Permanent residence status gives a non-Canadian the right to live in and move freely about Canada. Individuals with Permanent Residence status have restrictions on travelling outside of Canada.

If you want to leave Canada to visit another country, you will need your Permanent Resident Card (PR card) to re-enter the country. This card is the proof of status document required by permanent residents seeking to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus).

Permanent residents accompanying family members may be outside of Canada for up to three years in every five-year period without losing their resident status.

If you are planning to travel outside Canada and have not yet obtained a Permanent Resident card, be sure to send in your application well before your expected departure date. It takes eight (8) to 12 weeks to process an application.

Application and information kits for cards for existing permanent residents are available on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. The application kit outlines the documents that are required, how to fill out the application form and where to send it for processing.

If you plan to travel outside of Canada, check with the immigration office first.

Related Links

More residency information is available from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

For information on regulations about who may enter the United States, see the US Department of State.