Renouncing PR from outside Canada

[pedi123]

Question on renouncing PR status, here's the situation: I landed in Canada in 2012 and became a permanent resident following my PR application, stayed only for a couple of days though and received my card through a friend a few months later in Europe. However, I never ended up moving there finally due to change of family plans and stayed in Europe (and actually I've even lost my PR card a couple years ago and had to travel to Canada using a travel document for a leisure trip once!). I now have a European passport and plan to travel to Canada again soon for work. Would it be fine to simply apply for an eTA or might there be complications at entry? I assume my PR has expired but not sure if I should renounce it officially or would traveling with eTA be fine (and if renouncing is mandatory would it take long to process as I need to travel for work soon?).

Thanks for any tips!

 

[Bs65]

When you submit your ETA application assuming you are visa exempt the ETA application will be rejected as you are a PR and you will get a letter offering you a couple of options 1)renounce your PR status by linking the ref in the letter to a MYCIC account and upload the renounce form with a photo, then the ETA should be issued on receipt the renounce 2)fill in a PRTD document which if you did not meet the RO your PR status will be revoked but that may take some time in the system and you cannot travel until decided.

In terms of time option 1) likely to be quicker to get an Eta Or if time is an issue get an ESTA for the US if your passport qualifies and enter via land border and exit from Canada. As a PR whether residency met or not you are still entitled to enter Canada .


PR status never expires and can only be renounced or revoked and has nothing to do with a PR card expiring

 

[pedi123]

Thanks a lot, this is really helpful! So I assume if I choose option (1) and upload the renounce form the eTA will be issued in a few days? Any benefit to separately renounce the PR now rather than waiting for the time when I apply for eTA?