URGENT TRAVEL CASE

[stefania_00]

I have been residing in Canada for almost six years now and have met the residency obligations (Filipino citizen). I have renewed my PR card but it was lost and I have already reported it. It is now on urgent processing but I'm unsure whether I'll get it back before my trip. I'm travelling to the Bahamas with a friend of mine who is a Canadian citizen (we're both 18 years old). Now, in order to go to the Bahamas, I need my original pr card, which I don't have! Although I have a multiple entry US visa that states I'm a landed Immigrant in Canada. I have looked into every option possible but my roundtrip tickets are non-refundable nor exchangeable.

More details:
- We have a stop over in Miami, FL before going to Nassau.
-I have my ORIGINAL expired pr card after arriving to Canada, my old passport with my original visa
- My Health card (OHIP)
- SIN Card
- University card, I attend U of T and I am also employed.
- Bank Statements if needed
- The trip is on the 16th of December -22nd of December
- I have my itinerary and roundtrip plane tickets

and also where I could apply for a travel document is in Kingston, Jamaica, I will only be in Bahamas for 6 days and the ticket is more than $1000
I have called visa agents and they keep telling me I need my PR card, I have other ways to prove that I am a resident.

I'm just wondering if I have any other options as I worked hard for the money in order to fund this vacation
Will I be denied entry?

 

[Matthew Iwama]

Have you tried sending in a fax to 514-496-8670 with your travel itineraries? Have you submitted any follow-up or written requests?

 

[stefania_00]

Within my application for PR card, in the envelope it says URGENT- PROOF OF TRAVEL INCLUDED.
My itinerary was included, it was required to so they could process it urgently.

My flight is on the 16th, and I haven't heard from them it is a nerve-racking wait

 

[scylla]

I don't think you're in the Bahamas long enough to apply for a travel document. You need the PR card. Not just to re-enter Canada - but also to board the flight back to Canada.

 

[English Rob]

but also to board the flight back to Canada.

Is that because his passport is Filipino instead of say UK or USA?

 

[scylla]

Is that because his passport is Filipino instead of say UK or USA?

Yes - he doesn't hold a visa exempt passport.

 

[Msafiri]

stefania_00,

This from the Bahamas visa post in Ottawa:

http://www.bahighco.ca/images/citizens/Entry_Requirements_for_Canadians_Landed_Immigrants_and_Refugees.pdf

Refer to section on Canadian PRs. I believe there is a typo in regards to the PR Card expiry date in that it must mean to reference expiry post exit from the Bahamas.

The safest option is to cancel the trip if your PR Card is not in your hands say prior to the day you are scheduled to travel. Yes you will lose money but you will lose more than just money if you travel and get stuck in Bahamas/ The US while trying to return to Canada. As per Scylla the airline won't let you board the plane in Nassau (even if you get in) back to Canada. Assuming they accept to take you as far as Miami then do you want to deal with US CBP and why you can't be allowed into Canada? CBP might decide to bounce you right back to Nassau. You left your renewal too late...chalk it off as an experience for next time. You should consider applying for Canadian Citizenship given your residence.

 

[Dejaavu]

I agree with Msafiri. Not worth it at all.

I had a friend who was stuck in a similar situation. Had to go back to the country of citizenship and then apply for the travel document. Lost about 2 months...No ideal situation, but the least worst

 

[Dejaavu]

the least worst and the least costly option is to cancel the trip...