Business Travel before getting PR card

[SonOfOdin]

Hi,

I am a new PR in Canada who is yet to receive PR card. Am scheduled to receive the PR card in Sept but I need to go on a business trip to USA for just 4 days in August. I got to know that I would not be able to take a flight back to Canada without a PR card. The only way that I can re-enter Canada would be with a travel document.

1.) Is there no other way in which I can make this business trip where I travel through Air?
2.) Is it true that I will need to apply for the Travel Document in the USA? and I cannot apply for the same in Canada?
3.) How long would it take for the Travel Document? I just have like 10 days before travel.

Regards,
SonOfOdin

 

[scylla]

1) Since you hold a non-visa exempt passport, you need either a valid PR card or a Travel Document to return to Canada by air.
2) Yes - you can only apply for the TD from outside of Canada. You cannot apply from inside of Canada.
3) It varies - but you should assume it will take at least a week. You should assume it won't be possible to get a TD in just 4 days.

You have a few choices:

1) Travel by road instead.
2) Defer your business trip until you have your PR card.
3) Remain in the US longer so that the TD can be processed.

 

[SonOfOdin]

1) Since you hold a non-visa exempt passport, you need either a valid PR card or a Travel Document to return to Canada by air.
2) Yes - you can only apply for the TD from outside of Canada. You cannot apply from inside of Canada.
3) It varies - but you should assume it will take at least a week. You should assume it won't be possible to get a TD in just 4 days.

You have a few choices:

1) Travel by road instead.
2) Defer your business trip until you have your PR card.
3) Remain in the US longer so that the TD can be processed.

Thanks for the advice. Appreciate it.

Would you know if a representative can apply on my behalf for the travel document in the USA even before I land in the US?

 

[siroccoon]

Thanks for the advice. Appreciate it.

Would you know if a representative can apply on my behalf for the travel document in the USA even before I land in the US?

You have to be in US to apply for the PRTD in USA. You cant apply before that!

 

[scylla]

You have to be in US to apply for the PRTD in USA. You cant apply before that!

Agreed. You have to submit your actual passport with the application. So it's impossible to apply in advance or through an agent.

Your only options are the ones I already posted above. That's it.

 

[Rob_TO]

1.) Is there no other way in which I can make this business trip where I travel through Air?

Drive to the closest USA airport, then board a plane for a domestic USA flight. Return back to same airport and drive back to Canada. A PR card/travel document is not needed when entering Canada by road in your personal/rented car.

 

[SonOfOdin]

Drive to the closest USA airport, then board a plane for a domestic USA flight. Return back to same airport and drive back to Canada. A PR card/travel document is not needed when entering Canada by road in your personal/rented car.

Unfortunately, I do not have a Canadian Drivers License and have still not started driving here. Looks like ill have to miss this meeting