PR CARD AND TRAVEL

[zainy]

Hi all,

I landed in Canada on Nov 25th, 2015. I had filed for an outland application so when I landed, the agents at the border took a picture for my PR card (apparently my VO had not attached pictures with my COPR). They told me everything looked good and I would receive my PR card within 4-6 weeks. I called CIC yesterday and was informed that my picture was not accepted by the scanner and I will have to present a new picture. I am so confused. The picture requirements changed in August, but the border agents took my picture in November. Has anyone experienced this? and how should I take my new picture so that it is accepted?

Regardless, I have to travel to the U.S. for work in March and since I don't have my PR card, my only other option is landing in a U.S. airport and driving (in a personal vehicle) into Canada. However, the lady at CIC told me I could apply for a travel document which would allow me to fly directly into Canada. I did some research and the travel document application mentions it is for PR's residing outside Canada. I am inside Canada. Would I still be able to take advantage of this?

Zainy

 

[Rob_TO]

However, the lady at CIC told me I could apply for a travel document which would allow me to fly directly into Canada. I did some research and the travel document application mentions it is for PR's residing outside Canada. I am inside Canada. Would I still be able to take advantage of this?

Yes you can apply for a PR Travel Document. This is for any PR that finds themself outside Canada without a valid PR card, so definitely would apply to you while you're in the US. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/travel-document/

You must apply for the PR TD to a US visa office. I believe you could use LA or NY office, but not entirely sure. You will need to research how long it takes the US visa office to process and send you the PR TD, and make sure you have enough time during your trip there to receive it. I don't think you can get it in advance. it must be delivered to a US address or picked up in person from the US office.

Else the other option as you already noted, is to drive back into Canada in which case you don't need a PR TD nor your PR card.