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In November of the previous year, the Toronto Star brought attention to an increasing worry among new immigrants in Canada regarding the duration it takes to obtain their official immigration documents.

Specifically, the narrative underscores the challenges faced by new immigrants who find themselves in Canada for several months after receiving approval for permanent residence. This period is marked by the anticipation of receiving their Permanent Resident cards (PR cards) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

In addition to functioning as an identification tool for new immigrants, Permanent Resident (PR) cards play a crucial role as a travel document for permanent residents when re-entering Canada through a port of entry. The absence of a PR card can impede the ability of immigrants to travel outside Canada, particularly in emergency situations.

As per data cited by the Toronto Star from the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), more than 70,000 individuals who have recently obtained Canadian Permanent Residency are currently awaiting the issuance of their initial Permanent Resident (PR) card as of the present moment.

Luckily for some individuals, the IRCC offers a means for specific new immigrants to expedite the processing of their PR cards through the Canadian government.

Who qualifies for expedited processing of their PR card?

Canadian permanent residents planning to travel outside of Canada within the next three months may apply for urgent processing of their PR card if their travel is related to:

• A job opportunity
• A serious illness
• The death of a family member
• Work associated with their current job
• The serious illness of a family member

It is important to note that meeting the criteria for urgent processing does not guarantee timely receipt of the new PR card, as processing times can vary. The current processing time for first-time PR card applicants is approximately 42 days, while renewal or replacement applicants face an estimated processing time of 63 days according to IRCC at the time of writing.

Factors influencing the likelihood of expedited processing include the timing of travel outside of Canada, whether the applicant has already submitted a PR card application, or if the card is misplaced/expired. The Government of Canada’s webpage provides a table for assessing the feasibility of having the PR card processed in time for travel.

For those ineligible for urgent processing, alternative options like a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) are available for Canadian permanent residents intending to travel outside Canada without a valid PR card. Details about PRTDs are available on the government’s linked webpage.

How can I demonstrate the urgency of processing my PR card?

New immigrants meeting the eligibility criteria for urgent PR card processing must furnish supporting documents to substantiate their need for expedited processing. These documents should be submitted alongside the request for urgent PR card processing:

• Proof of travel (e.g., a copy of the ticket or itinerary)*
  A receipt copy indicating the date, amount paid, and payment method
  A letter explaining the reason for urgency, supported by relevant proof**
• *Provided proof of travel must display the destination and travel dates.
• **Depending on the nature of the urgency, documents such as a doctor’s note, death certificate, or a letter from the employer can serve as evidence.

It is crucial to include all required documents to demonstrate the need for urgent processing, as omission may result in the application being processed under normal timelines, as per IRCC’s guidelines.