PR Renewal after entering Canada with multiple entry PRTD granted under H&C grounds (RC-1 code)

[POTATOTA]

Hello!

I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience renewing their PR card after entering Canada with a H&C PRTD (RC-1 code). I have submitted my application as urgent since I'm unable to get my SIN without it and have been offered a job. I understand each case is different but if anyone has any experience with this situation please let me know. I'm specifically interested in a timeline, or even a rough idea of how many weeks or most likely months it could take.

For some context, I was granted this PRTD in the UK, it is valid for 9 months (expires on 30/09/2026) and it was for multiple entries. I was approved fairly quickly after applying on the 26/12/2025 and receiving approval on 07/01/2026. From my research this is quite a rare situation so unsure if this helps or is irrelevant for my PR renewal. Also, I was outside of Canada for 9 years so my SIN is dormant (unsure if I even had one in the first place to be honest) and this is why I requested the PR urgently since I require it to be able to work. I flew direct from London Heathrow to Toronto Pearson with absolutely no issues on either end. They simply asked at the border my reason for coming to Canada and I said I was a returning PR with a PRTD and they waved me through. The second immigration checkpoint simply entered my details into the system, stamped my passport and advised to apply for my PR card straight away. I applied for my PR card on 24/08/2026 and it is yet to be reviewed which I understand because it hasn't bee very long. I will try to update as I go through the process here in case it helps anyone else.

Also, please avoid any unhelpful advice, do not suggest I should have waited 2 years, that is incorrect as per Section 28 of the IRPA. Furthermore, please do not ask about details on my specific H&C case, my experience is personal and will be of no use to you. I did complete the entire process myself so can offer some advice on how I went about it without using a representative.

Thank you in advance to anyone willing to help!

 

[armoured]

-First, you really, really need to determine whether or not you have a SIN or not. (you say it's dormant - but how do you know that? Are you just assuming that if you had one it's dormant?)
-If you have, it can be used to work. Period. It is still valid, and can be used for work (by of course the individual to whom the SIN is attached). The employer's responsibility is to provide the SIN to the government - they don't have to check whether it's 'dormant' or not (indeed they have no ability to do so, as far as I'm aware).
-In some cases, employers have been asked for further info (some months later as far as I recall) - and basically that amounts to asking for info/confirmation of identity of the individual. This is NOT a big deal for an employer - HR will deal with it - and getting the request does not imply something's wrong.
-You can separately pursue getting it re-activated/the dormant status removed - I think you will eventually need it to file yoru taxes - and you do not need a valid PR card to do so. That said - they don't necessarily make it easy, but it's mostly done by phone/then by mail. (Again as far as I can tell - they have forms for this but nobody seems to have had to go to court to get this done). Again - even if it's dormant, you can still work - as long as it's your SIN.

-If you think you had a SIN but do not recall what it is, your task is to find that #, or get it from Service Canada somehow.

-If you've never had one before, go ahead and apply. Again - you're a PR, even if you don't have a card. They have no basis to deny you one. (Personally I would suggest NOT doing this if you think you had one - see above). And again - you may need to keep escalating until you get someone who will do this. (Their 'standard' doc request might be a recent COPR or PR card, but that does not mean that this is the legal requirement).

Your basic argument throughout: you are a PR. Someone who has a recent PRTD is OBVIOUSLY a PR - a PRTD can ONLY be issued to PRs. PRs have a right to work in Canada - PERIOD. This is a basic constitutional right. The job of the department that manages this is NOT to police status in Canada. If there is any doubt about your status, they should go get it from IRCC. (And your status in IRCC can really only be one of two things, I think - yes a PR, or not a PR because revoked/renounced. Validity of PR card / not having a valid PR card is not the same thing as being a PR).

