Traveling Without a PR Card??

[dominokitty]

My husband became a permanent resident back in June, but hasn't received his PR card in the mail yet. There was an issue with the photos we provided (they changed the requirements on us!) but we sent new photos to Nova Scotia right away. Still haven't heard anything about it. We're still 2 weeks away from being able to get in touch with CIC about it (they say 6 weeks past the time posted), but I'm getting antsy.

We've got flights booked to head back to Austria over the holidays to visit the in-laws. If the PR card doesn't come in time, is he still fine to re-enter Canada using his Austrian passport instead of the card? Will CBSA be able to see that he's a permanent resident? Should we bring his PR documentation with us just to be safe?

Thanks!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

The issue isn't entering Canada; CBSA will be able to determine his status from his passport. However, without a PR card or a PRTD, he will not be able to board the plane to travel to Canada.

Processing times for PRTDs vary from VO to VO; some take many weeks. I suggest you contact Vienna and ask how long it would take. If it will take too long to get a PRTD from Vienna, then you will either need to cancel the trip or change the flight to land in the US and cross into Canada by land.

 

[Shineon39]

Maybe I'm wrong but as Austrian you are visa exempt? You can come back with you're Austrian passport? Will need to apply for an eta thought, is it a problem for a pr?

 

[Rob_TO]

Maybe I'm wrong but as Austrian you are visa exempt? You can come back with you're Austrian passport? Will need to apply for an eta thought, is it a problem for a pr?

Sure up until Nov 9 that's fine.
But after Nov 9 the eTA system becomes mandatory. And since PRs aren't eligible for an eTA, an Austrian passport holder will need either a PR card or Travel Doc to board a plane back to Canada, no exceptions.

Only alternative is to fly to the US and drive across the border.

 

[Shineon39]

Sure up until Nov 9 that's fine.
But after Nov 9 the eTA system becomes mandatory. And since PRs aren't eligible for an eTA, an Austrian passport holder will need either a PR card or Travel Doc to board a plane back to Canada, no exceptions.

Only alternative is to fly to the US and drive across the border.

ETA suck for visa exempt country