How best to re-enter without PR Card or Travel Doc

Twex

New Member
I have a relative that received their record of landing documents as a teenager over 30 years ago (since before PR cards existed). They have visited frequently over that time period, and had even worked for a few months here and there But never long enough to meet the residency requirements. They had always entered as a visitor on a British passport. They have not visited in the last 5 years but would like to move here now Since the majority of their immediate family lives here.

For them to move to Canada now, Is it best that they re-enter the country by driving across the US border as a visitor or with their Record of Landing documents? Are they likely to be allowed in given the landing documents are so old and they never ever had a PR card?

Thanks in advance for your help.
 

Riley Haas

Administrator
Staff member
Location
Toronto
That is a good question and the answer is likely that they won't know until they try (in normal circumstances). Three possibilities:
  • They are allowed to enter
  • CBSA discovers they have not been residing in Canada and revoke their PR
  • CBSA discovers they have not been residing in Canada, allows them to enter but then, when they apply for a PR Card, that card is issued for a limited period of time (usually 1 year) to ensure they stay in the country.
However, things are different right now. I have no idea if CBSA would be looking for more proof of residency than just a Record of Landing from 30+ years ago just because of the pandemic.
 

Twex

New Member
Thanks for the quick reply. They Likely wouldn’t attempt to come until the US / Canada border Reopens to visitors. So that’s why are asked about entering as a visitor like they had been doing over the last few years, except this time, doing It by Land/car rather than by plane.

Assuming they were allowed in, given that they have a SIN #, would they be able to work while they build up their time in the country before applying for the PR card, having then fulfilled the residency obligation? Or do they also need the PR card (Or any other document) to be able to work?

Thanks!
 

Riley Haas

Administrator
Staff member
Location
Toronto
Well they wouldn't "enter as a visitor". With a record of landing, they're entering as a permanent resident.

It's up to the employer whether or not they let them work. They're supposed to, but I have heard stories of employers demanding valid PR Cards. Don't know how frequent that is.
 
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