 

[POTATOTA]

-First, you really, really need to determine whether or not you have a SIN or not. (you say it's dormant - but how do you know that? Are you just assuming that if you had one it's dormant?)
-If you have, it can be used to work. Period. It is still valid, and can be used for work (by of course the individual to whom the SIN is attached). The employer's responsibility is to provide the SIN to the government - they don't have to check whether it's 'dormant' or not (indeed they have no ability to do so, as far as I'm aware).
-In some cases, employers have been asked for further info (some months later as far as I recall) - and basically that amounts to asking for info/confirmation of identity of the individual. This is NOT a big deal for an employer - HR will deal with it - and getting the request does not imply something's wrong.
-You can separately pursue getting it re-activated/the dormant status removed - I think you will eventually need it to file yoru taxes - and you do not need a valid PR card to do so. That said - they don't necessarily make it easy, but it's mostly done by phone/then by mail. (Again as far as I can tell - they have forms for this but nobody seems to have had to go to court to get this done). Again - even if it's dormant, you can still work - as long as it's your SIN.

-If you think you had a SIN but do not recall what it is, your task is to find that #, or get it from Service Canada somehow.

-If you've never had one before, go ahead and apply. Again - you're a PR, even if you don't have a card. They have no basis to deny you one. (Personally I would suggest NOT doing this if you think you had one - see above). And again - you may need to keep escalating until you get someone who will do this. (Their 'standard' doc request might be a recent COPR or PR card, but that does not mean that this is the legal requirement).

Your basic argument throughout: you are a PR. Someone who has a recent PRTD is OBVIOUSLY a PR - a PRTD can ONLY be issued to PRs. PRs have a right to work in Canada - PERIOD. This is a basic constitutional right. The job of the department that manages this is NOT to police status in Canada. If there is any doubt about your status, they should go get it from IRCC. (And your status in IRCC can really only be one of two things, I think - yes a PR, or not a PR because revoked/renounced. Validity of PR card / not having a valid PR card is not the same thing as being a PR).

Thank you for your response!

1. The truth is that I don’t really know if I have a SIN or not. Unfortunately, due to family issues I lost a lot of my documents before leaving Canada. I was a minor between 2013 and 2017 so I have no taxes or anything like that to look back on.

2. I have gone to Service Canada and have called multiple times. Each time they completely refuse due to my COPR being over 1 year old and me not having a PR card.

I will try to create a My Service Canada Account in case I can access any information there. If I can’t find any information there, I guess I will continue pestering Service Canada and trying to raise the issue further.

Appreciate your response a lot though! It’s gave me confidence to continue tackling this issue.

 

[armoured]

Thank you for your response!

1. The truth is that I don’t really know if I have a SIN or not. Unfortunately, due to family issues I lost a lot of my documents before leaving Canada. I was a minor between 2013 and 2017 so I have no taxes or anything like that to look back on.

2. I have gone to Service Canada and have called multiple times. Each time they completely refuse due to my COPR being over 1 year old and me not having a PR card.

I will try to create a My Service Canada Account in case I can access any information there. If I can’t find any information there, I guess I will continue pestering Service Canada and trying to raise the issue further.

Appreciate your response a lot though! It’s gave me confidence to continue tackling this issue.

Again, if you find out what your SIN is and you just think or suspect it is dormant, you can still use it. I do not know how one properly inquires to find out what their SIN is (or if they have one) if they do not know. Assuming you can't find one or are convinced that you didn't have one, I /guess/ it's not critical to apply for a new one (and deal with it later if it turns out to be a duplicate); please do research this on your own though.

This issue comes up from time to time. Unfortunately when people have this issue - not having or dormant, in roughly your situation (i.e. just old COPR) - they often don't update afterwards as to what happened. As far as I can tell they all get it fixed without going so far as courts.

As for getting a SIN (assuming you go the route of focussing on obtaining a [new] SIN): you will have to escalate regardless: the truth is that Service Canada is just an 'implementing agency', that is, they do not ultimately control what the requirements are, that rests with ESDC / Canada Employment INsurance Commission*. Keep escalating with them. One person higher, each time. You may end up having to write vaguely threatening letters, etc., and/or speak to a lawyer (who will likely start with a demand/threatening letter).

You can also ask your MP's office to assist you. The MP's office is basically a way to get someone else to help you escalate. Keep it fairly simple: you are a PR (the PRTD shows this), you need a SIN to work, they can't deny you the right to work, and Service Canada is demanding a document you cannot produce.

