PRTD is for permanent residents who are outside Canada and don't have a valid PR card to fly back with. It's a single-entry document the visa office issues at a Canadian embassy or VAC abroad. The catch: applying for a PRTD triggers a residency-obligation review — IRCC checks whether you've met the 730-days-in-5-years rule before issuing. Fail the test and you risk a determination that strips your PR status. This Starter walks the application, the residency math, the H&C considerations for borderline cases, and the timing for getting the document before your next flight.
The procedure, end to end
What this kit walks you through.
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Confirm you actually need a PRTD.
If you can re-enter Canada by land/sea (e.g., from the US by car), you don't need a PRTD — proof of PR status at the border is enough. PRTD is specifically for air travel back to Canada when your PR card is expired/lost/stolen.
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Calculate your residency days.
PRTD application triggers a residency-obligation check. Use the kit's 730-in-5 calculator before you apply — failing the test can result in losing PR status, not just being denied the PRTD.
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Apply at the nearest visa office.
Form IMM 5524 to a Canadian embassy or VAC. Some offices accept walk-ins; most require an appointment. The kit has the per-region office list.
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Provide identity + residency evidence.
Passport, expired PR card if you have it, employment records, lease agreements, tax returns — anything proving you've been in Canada for the required days.
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Plan for processing time.
PRTD typically takes 5-15 business days at most visa offices, but can be longer if a residency-obligation review is triggered. Some offices offer urgent processing for documented emergencies.
What you'll be able to do after reading it
Pass the residency check before applying.
The 730-in-5 calculator + the documentation pack that demonstrates compliance — what to include, what to leave out, what to do with gaps.
Submit at the right visa office.
Per-region office list with appointment links + walk-in availability. The kit covers the few offices known for fast processing.
Handle the H&C path if borderline.
When you're short on days but have legitimate reasons (medical care abroad, employment, family emergencies), how to file the H&C submission inside the PRTD application.
PRTD is the document that gets a stranded PR back to Canada. But it's also the document that can end your PR status if you can't prove you met the residency obligation. Before you apply, do the math. — Editor's note, ehCanadaVisa
Why this saves you time
Most applicants spend their first weeks bouncing between IRCC pages, Reddit threads, and outdated blog posts trying to figure out what the procedure actually looks like. This Starter kit collapses the orientation work into one short PDF you can read in an evening — the same path, in the same order, with the current fees and the right form names, so you can stop researching and start submitting.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a PRTD cost?
CAD 50 per applicant. Biometrics CAD 85 individual / CAD 170 family if not already given within the past 10 years. Some visa offices charge an additional service fee at the local VAC.
How long does PRTD processing take?
Typically 5-15 business days at most visa offices. Longer if a residency-obligation review is triggered (can take 2-3 months). Urgent processing is sometimes available for documented emergencies — the kit has the request template.
What if I don't meet the 730-day residency obligation?
The PRTD application can result in (a) refusal of the PRTD, and (b) a determination that you've failed the residency obligation, which strips your PR status. The H&C track is your only option in this case — the kit covers it.
Can I get a PRTD if my PR card is just expired (not lost)?
Yes — a valid-but-expired PR card is treated the same as no card for air-travel purposes. PRTD gives you the document to fly back; once in Canada, file a PR card renewal (IMM 5444) for a fresh card.
Can I drive across the US-Canada border without a PRTD?
Yes if you have proof of PR status (passport + landing record / Confirmation of Permanent Residence). Land/sea entry only requires proof of status, not a card or PRTD. PRTD is specifically for air travel.
What happens if IRCC changes the rules after I buy?
You have lifetime re-download access. When IRCC makes a material change, we update the kit (usually within a week) and you get the new version at no cost.
Is this legal advice?
No. ehCanadaVisa is an independent information resource. This guide provides information and templates, not legal advice, and we are not a law firm or licensed immigration practice. Always verify current requirements at
canada.ca and consult a licensed professional for your specific situation.
