Permanent Resident Travel DocumentVerified 2026-04-13Canada Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)
A Canada Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) is for Canadian Permanent Residents who are outside Canada and don't have a valid PR card. The PRTD allows you to return to Canada as a PR. Single-entry only — once you arrive in Canada, renew your PR card immediately.
Processing
Varies — typically several weeks
Stay Duration
Single entry — use to travel back to Canada
Starting Fee
CAD $50
Apply At
10 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Canada visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Canada.
- 2Biometrics (fingerprints + digital photo) are required for most applicants — valid for 10 years.
- 3Do NOT submit your passport to VAC until you receive the Passport Request Letter from IRCC.
- 4Effective Feb 24, 2026: Biometric appointments require you to upload the BIL via the new AMS system.
- 5Effective Oct 9, 2023: Only the applicant, parents (for minors), or 1 appointed family member can submit passports at VAC — not unauthorized third parties.
- 6Not accepted as identity documents: passports from Somalia, non-machine-readable Czech passports, temporary South African passports, provisional Venezuelan passports.
- 7VFS online tracking shows passport LOCATION only. For application processing status, check your IRCC online account directly.
Who Can Apply
- Canadian Permanent Residents outside Canada without a valid PR card
- PRs whose PR card has expired or was lost/stolen
- PRs who need to return urgently
Not eligible under this visa:
- Non-PRs — this is only for confirmed Permanent Residents
- PRs who can wait for a regular PR card renewal
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| PRTD application fee | CAD $50 |
| Biometrics fee — individual | CAD $85 |
| VFS service charge — per package | ₹603 |
| Two-Way Courier Service | ₹1,716 |
| Premium Lounge service | ₹4,767 |
| SMS Tracking Service | ₹179 |
All IRCC government fees are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and paid directly to IRCC online. VFS service charges are paid in INR at the VAC. Fees are subject to change — verify on IRCC (canada.ca/immigration) and VFS Global (vfsglobal.com/ind/en/can) before applying. Third-party costs (medical exam, police clearance, translation) may also apply.
Documents Required
Required — PR Status Documents
- !Proof of PR status
Copy of PR card (even if expired), IMM 5292 Confirmation of Permanent Residence, or CoPR
- !Valid passport
- !PRTD application form (IMM 5524)
Download from IRCC website
- !Family Information Form (IMM 5645)
- !2 recent photographs
Meeting IRCC specifications
Required — Residency Documentation
- !Proof of physical presence in Canada (if residency obligation is a concern)
Canadian tax returns, employment records, utility bills — demonstrates you've met residency obligations
- !Travel history for the past 5 years
Shows days in / out of Canada
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Confirm you're still a PR
You must meet Canadian PR residency obligations (730 days in Canada during last 5 years, with exceptions).
Download and complete IMM 5524
From canada.ca. Fill out completely.
Gather PR status documents
Copy of PR card (expired is fine), CoPR, and residency proof.
Submit application online or at VAC
Pay CAD $50 application fee + biometrics if required. VFS service charges apply at VAC.
Attend biometrics at VAC (if required)
Some applicants need biometrics; some don't — based on your profile.
Wait for PRTD decision
IRCC processes. If approved, PRTD is issued for single entry to Canada.
Travel to Canada within validity
Present PRTD at Canadian port of entry. Once in Canada, renew your PR card immediately.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
PRTD Application Form (IMM 5524)
Main application form. Download latest from IRCC.
Family Information Form (IMM 5645)
Mandatory for all applicants 18 years and older. Lists all family members.
Use of Representative Form (IMM 5476)
Only if using a representative to submit your application.
Authority to Release Information (IMM 5475)
Optional — authorizes someone else to receive updates about your application.
VFS Application Centres
💡 Pro Tips
- Meet your PR residency obligation (730 days in Canada out of last 5 years) — key eligibility criterion.
- Apply as early as possible — PRTD processing takes weeks.
- Once you're back in Canada, apply for PR card renewal immediately.
- If you've been outside Canada for extended periods, prepare strong documentation about your residency — there may be questions.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Failure to meet PR residency obligation (730 days in last 5 years)
- 2.No proof of PR status
- 3.Unable to document physical presence in Canada
- 4.Residency obligation exceptions (if claimed) not adequately documented
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a PRTD instead of a PR card?+
What is the residency obligation for PRs?+
Can I enter Canada without a PR card OR PRTD?+
Can SureshotVisa help with PRTD?+
Let us prepare your Canada Permanent Resident Travel Document — (PRTD) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
Other Canada Visa Types
Canada Tourist Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
Apply for a Canada Tourist Visa (TRV) from India. Complete guide on IRCC fees, documents, biometrics, application process through VFS Global, and 10 VAC centres across India.
Canada Business Visitor Visa (TRV)
Canada Business Visitor Visa for Indian professionals attending meetings, conferences, and business events in Canada. Stay less than 6 months. Not entering the Canadian labor market.
Canada Study Permit
Canada Study Permit for Indian students enrolling at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Complete guide on IRCC fees, documents, PAL requirements, and 2026 updates.
Canada Work Permit — Informational
Canada Work Permit — informational guide for Indian applicants. SureshotVisa does NOT handle work permit procurement; this page is for information purposes only.
Canada Family Visit Visa (TRV)
Canada Family Visit Visa for Indian citizens visiting family who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, temporary residents, or persons registered under the Indian Act. Up to 6 months.
Canada Spousal Visit Visa (TRV — Spouse of PR Sponsor)
Canada Spousal Visit Visa for Indian spouses whose Canadian partner has sponsored them for Permanent Residence. Faster processing available while PR application is in progress.
Canada Compassionate Visit Visa (TRV — Urgent Family)
Canada Compassionate Visit Visa for urgent visits due to critical illness, death, or other humanitarian reasons. Priority processing available with strong supporting evidence.
Canada Seafarer / Marine Crew Visa (TRV)
Canada Seafarer / Marine Crew Visa for Indian seafarers joining a vessel as crew in Canadian ports. Temporary Resident Visa for duration of contract.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Canada website and Embassy of Canada. Last verified 2026-04-13. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.