Traveling to USA (via land border) before arrival of PR Card

[John Elaine]

I recently got my PR and I am in Canada (Vancouver) right now. I am waiting for my PR Card (been only 15 days so far). I have to go to Seattle for few days next week and I already have a USA visa. Can I enter back in Canada without the PR Card?

Based on what I've read so far, it seems I can come back from USA without a PR Card by crossing the land border. However, I am unclear about the procedures involved in doing this. Some posts say that I need to apply for PRTD (Permanent Resident Travel Document) in USA and show that at the border. While other posts (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/pr-travel-document.html) say that I can come back via land border in private car with documents like drivers license, car registration/insurance, SIN card, etc.

I would like to avoid the PRTD process and so I am wondering whether PRTD is absolutely necessary to enter back in Canada. Can anyone shed some light/experiences regarding this?

 

[lampbreaker]

If you are traveling in a private vehicle (your own car or rental car), then all you do is arrive at the border post and tell them that you are PR. They will check your passport and know your status. You will not be able to use commercial carrier like bus or train.

 

[John Elaine]

Are any rules stated on CIC website? I am trying to find, but there's nothing conclusive. The two links I am looking at are:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=605&top=22
https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/td-dv-eng.html

None of them explicitly say which documents can be used to enter Canada. The link for "There are other documents you can use to enter the country" points to just documents to establish identity. Furthermore, there is no mention about CoPR.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[lampbreaker]

You will be fine. Don't worry.

 

[Hurlabrick]

Agree with lampbreaker. Crossing a land boder in a private vehicle is fine as CBSA can look you up on their systems. Obviously you need your passport and personally I would also take your stamped copy on the CoPR, but not essential.

 

[VOBuckeye]

If you are traveling in a private vehicle (your own car or rental car), then all you do is arrive at the border post and tell them that you are PR. They will check your passport and know your status. You will not be able to use commercial carrier like bus or train.

I have used a commercial bus (Detroit-Windsor) to enter Canada with my COPR and passport. It is possible and there were no issues.

 

[lampbreaker]

I have used a commercial bus (Detroit-Windsor) to enter Canada with my COPR and passport. It is possible and there were no issues.

Technically, the bus operator is not supposed to allow you to do that. But, some may be ok with it. Once you reach the border post, it does not matter.

 

[VOBuckeye]

Technically, the bus operator is not supposed to allow you to do that. But, some may be ok with it. Once you reach the border post, it does not matter.

I called Canadian border services and asked if I could cross with my COPR on a bus and the answer was Yes. Also, bus operators do not check anyone's immigration documents...that's immigration agents' responsibility. Once you get on the bus the assumption is you are eligible to enter the other country.

 

[Hurlabrick]

I called Canadian border services and asked if I could cross with my COPR on a bus and the answer was Yes. Also, bus operators do not check anyone's immigration documents...that's immigration agents' responsibility. Once you get on the bus the assumption is you are eligible to enter the other country.

Yes, but be prepared for the bus not to wait for you!

 

[lampbreaker]

I called Canadian border services and asked if I could cross with my COPR on a bus and the answer was Yes. Also, bus operators do not check anyone's immigration documents...that's immigration agents' responsibility. Once you get on the bus the assumption is you are eligible to enter the other country.

CBSA doesn't care what vehicle you use to arrive at the post. Commercial operators should check Visa/PR card for their own purpose. If you arrive at a border post in a commercial carrier and found to be inadmissible, the carrier gets in trouble.