Travel Document Application

A Travel Document is a special document issued by the Government of Canada that allows individuals who are not Canadian citizens to travel to Canada. It is commonly used by permanent residents of Canada who have lost their Permanent Resident Card (PRC) or need to travel but don’t have a valid passport from their home country.

This document is not the same as a visa; instead, it serves as a travel authorization for individuals to re-enter Canada.

Here’s an overview of the Travel Document application process for Canada, who needs it, and how to apply.

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Who Needs a Canadian Travel Document?

A Travel Document may be required if you are one of the following:

1. Permanent Residents (PRs) of Canada

o If you are a Canadian permanent resident but have lost your Permanent Resident Card (PRC) or your PRC has expired and you are currently outside of Canada, you will need a travel document to return to Canada.

2. Protected Persons (Refugees)

o If you have been granted refugee protection in Canada, but you are outside Canada and do not have a passport or any other valid travel document, you can apply for a

3. Stateless Persons

o If you are a stateless person (someone who does not have a nationality or citizenship from any country), you may be eligible to apply for a Travel Document under the provisions for stateless individuals.

4. Foreign Nationals in Canada (With Special Circumstances)

o Individuals who are outside of Canada and are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents but are legally authorized to re-enter Canada (such as temporary residents or those with a valid visa) may be issued a temporary resident visa to re-enter, but this is a separate process.

Who Needs a Canadian Travel Document?

A Travel Document may be required if you are one of the following:

1. Permanent Residents (PRs) of Canada

o If you are a Canadian permanent resident but have lost your Permanent Resident Card (PRC) or your PRC has expired and you are currently outside of Canada, you will need a travel document to return to Canada.

2. Protected Persons (Refugees)

o If you have been granted refugee protection in Canada, but you are outside Canada and do not have a passport or any other valid travel document, you can apply for a

3. Stateless Persons

o If you are a stateless person (someone who does not have a nationality or citizenship from any country), you may be eligible to apply for a Travel Document under the provisions for stateless individuals.

4. Foreign Nationals in Canada (With Special Circumstances)

o Individuals who are outside of Canada and are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents but are legally authorized to re-enter Canada (such as temporary residents or those with a valid visa) may be issued a temporary resident visa to re-enter, but this is a separate process.

Types of Canadian Travel Documents

1. Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)

o Eligibility: For Canadian permanent residents who are outside Canada and need to return but do not have a valid PR card.
o Validity: Typically valid for a single entry to Canada, but in special cases, it can be issued for a multiple entry.
o Application Process: You must apply for a PRTD from outside Canada (through the visa office of the country you are residing in).

2. Refugee Travel Document

o Eligibility: For individuals who have refugee status in Canada or have been granted protected persons status, but they do not have a passport from their home country or any other valid travel document.
o Validity: Typically valid for one year or as per the applicant’s circumstances.
o Application Process: You must apply for this travel document through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or Canadian visa offices.

Eligibility for a Canadian Travel Document

1. Permanent Residents

You can apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) if:
1. 1. • You are a Canadian permanent resident.
  2. • You do not have a valid PR Card or are outside Canada and cannot renew it.
  3. • You are outside of Canada and need a document to return.

2. Refugees or Protected Persons

You are eligible to apply for a Refugee Travel Document if:
1. 1. • You have refugee status or have been granted protected persons status in Canada.
  2. • You have been unable to obtain a passport or travel document from your country of origin.
  3. • You need a travel document to return to Canada or travel to other countries.

3. Stateless Persons

If you are stateless, you may be eligible for a Travel Document.
1. 1. • You need to prove your statelessness (typically through documentation or a status certificate).
  2. • You should not have any travel document issued by your country of origin.

How to Apply for a Canadian Travel Document

The application process varies depending on whether you are applying for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) or a Refugee Travel Document.

Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)

1. Complete the Application Forms

1. o You need to complete the IMM 5524 (Application for a Permanent Resident Travel Document).
2. o You may also need to complete additional forms, such as the IMM 5669 (Schedule A – Background/Declaration) if requested.

2. Gather Required Documents

1. o Proof of permanent resident status (e.g., expired PR Card, Confirmation of Permanent Residence).
2. o Proof of identity (e.g., passport, national ID, or birth certificate).
3. o Photos: Two passport-sized photos as per specifications.
4. o Travel history: Details of your travel, entry, and exit from Canada, if applicable.

3. Pay the Fees

1. o The processing fee for the PRTD is generally $50 CAD.
2. o You can pay the fees through the IRCC website or the local visa application center.

4. Submit the Application

1. o Submit your application and supporting documents to the Canadian visa office or visa application center (VAC) in the country where you are located.

5. Wait for Processing

1. o Processing times for the PRTD vary but typically take about 3-6 months, depending on the country you are applying from.
2. o You may be asked to attend an interview or submit additional documents.

6. Decision and Travel

1. o If your application is approved, the PRTD will be issued, allowing you to travel back to Canada. You must use it to re-enter Canada within the validity period (usually 1 year).
2. o After re-entering, you can apply for a new Permanent Resident Card.

Refugee Travel Document

1. Complete the Application Forms

1. o You need to complete the IMM 5445 (Application for a Refugee Travel Document).

2. Gather Required Documents

1. o Proof of refugee or protected status in Canada (e.g., refugee status approval letter).
2. o Photos: Two passport-sized photos as per specifications.
3. o Identity documents: You may need to provide identification, such as a birth certificate or identity document.
4. o Travel itinerary (if applicable).

3. Pay the Fees

1. o The processing fee for the Refugee Travel Document is typically $50 CAD.

4. Submit the Application

1. o Submit your application to the IRCC office or visa application center (VAC).

5. Wait for Processing

1. o Processing times for a Refugee Travel Document are typically 2-3 months, but this can vary.

6. Decision and Travel

1. o Once approved, you will be issued a Refugee Travel Document. This document allows you to travel outside of Canada and re-enter the country. It is typically valid for one year.

Important Considerations

• Travel Restrictions: A travel document does not guarantee entry into other countries. You should check visa and entry requirements for your destination country.
• Document Validity: Travel documents, such as the PRTD or Refugee Travel Document, usually have limited validity, and you must apply for a renewal or replacement before it expires if needed.
• Temporary Travel Document: In some situations, if you cannot get a regular travel document, you may be issued a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).

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