Canadian PR (expired card) and US passport

[Nevarco]

I've read in several places in this forum and in other personal accounts that even though Canadian PRs with expired cards will be refused airplane boarding to Canada, those traveling on a US passport will be allowed to board without needing to show PR card (expired or no, better to not mention PR status at all). My understanding is that this applies when flying TO Canada FROM anywhere in the world, not just from the US. I have been unable to find this specified on an official government website though. Can someone provide a government link to this? That would be nice to have available to show at the airport if there are any issues, since it's a rather obscure point that many gate agents may not be aware of.

//
US citizen;
Canada PR since 2000 with continuous Canadian residency and tax filing;
Renewal submitted last month before expiry, but plan to travel to Costa Rica after expiry and before new card is likely to have been processed;
Easily meet residency requirements, no doubts that renewal will be approved
//

 

[keesio]

There is no official government confirmation on this because the only thing that the government will say that guarantees travel to and entry into Canada is a valid Canadian PR card or Canadian passport.

There is no GUARANTEE that having just a US passport will get you on that flight to Canada. It is highly likely though. My wife has been able to board flights to Canada using just her US passport. She was able to do this flights from both the US and from outside the US. Many others have been successful.

 

[Nevarco]

Thanks Keeslo. I just thought there might be something official that mentions PRs need a PR card unless they have a US citizen/passport. I am certain I have never been asked to SHOW the PR card before boarding an airplane, but in my most recent check-in flying home to Toronto from Ireland, the kiosk did ask for my PR card number and expiry date (which was the following week!)

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Thanks Keeslo. I just thought there might be something official that mentions PRs need a PR card unless they have a US citizen/passport. I am certain I have never been asked to SHOW the PR card before boarding an airplane, but in my most recent check-in flying home to Toronto from Ireland, the kiosk did ask for my PR card number and expiry date (which was the following week!)

You won't find anything official because it is a loophole resulting from the fact that only Americans are both eTA-exempt and TRV-exempt. You can board a plane to Canada on just the strength of your passport. Do not inform the airline of your PR status.