How do I get a permanent resident travel document?

✓ Verified answer Written from official pages, with checked citations and a verification date.

General information, not immigration advice. The permanent resident travel document (PRTD) is for permanent residents who are outside Canada without a valid permanent resident card (expired, lost, stolen or damaged) and who must return to Canada by plane, boat, train or bus. You apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), online through the Permanent Residence Portal, with a fee of $50. It is normally valid for a single entry only: apply for a new permanent resident card as soon as you are back.

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Key facts

Fee: $50 (check the official page when you apply).
Processing time: The official page gives no specific time: it varies with the type of application, the volume received and how complete your file is. All travel document applications are processed on a priority basis.
Validity: Normally a single entry to Canada.
Without a card or travel document: You can only travel to Canada by land, using a private vehicle such as a car, according to IRCC.
If you only want to come as a visitor: If you want to give up your permanent resident status, do not apply for a travel document.

Your procedure, step by step

Start the official procedure Official page: Permanent resident travel document (IRCC) (opens in a new tab)https://www.canada.ca/fr/immigration-refugies-citoyennete/services/residents-permanents/titre-voyage.html

Check that you are eligible: you have permanent resident status, you do not have a valid permanent resident card, you are outside Canada and you will return by plane, boat, train or bus.
If it is urgent (serious illness, lost or stolen card, etc.), see the IRCC page on urgent applications. You can submit it once you are outside Canada and your return flight is scheduled within the next 5 days.
Read the instruction guide (IMM 5529) and prepare your documents using the document checklist (IMM 5644), which you attach to your application.
Fill out the permanent resident travel document application form (IMM 5444) in the Permanent Residence Portal. Paper is possible only if you cannot apply online and need accommodation measures.
Submit a complete application for each family member who needs a travel document.
Pay the $50 fee online and attach your receipt to your application. The fee is not refundable once processing has started.
Submit your application and documents in the Portal. For an urgent application, tick "Yes, my application is urgent" and attach the requested proof (proof of travel, explanation letter, proof of the urgency).
Wait for processing: IRCC checks that your application is complete, then confirms that you meet the residency obligation and are still a permanent resident. If approved, you receive instructions by email on how to submit your passport, which is returned to you with your travel document.

Your progress is kept on this device only: nothing is sent to Demande au Québec. Some steps only apply in certain situations: skip the ones that do not concern you.

General information drawn from official sources. It does not replace legal, medical or financial advice. For your situation, contact the organization concerned or a professional.

Sources

Titre de voyage pour résident permanent : au sujet du processus (Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC))
Titre de voyage pour résident permanent : qui peut présenter une demande (Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC))
Titre de voyage pour résident permanent : présenter une demande (Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC))
Titre de voyage pour résident permanent : après avoir présenté une demande (Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC))
Présentation d'une demande urgente de carte de résident permanent ou de titre de voyage pour résident permanent (Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC))
Frais de demande de citoyenneté et d'immigration : liste des frais (Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC))

Checked on October 6, 2026. Rules, deadlines and fees can change: always confirm on the official page above. Demande au Québec is an independent website, not a government site.

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