In November last year, the Toronto Star emphasized the growing concern among new immigrants in Canada surrounding the time it takes to obtain their official immigration documents. Stick to this guide to know how to get a PR card processed urgently.
Specifically, the story emphasizes that new immigrants are sometimes stuck in Canada for months after being approved for PR while they await their PR cards from IRCC.
Beyond serving as a form of identification for new immigrants, Canada PR cards are integral travel documents that PRs must present at a port of entry to re-enter the nation. Not having a PR card hinders an immigrant’s ability to travel outside of Canada in case of an emergency.
According to the numbers quoted by the report from IRCC, over 70,000 new Canadian PRs are waiting for their first PR card at the time of writing. Fortunately, IRCC offers a pathway for specific new immigrants to have their PR cards processed urgently by the Canadian government.
Who Is Eligible For Urgent PR Card Processing?
In order to get a PR card processed urgently, Canadian permanent residents traveling outside Canada in the next three months can apply for the same if the reason for their travel is related to:
- A job opportunity
- A serious illness
- Death of a family member
- Work-related to your present job
- The serious illness of a family member
Note: IRCC clarifies that qualifying for urgent processing doesn’t guarantee that a new PR will obtain their cards on time. At the time of writing, IRCC’s estimated processing time for first-time PR card applicants is 42 days. Moreover, the estimated time processing for a PR card renewal or replacement applicants is presently 63 days.
Well, there’s a table on the official webpage of the Canadian government that can offer you an idea of whether it is realistic for you to potentially have your PR card processed in time for your travel. This will depend on numerous factors, like:
- When you are traveling outside of Canada
- If you are already outside the nation
- Have applied for a PR card
- The PR card has become misplaced/ expired
For those who aren’t deemed eligible for urgent processing, alternate options are available to PRs seeking to travel outside Canada like ORTD, i.e., Permanent Resident Travel Document. A PRTD is a one-time travel document for which PRs can apply in case they are outside Canada without a valid PR card.
How Do I Prove That My PR Card Should Be Processed Urgently?
In order to get a PR card processed urgently, new immigrants must submit supporting documents to prove that they require faster processing.
Proof can be offered to IRCC by submitting the following documents alongside your request to have your PR card processed urgently.
- Proof of travel
- A copy of your receipt with the date, amount paid, & method of payment
- A letter explaining the reason for the urgency & proof of this urgency
It is vital to note that the provided proof of travel must showcase your destination & travel dates.
Moreover, depending upon the reason for your urgency, documents like a doctor’s note, death certificate, or letter from the employer would suffice as proof of urgency.
Note: IRCC notes that the omission of required documents to prove your need for urgent processing will result in your application being processed ‘normally.’