*This stuff of who 'owns' the SIN program vs who administers it is complicated. Just worth keepng in mind that Service Canada is administering it and doesn't necessarily control the requirements they apply - which unfortunately do not cover all circumstances.

Also - I do not have this specific info so look into it - you are allowed to begin work as long as you /apply/ for a SIN (and you can, I think, show the employer the application). And in terms of procedure, a question- what is happening when you apply for the SIN? Are they refusing to accept your application? A trick lawyers will sometimes use to leverage, you want to get the refusal /in writing/, and you (should) have a right to get a refusal that explains the basis for the refusal.

At risk of repeating from above: position should be clear, you ARE a PR, a PR has a right to work, and a SIN is necessary to work. You have evidence that you are a PR (a PRTD cannot be issued to someone who is not a permanent resident). They can't make unreasonable demands (such as prove you are a PR 'today'), or documents that you cannot produce on demand (reasonable delays aside, but a PR card in your circumstance could take quite some time) - if the information is obtainable from another branch of government (is this person a PR, yes or no), they can request it directly. (Some might bring up privacy, because govt departments can't just share all info, but that's a red herring - they can request permission from you).

You may need a lawyer or agency to help you in some way - but my own /guess/ is that the type of lawyer you need is not so much an immigration lawyer but a labour law lawyer.

Good luck. When you do crack it, pls update here.

 

[POTATOTA]

Just an update but still no luck:

I tried to create a My Service Canada Account using my UCI but the account was blocked. I called the number provided and gave the lady my UCI. She then asked me to confirm some details such as:

- My name
- My DOB
- My place of birth
- And lastly the names of my mom and dad

She needed me to confirm them and she was not asking me to spell them out and such. So I will take that as confirmation that I did have a SIN at one point. She then advised that I needed to update my SIN record, possibly due to how long I’ve been away.

However, I just ended up going full circle since to update my SIN record I need a primary identity document which I do not have. My next step is that I will try to update it anyway without the primary identity document and just try my luck.

I have also contacted my local MP but they seem unwilling to help. They just mention how they can’t expedite IRCC processes. Unfortunately, I cannot afford legal representation so I most likely will just end up waiting months.

Will keep updated as I move along this process.

 

[armoured]

Just an update but still no luck:

I tried to create a My Service Canada Account using my UCI but the account was blocked. I called the number provided and gave the lady my UCI. She then asked me to confirm some details such as:

- My name
- My DOB
- My place of birth
- And lastly the names of my mom and dad

She needed me to confirm them and she was not asking me to spell them out and such. So I will take that as confirmation that I did have a SIN at one point. She then advised that I needed to update my SIN record, possibly due to how long I’ve been away.

However, I just ended up going full circle since to update my SIN record I need a primary identity document which I do not have. My next step is that I will try to update it anyway without the primary identity document and just try my luck.

I have also contacted my local MP but they seem unwilling to help. They just mention how they can’t expedite IRCC processes. Unfortunately, I cannot afford legal representation so I most likely will just end up waiting months.

Will keep updated as I move along this process.

You will need to try things several times. But I note, separate processes depending on what problem you are trying to solve - your issue is NOT exclusively an IRCC thing - and it is likely true that getting your PR card will likely take some time.
-If it seems like you already HAVE a SIN, you should focus on finding out what that # is.
-I find it odd the SIn profile can't be updated using passport (even a foreign one), as that is a canonical primary identity document. Bt note: online access to dormant accounts will not work, they will likely require these changes to be made in person or by post.
-MP's office: go back to them. The SIN is NOT an IRCC thing. Focus on getting the SIN. If you cannot work, you are being deprived of a right as a PR.
-You tried to do something online and that's great (that 'blocked' may in fact be the dormancy thing), you made some progress. But you will almost certainly not be able to do everything online.
-And I repeat: if your SIN is dormant, that does not prevent you using it for work. (The dormancy status is primarily intended to prevent 'benefits' being received fraudulently, like accessing retirement or other similar funds). Working is not a 'benefit' - it's a right, in the Charter of RIghts.

 

[canuck78]

Hello!

