can I apply for a travel document before I leave on vacation?

[ll82]

Do I have to apply for the travel document at my destination? Or can I do it before I leave?

My PR card is still being processed and I need to leave in a few weeks. I am worried it wont arrive by then.

Can I just enter in with my visa exempt passport?

any help please.

 

[scylla]

You cannot apply for the TD from within Canada. You have to wait until you arrive at your destination country to apply.

Unless you are American, you cannot enter using your passport alone if you are flying into Canada.

 

[ll82]

So I will need to prepare the application package and send it to the Embassy in Israel only after I arrive?

How long does it take to process? I will only be there a couple weeks.

If I am returning to Canada with a visa exempt passport, and I have my COPR, would that be enough?

 

[scylla]

You need either a Travel Document or your PR card to return. COPR and passport is not enough.

Yes - you will have to wait until you arrive in Israel to send the application package (you'll need to include your passport so you obviously won't be able to apply until after you arrive). I don't know how long it takes. You should post this question to the Permanent Residency Obligation section of the forum.

 

[Rob_TO]

So I will need to prepare the application package and send it to the Embassy in Israel only after I arrive?

How long does it take to process? I will only be there a couple weeks.

If I am returning to Canada with a visa exempt passport, and I have my COPR, would that be enough?

Your only problem is boarding the airplane back to Canada. Airline will demand a valid PR card or PR Travel Doc to issue you a ticket. There are no exceptions to this.

So if your PR TD takes longer than expected to process and get back to you, you'll need to delay your return flight since you won't have a passport.

Alternatively you could fly back the USA and drive across a land border into Canada. In this case you don't need a PR card or PR TD as CBSA can determine your PR status with just your passport and COPR.

 

[ll82]

how do the airlines know you're not just a visitor? So you would have no PR card.

I ask because I've never been asked to show anything other than my passport.

 

[scylla]

how do the airlines know you're not just a visitor? So you would have no PR card.

I ask because I've never been asked to show anything other than my passport.

Because if you're just a visitor - you now need an ETA (effective November 10th for visa exempt passport holders). You cannot get an ETA since you are a PR (you'll be refused if you apply). So you either need a PR card or travel docuemnt.

 

[ll82]

When you are checking into the flight, I dont think airlines have a way of seeing whether or not you have an eTA. I believe this is something that will come up when you attempt to enter the country at the airport.

 

[Rob_TO]

When you are checking into the flight, I dont think airlines have a way of seeing whether or not you have an eTA. I believe this is something that will come up when you attempt to enter the country at the airport.

No, the airline will check when they check you in to issue a ticket. It will automatically show on their system if you have eTA linked to your passport. If no eTA, you won't be allowed to check into your flight.

eTA is only for airlines to pre-screen passengers, it's irrelevant to CBSA once you're back in Canada airport after your flight has landed.

 

[ll82]

Thank you for the help and explanations everyone!