information on your lic and passport in on to make the crossing quicker.

Actually the passport card and the enhanced DL are two different things.

 

[can_usa_97]

Hmm, I'm going to call. I'm not convinced it won't be OK.

Quote:
The US passport card does not contain any travel history and therefore officers should request a US passport book unless they are otherwise satisfied that the applicant continues to satisfy the residence requirement.

But later it does talk about needed it to gain citizenship.

I bet they will tell me to get the book but I think I will ask anyhow.

Thank you for the information.

 

[heatherusa]

Your quote comes from the "app for PR CARD" not the "app for PR Status"

PR status says:

Applications for Permanent Resident Status

A valid passport or travel document book is the usual requirement for permanent resident processing as a permanent resident visa counterfoil would be affixed to it in the majority of cases for successful applicants. The passport or travel document book also provides information on the travel of the applicant. For these reasons, officers should request a US passport book.

Which are you applying for? Status or just the card.

 

[can_usa_97]

it would be for PR status

 

[can_usa_97]

Could we apply with the Passport card information, and then get the passport book and indicate so on our application - to not hold up applying another 6 weeks?