I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience renewing their PR card after entering Canada with a H&C PRTD (RC-1 code). I have submitted my application as urgent since I'm unable to get my SIN without it and have been offered a job. I understand each case is different but if anyone has any experience with this situation please let me know. I'm specifically interested in a timeline, or even a rough idea of how many weeks or most likely months it could take.

For some context, I was granted this PRTD in the UK, it is valid for 9 months (expires on 30/09/2026) and it was for multiple entries. I was approved fairly quickly after applying on the 26/12/2025 and receiving approval on 07/01/2026. From my research this is quite a rare situation so unsure if this helps or is irrelevant for my PR renewal. Also, I was outside of Canada for 9 years so my SIN is dormant (unsure if I even had one in the first place to be honest) and this is why I requested the PR urgently since I require it to be able to work. I flew direct from London Heathrow to Toronto Pearson with absolutely no issues on either end. They simply asked at the border my reason for coming to Canada and I said I was a returning PR with a PRTD and they waved me through. The second immigration checkpoint simply entered my details into the system, stamped my passport and advised to apply for my PR card straight away. I applied for my PR card on 24/08/2026 and it is yet to be reviewed which I understand because it hasn't bee very long. I will try to update as I go through the process here in case it helps anyone else.

Also, please avoid any unhelpful advice, do not suggest I should have waited 2 years, that is incorrect as per Section 28 of the IRPA. Furthermore, please do not ask about details on my specific H&C case, my experience is personal and will be of no use to you. I did complete the entire process myself so can offer some advice on how I went about it without using a representative.

Thank you in advance to anyone willing to help!

Is service Canada refusing to accept your application to confirm your SIN? Have you followed these steps? If you can’t do it online have you tried by mail and all the proof of identify you have like expires COPR and a copy of your PRTD approval.

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/lost.html

 

[POTATOTA]

Is service Canada refusing to accept your application to confirm your SIN? Have you followed these steps? If you can’t do it online have you tried by mail and all the proof of identify you have like expires COPR and a copy of your PRTD approval.

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/lost.html

Yes, I have been to Service Canada in person and I was turned away since I do not have a valid "Primary Document" that they require. My COPR expired in 2014 and I don't have a PR card. I also called Service Canada and the SIN people (didn't realise they were different) and they both said without a primary document there's nothing they can do. Unfortunately, confirming a SIN is basically the same process as getting a new one and they require that "Primary Document". I have now submitted an online application and have included the PRTD approval (including the stamp showing I was allowed in as a PR) and my UK passport, there was no option to include a third document. If this is unsuccessful, I'll give the mail application a go. Thank you for your help!

 

[canuck78]

Yes, I have been to Service Canada in person and I was turned away since I do not have a valid "Primary Document" that they require. My COPR expired in 2014 and I don't have a PR card. I also called Service Canada and the SIN people (didn't realise they were different) and they both said without a primary document there's nothing they can do. Unfortunately, confirming a SIN is basically the same process as getting a new one and they require that "Primary Document". I have now submitted an online application and have included the PRTD approval (including the stamp showing I was allowed in as a PR) and my UK passport, there was no option to include a third document. If this is unsuccessful, I'll give the mail application a go. Thank you for your help!

You can’t provide one of these? Think you are skipping a step and need to apply for a confirmation of SIN before you can apply for a new copy of your SIN.
Primary identity document

You must provide 1 of the following documents:

-birth certificate issued by the vital statistics agency in the province or territory of birth
-certificate of Canadian Citizenship issued by IRCC or CIC
-certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad issued by CIC before 1977

 

[POTATOTA]

You can’t provide one of these?
Primary identity document

You must provide 1 of the following documents:

-birth certificate issued by the vital statistics agency in the province or territory of birth
-certificate of Canadian Citizenship issued by IRCC or CIC
-certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad issued by CIC before 1977

I think these documents are only applicable for Canadian Citizens, unfortunately I am only a Permanent Resident.

 

[armoured]

Yes, I have been to Service Canada in person and I was turned away since I do not have a valid "Primary Document" that they require. My COPR expired in 2014 and I don't have a PR card. I also called Service Canada and the SIN people (didn't realise they were different) and they both said without a primary document there's nothing they can do. Unfortunately, confirming a SIN is basically the same process as getting a new one and they require that "Primary Document". I have now submitted an online application and have included the PRTD approval (including the stamp showing I was allowed in as a PR) and my UK passport, there was no option to include a third document. If this is unsuccessful, I'll give the mail application a go. Thank you for your help!

