She needs to be physically in Canada to submit the PR card renewal application. It is not possible to apply from outside of Canada.
Renew PR card while living in USA with citizen spouse?
- Thread starter SigFan
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To repeat the point stated before: her PR status is not the same thing as the card, and 'out of status' is not a term that applies. Her PR status does not expire. The PR card helps for some things esp (arguably primarily) to board a plane to Canada.
You can apply for a PRTD (basically a visa form in your passport) and in most cases of accompanying-spouse, it will or may be issued for a year or sometimes several. That PRTD would basically also b confirmation that PR status still in order.
Nothing wrong with applying for the card but as noted, has to be applied for in Canada and may take some time/require pick-up. She can do one then the other.
Main point, there's not that much to worry about nor stress about.
If her PR status remains intact, what if she wants to enter Canada with a green card? the border officer would normally say you are a PR of Canada and should show Canadian documents.
One year PRTD is not a helpful one because her original passport could be expired in between. We are close to the Canadian border and may want to travel there occasionally, having PRTD would not be the solution.
I was of the opinion that as long as someone accompanies a Canadian citizen, that person should have a valid PR card and her/his PR should be renewed automatically. Not sure when this PRTD was introduced for these cases. The Canadian immigration system needs to clearly differentiate these cases. In her case, she has two Canadian-born children, in addition to a Canadian spouse. yet she has to go through the hassle of PRTD. this doesn't make sense.
One year PRTD is not a helpful one because her original passport could be expired in between. We are close to the Canadian border and may want to travel there occasionally, having PRTD would not be the solution.
I was of the opinion that as long as someone accompanies a Canadian citizen, that person should have a valid PR card and her/his PR should be renewed automatically. Not sure when this PRTD was introduced for these cases. The Canadian immigration system needs to clearly differentiate these cases. In her case, she has two Canadian-born children, in addition to a Canadian spouse. yet she has to go through the hassle of PRTD. this doesn't make sense.
You're getting the PRTD option because she is trying to apply to renew her PR card from outside of Canada. Again, the PR card renewal application can only be submitted from within Canada. So it does make sense why you are only getting the PRTD option.
Thank you. So we apply and send a letter of explanation regarding our addresses and they would ask to come and pick up a 5 year PR card in Toronto area?
At a land border, she could show photocopy of expired PR card or in many cases, just passport - they have computers and will look it up. If they ask why no current pr card - haven't got around to it, or whatever, and live with/accompany citizen-spouse. If you will only be entering at land border, even the PRTD isn't strictly necessary. (Still advisable because may wish to fly, and there is more likelihood of being sent to secondary for inspection, which is an inconvenience.
Sounds like she needs to renew her passport. Once that's in hand, PRTD is a solution, even if it's not your preferred one.
Okay, that is your opinion.
But there is another perspective: that PR status is primarily designed for and intended for those who live in Canada, permanently - you don't get nor receive nor keep PR status on the basis of having Canadian children (for example). While the other allowances (like accompanying a citizen-spouse) exist, those are more exceptions than core principles. In other words: no guarantees against inconveniences (like applying for and using PRTD, which is perfectly serviceable).
Note, I'm not advocating a position on this. Just noting that this seems to be close to the way it works, and it actually is mostly functional, even where it might not be how you think it should work, and I'm certainly not arguing it's perfect.
As noted, you can likely get the PR card by applying in Canada, although processing times and inconvenience of picking up may also not be what you'd prefer.
Thank you for the explanation. her passport is from a middle eastern country that requires visa to enter Canada, though we will soon get our green card.
what is UCI number (question 1.2)?
for question 1.1 when the PR card is still valid, what option should be selected? the first option is for lost or damaged and the second option says I want PRTD because I don't have a valid PR.
what is UCI number (question 1.2)?
for question 1.1 when the PR card is still valid, what option should be selected? the first option is for lost or damaged and the second option says I want PRTD because I don't have a valid PR.
With any passport except USA, Canadian PRs:
-need a PR card or PRTD to board a flight to USA;
-don't need a current Canadian document at all at land border (on foot or private vehicle) - although having PR card/PRTD is best, even photocopies of previous will help them identify you as PR.
So nothing in particular changes in terms of accessing Canada as a PR. (Don't know about USA side). Valid passport always recommended.
-UCI# is eight-digit number on front of PR card marked "ID No." It is supposed to be permanent and unchanged for life. (It can be found on other docs titled UCI#.)
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You will need to come to Canada if your wife wants to apply for her PR card renewal. She will also likely need to come to Canada to pick up a new PR care. A multiple entry PRTD may be a better option for your case and would not require you to come to Canada multiple times.
It can be done online, see here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/pr-travel-document/how-to-apply.html
Note reads that "Depending on where you’re applying from, you may not be able to submit a paper application." I don't know what the limitation is but doubt that it concerns being in USA.
we are coming to Canada (before here PR expires at end of August) for a few days. Can we apply for PR renewal and write a letter of explanation and pick up the card later whenever it is ready? we are going to a friend's address where we stayed before. it's an address that exists in her past 5 years history residency.