Do I need to declare being a PR

[Tubsmagee]

I have been out of Canada for a few years accompanying a citizen spouse. I am travelling back to Canada for vacation in a couple of months. My PR card expired years ago. They have never really asked about PR status, almost always waiving straight through (multiple Canadian citizens and me from a visa exempt country). My passport is different than I previously had when living in Canada.

Do I need to volunteer that I am a PR?

 

[scylla]

I have been out of Canada for a few years accompanying a citizen spouse. I am travelling back to Canada for vacation in a couple of months. My PR card expired years ago. They have never really asked about PR status, almost always waiving straight through (multiple Canadian citizens and me from a visa exempt country). My passport is different than I previously had when living in Canada.

Do I need to volunteer that I am a PR?

Million dollar question is where are you coming from and how are you getting here.

If you are flying into Canada, then you need a valid PRTD to board the airplane. If you are in fact flying, I would apply for the PRTD asap since processing can sometimes take time.

 

[Buletruck]

Why wouldn't you if you've been accompanying a citizen spouse? If you are a PR, they can't refuse you entry. If you say you are just a visitor, they could possibly refuse you entry, at least until you identify yourself....and that just brings up a whole other can of worm with CBSA.

 

[Tubsmagee]

Million dollar question is where are you coming from and how are you getting here.

If you are flying into Canada, then you need a valid PRTD to board the airplane. If you are in fact flying, I would apply for the PRTD asap since processing can sometimes take time.

Coming from U.S. (citizen); driving personal vehicle.

Why wouldn't you if you've been accompanying a citizen spouse? If you are a PR, they can't refuse you entry. If you say you are just a visitor, they could possibly refuse you entry, at least until you identify yourself....and that just brings up a whole other can of worm with CBSA.

I don't have a problem with telling them, and have by COPR and original passport PR visa/stamp. I am more asking whether I need to preemptively tell them. The last two times, they have asked for citizenship, purpose of visit, and length of intended stay. We always answer honestly (obviously), but none of these questions indicate that I am a PR - and as I have a new passport since living in Canada, I don't know that they know.

 

[scylla]

Coming from U.S. (citizen); driving personal vehicle.

I don't have a problem with telling them, and have by COPR and original passport PR visa/stamp. I am more asking whether I need to preemptively tell them. The last two times, they have asked for citizenship, purpose of visit, and length of intended stay. We always answer honestly (obviously), but none of these questions indicate that I am a PR - and as I have a new passport since living in Canada, I don't know that they know.

You'll have no issues entering by car from the US. Bring your COPR and expired PR card. Yes - you should say you are a permanent resident. Yes - they will know even if you have a new passport.