I would apply for the Verification of Status document and retain a copy of the application for that. (There's no telling unfortunately how long that may take, but having applied for it with a copy may give you some additional leverage).

Now first, once again: do everythign you can to get your SIN from when you were younger. Check all correpsondence that you had. If you have a bank account from before, if your parents have old tax returns, whatever - there may be record there somewhere of your SIN. Having the existing number is better.

So assuming you'll have to apply as above: I don't know what discussions you had when you went to Service Canada, but I also suggest going in person - again - and marshall all of your arguments and evidence.

Now these are only suggestions. If anyone has better ideas... .

You can and should, I think, go back to your MP's office. (Arguments/points to make to thme are the same - Service Canada is insisting on a certain type of document, while you have documents that CLEARLY meet the requirement of demonstrating you are a PR. THere is no reason whatsoever that SC should insist on a PR card specifically when you have other documentation)

You should also look around and see if there are legal/immigration hotlines that might have someone who could take a stab at your answer.

Here are my overall suggestions.
Be polite, but firm at each time you interact with someone; be nice and try to get them on your side. You have a problem and you're open to suggestions on how to fix it. But you believe you have not just a good case, but a RIGHT to receive the service you're asking for.

Print out things that support your arguments and show them - even if it seems a bit odd to you. Insist that if they refuse or can't, you need to speak to a supervisor. Write down each name and identifier (like employee number, if they have one) of an individual. Explain you are not trying to cause problems but you believe you need to document everything - because you need to show what's happened, and for legal reasons.

-Establish that you are a Permanent Resident: you have both the COPR and the /recent/ PRTD. If I'm not mistaken, the PRTD has a field that shows status: permanent resident. (You should keep a copy of the PR card applicaiton and the Verification of Status applications with you, and you can refer to them).
-Permanent Residents have a right to (seek) work ['to pursue the gaining of a livelihood in any province.'] 6(2) of the charter. Yes, take a copy of the charter with you.

The basic points are simple: you have TWO pieces of documents that show you are a PR - the COPR, and the PRTD, the latter of which - again - states right on it what your status is. To the point 'we only accept the primary documents', that is a problem with their procedures - they cannot unreasonably deny you your right to seek employment/the SIN number you need to seek and gain employment. PRs have a right to receive a SIN.

You are submitting the application with the documentation you have, and that documentaiton has all necessary information to demonstrate you are a PR (the PRTD has a field which states your status is "permanent resident" - it is a recent and valid document, and there is no reasonable basis to conclude you may not be a PR - the onus is on the government). You are willing to provide permission under privacy act for them to confirm your PR status with IRCC.

If they wish to not accept it, you will need a WRITTEN refusal (either to provide your SIN number, or to accept your application), and you can inform - again, politely - that you need this refusal IN WRITING in order to pursue further, including taking legal action. That refusal should state clearly what the basis for the refusal is.

Make other reasonable requests as you go. For example, you can ask on what LEGAL basis they are insisting on only their limited 'primary documents' when other documents (ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT) clearly attest to legal status (and/or can be confirmed with other government departments). Ask for a copy of that document. Etc.

 

[canuck78]

I think these documents are only applicable for Canadian Citizens, unfortunately I am only a Permanent Resident.

I would use a similar tactic by working on proving that you are a permanent resident (as already mentioned through via verification of status) and then getting another copy of your SIN number documentation if you are unable to find the number. Previous bank records and the bank you used may be able to help you locate your SIN# although I wouldn’t necessarily highlight that is your goal. I would suggest trying to open a new account if you previously had an account in Canada and see if you are able to use your old information if you explain you have just moved and can’t find your SIN# but need a bank account. A COPR is somewhat helpful but an expired COPR doesn’t confirm that you are still a PR. I know you mentioned you aren’t in contact with your family but is there any way you can reach out to someone (even friends or extended family) who might be able to try to find your SIN#. Things like obtaining a V of S is not a fast process.