Hi Stu
"Stu Barton" <> wrote in message
news:iPOub.434753$6C4.103386@pd7tw1no...
> I see that there has been a fair amount of discussion on this but I'm
still
> a little concerned/confused so bear with me.
> I am a Permanent Resident who is planning to travel to the United States
in
> January (and return to Canada that same month). I have applied for the
> (inane) Permanent Resident card but do not expect it to be available
before
> I leave the country.
> Anyone who could provide clarification/guidance on the following would be
> greatly appreciated.
> 1. I understand that the carrier (Air Canada in my case) will not prevent
> me from LEAVING Canada without a PR Card after Dec 31st, 2003. They will
> prevent me from boarding on my RETURN TRIP if I do not possess this card.
> a. Has anyone heard any different?
No, if they follow the rules, they will not board you.
> b. How strict/lenient should we anticipate this requirement to
be
> adhered to? (assuming that I am not the only person in this position and
> that there may be a fair number of people faced with this scenario,
> especially early in the new year)
Probably fairly strict, since the would subject to a fine and the expense of
returning the person if that person was not admitted to Canada.
> c. Potentially, could the carrier allow me to board and then
have
> Immigration "process" me once I return?
Very unlikely.
> 2. For those residents who do not possess a PR Card they apply to the
> nearest Canadian Consulate whilst abroad to obtain a "Limited Use Travel
> Document" (for a $50 fee).
> a. Can you obtain this document before you travel (leave
Canada)?
No.
> b. Do you need to present yourself in person to a Canadian
> Consulate or can this be done by fax/mail/phone?
See:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5529E.PDF it appears that
it can be done by mail, but you would have include your passport.
> c. What is the potential processing time for this document?
> Essentially I don't want to end up in the situation of arriving at the
> airport to return to Canada and having to miss my flight because I do not
> have the correct documentation. I would like to pre-arrange as much in
> advance as possible (conceding of course that I should have applied for
the
> PR Card earlier).
> What is the worse case scenario if I do not have a PR Card?
Fly to a US airport closest to your Canadian destination, rent a car, with
Canada drop off.
> Thoughts/comments/suggestions/advice/etc are appreciated.
> Thanks,
> Stu Barton
PMM