Travel to Canada via US (expired PR card)

[Besram]

I'm a PR, but my PR card has expired. I will need to travel overseas for a family emergency.

When I return, I plan to fly to the US and then have my partner pick me up and drive me across a land border. I know being admitted to Canada will be fine as they can look up my status.

I am more concerned about travelling via the US. How do I ensure the border officials are satisfied that I will leave the country? I have a passport that qualifies for the visa waiver program.

What's the best option to prove onward travel intention?

• Have documentation of my residence in Canada (other than my expired PR card, e.g. tenancy agreement, driver's licence, utility bills, COPR etc.)
• Instead of a one-way ticket to the US, book a return flight so that I have prove of onward travel (and then don't use the return flight)
• Book an onward ticket to Canada (and then cancel / not use it)

Any first-hand experience is highly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Ponga]

Might be best to post this question in/on a U.S. immigration site, but I think your plan is solid. #3 is not an option because you cannot travel via a commercial carrier without a valid PR card, hence your plan to drive into Canada, so why bother buying/refunding the ticket.

Regarding, your reentry into Canada, I caution you regarding this part of what you wrote:

I'm a PR, but my PR card has expired. I will need to travel overseas for a family emergency.

When I return, I plan to fly to the US and then have my partner pick me up and drive me across a land border. I know being admitted to Canada will be fine as they can look up my status.



Thanks!

While it is true that a PR (who has not lost their status, voluntarily or otherwise) cannot be denied entry into Canada (because of the expired PR card), they still have to prove to the CBSA officer that they are in fact a PR. True that PR status does not end when a PR card expires, you can't expect CBSA to `look up your status'. You have to provide evidence that you met the Residency Obligation to have maintained your PR status. Granted, CBSA may have accurate data of your travel into/out of Canada (especially the exit data), but it is NOT their job to do so when you present yourself at Primary Inspection. Many people suggest using your original landing document at a land PoE, but an expired PR card should do the same thing; prove that you are still a PR. Just be prepared should you be questioned (perhaps at length) regarding your R.O..

 

[Besram]

Might be best to post this question in/on a U.S. immigration site, but I think your plan is solid. #3 is not an option because you cannot travel via a commercial carrier without a valid PR card, hence your plan to drive into Canada, so why bother buying/refunding the ticket.

Regarding, your reentry into Canada, I caution you regarding this part of what you wrote:


While it is true that a PR (who has not lost their status, voluntarily or otherwise) cannot be denied entry into Canada (because of the expired PR card), they still have to prove to the CBSA officer that they are in fact a PR. True that PR status does not end when a PR card expires, you can't expect CBSA to `look up your status'. You have to provide evidence that you met the Residency Obligation to have maintained your PR status. Granted, CBSA may have accurate data of your travel into/out of Canada (especially the exit data), but it is NOT their job to do so when you present yourself at Primary Inspection. Many people suggest using your original landing document at a land PoE, but an expired PR card should do the same thing; prove that you are still a PR. Just be prepared should you be questioned (perhaps at length) regarding your R.O..

Thank you. I understand your comment in regards to RO.

Point taken in regards to asking on a US-related immigration site, but since the questions relates to my status in Canada (and how to best prove it when entering the US), I though I'd ask here as well.

The idea with option 3 was to show a border official proof of onward travel that is consistent with my residency in Canada. This is because I can't prove as easily that my partner is picking me up to drive me across a land border, so I thought it would satisfy them more easily.

Any further thoughts and observations are welcome.

 

[Ponga]

Thank you. I understand your comment in regards to RO.

Point taken in regards to asking on a US-related immigration site, but since the questions relates to my status in Canada (and how to best prove it when entering the US), I though I'd ask here as well.

The idea with option 3 was to show a border official proof of onward travel that is consistent with my residency in Canada. This is because I can't prove as easily that my partner is picking me up to drive me across a land border, so I thought it would satisfy them more easily.

Any further thoughts and observations are welcome.

Understood. Perhaps #3 is not so extreme after all, even though it seems to be.

Do you have a history of travel in/out of the US?

How long has your card been expired?

Do you have ample evidence of meeting your R.O. (your own travel history, for example)?
If not, things like residential info (lease, utility bills in your name), banking statements, etc., can be helpful.

Unrelated question:

When you say that your partner will be picking you up...that's not your common law partner, right (even if you are no longer living together)?

 

[Besram]

Understood. Perhaps #3 is not so extreme after all, even though it seems to be.

Do you have a history of travel in/out of the US?

How long has your card been expired?

Do you have ample evidence of meeting your R.O. (your own travel history, for example)?
If not, things like residential info (lease, utility bills in your name), banking statements, etc., can be helpful.

Unrelated question:

When you say that your partner will be picking you up...that's not your common law partner, right (even if you are no longer living together)?

Yes, I have plenty of travel history to/from the US - but the last time I visited was in 2016. I will be able to provide bills, bank statements, etc.
PR card expired about 8 months ago.

No, we are not common law yet.

 

[canuck78]

Yes, I have plenty of travel history to/from the US - but the last time I visited was in 2016. I will be able to provide bills, bank statements, etc.
PR card expired about 8 months ago.

No, we are not common law yet.

Are you actually compliant with RO. That wasn’t specified.

 

[Ponga]

Good question. The OP did elude to having bills, bank statements, etc., which may indicate that they are in compliance. Either way, they cannot be denied entry, once the CBSA officer sees that they are in fact a PR...even with an expired card.

I was schooled recently in a similar thread, regarding a similar scenario; If the CBSA officer doubts (or confirms) that a PR is in breach of their R.O. and creates a 44(1) report...that is then reviewed by a second officer (Minister's delegate), the person could be hit with a Removal Order (but would still be allowed to enter, pending a final decision). If the Removal Order becomes enforceable, the PR is no longer a PR. Yikes! Likely TMI for this thread, but just sharing new info.