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PRTD Canada from India

PRTD Canada from India

PRTD Canada from India

PRTD Canada from India: Complete Guide for Permanent Residents

If you are a Canadian Permanent Resident currently in India and do not have a valid PR card, you may be wondering how you can return to Canada legally. In such situations, applying for a PRTD Canada from India is the correct and official solution.

A Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) allows eligible permanent residents to travel back to Canada for one-time entry when their PR card is expired, lost, stolen, or never received. This guide explains who needs a PRTD, how to apply from India, required documents, fees, processing time, and important points to remember.

What Is PRTD Canada from India?

PRTD Canada from India refers to the process of applying for a Permanent Resident Travel Document while you are physically present in India. This document is issued by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) and is placed as a visa sticker in your passport, allowing you to board a commercial carrier to Canada.

A PRTD is:

  • Issued to existing Canadian permanent residents
  • Valid for one-time entry only
  • Required when you do not have a valid PR card
  • Mandatory for travel by flight, train, bus, or boat to Canada

Once you return to Canada using a PRTD, you must apply for a new PR card.

Who Needs a PRTD from India?

You need to apply for PRTD Canada from India if all of the following apply to you:

  • You are a Canadian Permanent Resident
  • You are outside Canada (in India)
  • You do not have a valid PR card
  • Your PR card is expired, lost, stolen, or never issued
  • You need to travel to Canada using a commercial carrier

If you meet these conditions, a PRTD is the only legal way to return to Canada by air or other commercial transport.

When Is PRTD Required for Travel to Canada?

A PRTD is required when:

  • Your PR card has expired while you are in India
  • Your PR card was lost or stolen abroad
  • You never received your PR card after landing
  • You need urgent travel back to Canada

Without a valid PR card or PRTD, airlines will not allow you to board a flight to Canada.

How to Apply for PRTD Canada from India (Step-by-Step)

Applying for PRTD Canada from India is an online process through IRCC. Below is a clear step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before starting your application, collect all necessary documents (listed in detail below).

Step 2: Complete the PRTD Application

Fill out the required IRCC forms carefully and truthfully. Any mistake or missing information can delay processing.

Step 3: Pay the PRTD Fee

The standard PRTD processing fee is CAD $50. Payment is made online through the IRCC portal.

Step 4: Submit the Application Online

Upload all documents and submit your application through the official IRCC online portal.

Step 5: Passport Submission (After Approval)

If your application is approved, IRCC will request your passport. You will need to submit it at a VFS Visa Application Centre in India for the PRTD visa stamping.

Once stamped, you can travel to Canada.

Documents Required for PRTD Canada from India

Submitting complete and correct documents is critical for faster approval. Commonly required documents include:

  • Valid passport
  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
  • Proof of PR status
  • PR card (if expired or damaged)
  • Proof of meeting residency obligation (730 days in last 5 years)
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Travel itinerary or explanation of travel need
  • Cover letter explaining your situation
  • Police report (if PR card was lost or stolen)
  • Medical or emergency documents (for urgent cases)

All documents must be clear, readable, and genuine.

PRTD Canada from India Processing Time

The PRTD processing time varies based on several factors. There is no fixed timeline, but general estimates are:

  • Urgent cases: A few days to a few weeks
  • Standard cases: Several weeks to 1–2 months
  • Complex or humanitarian cases: May take longer

Processing time depends on:

  • Application completeness
  • Residency obligation verification
  • Visa office workload
  • Urgency of travel

IRCC does not publish exact timelines for PRTD applications, so processing time may fluctuate.

Urgent PRTD Applications from India

You can apply urgently for PRTD Canada from India if you must travel within 5 days due to:

  • Serious illness (self or family)
  • Death of an immediate family member
  • Lost or stolen PR card close to travel
  • Other humanitarian or compassionate reasons

You must provide strong supporting documents. Urgent requests are prioritized, but approval is not guaranteed unless eligibility requirements are met.

Residency Obligation for PRTD from India

To be approved for a PRTD, you must usually prove that you have met Canada’s residency obligation, which requires:

  • 730 days of physical presence in Canada
  • Within the last 5 years

If you do not meet this requirement, IRCC may still consider your application under humanitarian and compassionate grounds, but such cases often take longer and involve closer scrutiny.

What Happens After You Receive PRTD?

Once your PRTD Canada from India is approved:

  • A visa sticker is placed in your passport
  • You can travel to Canada one time only
  • Upon arrival, you must apply for a new PR card
  • The PRTD becomes invalid after entry

You cannot use the same PRTD again for future travel.

Common Reasons for PRTD Refusal or Delay

Applications may be delayed or refused due to:

  • Incomplete or incorrect forms
  • Missing residency proof
  • Unclear travel explanation
  • Misrepresentation
  • Failure to meet residency obligation
  • Insufficient emergency evidence (urgent cases)

Careful preparation significantly reduces these risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the processing time for PRTD Canada from India?

Processing time usually ranges from a few weeks to 1–2 months, with urgent cases processed faster.

Who is eligible for a PRTD?

Canadian permanent residents outside Canada without a valid PR card are eligible.

What documents are required for PRTD Canada from India?

Passport, COPR, proof of PR status, residency proof, photos, and supporting documents.

How much is the PRTD fee in Canada?

The PRTD application fee is CAD $50.

Can I apply for a PR card from India?

No. You must return to Canada using a PRTD before applying for a new PR card.

Important Things to Know Before Applying

  • A PRTD allows one-time entry only
  • It does not replace a PR card
  • You must meet residency obligations
  • False information can lead to refusal or loss of PR status
  • Processing times are not guaranteed

Understanding these points helps avoid mistakes.

Conclusion

Applying for PRTD Canada from India is the correct and legal way for Canadian permanent residents to return to Canada without a valid PR card. While the process is straightforward, approval depends heavily on document accuracy, residency compliance, and application quality. Processing times may vary, so applying early and correctly is essential.

If your situation involves urgency or residency concerns, professional guidance can help ensure a smooth and timely PRTD approval.

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