Stu Barton

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?
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)
c. Potentially, could the carrier allow me to board and then have
Immigration "process" me once I return?

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)?
b. Do you need to present yourself in person to a Canadian
Consulate or can this be done by fax/mail/phone?
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?

Thoughts/comments/suggestions/advice/etc are appreciated.

Thanks,

Stu Barton

Pmm

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

Jaj

Hi Stu
What's your nationality?

Jeremy

    >On Wed, 19 Nov 2003 20:07:02 GMT, "PMM" <pmurray-no spam-@telus.net> wrote:
    >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

This is not intended to be legal advice in any jurisdiction

Stu Barton

Jeremy,

British.

Stu

"JAJ" <> wrote in message
news:...
    > Hi Stu
    > What's your nationality?
    > Jeremy
    > >On Wed, 19 Nov 2003 20:07:02 GMT, "PMM" <pmurray-no spam-@telus.net>
wrote:
    > >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
    > >
    > >
    > This is not intended to be legal advice in any jurisdiction

Stu Barton

Thanks PMM for the info.

Along with the link you provided for the Permanent Resident Abroad document
(http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5529E.PDF), I have managed to
find the actual form itself
(http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kit...s/IMM5524B.PDF) and a good
overview of the requirements for the application while in the US
(http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/can-am/...mid=11&cat=633). It states
that you will need the following to process the IMM 5524 application:

-Completed IMM 5524 application (Permanent Resident Abroad)
-Evidence of Permanent Resident Status (copy of PR Card or Record of
Landing)
-Evidence of physical presence in Canada for the past 5 years (I would
assume paystubs, tax assesments, copy of drivers licence would probably
suffice).
-Two recent passport-sized photos with birthdate and signature on the back.
-Valid Passport
-US Visa or I-94 card
-Cheque CAD$ 50 or US$ 37 payable to the Receiver General of Canada or
Canadian Consulate-General (respectively).
-Self-addressed, stamped return Express Mail envelope.

The fact you need the I-94 card/US Visa indicates that you need to be out
of the country to apply (no pre-application). I will be in the States for 3
weeks so if I get on this once I arrive I don't anticipate a problem.

I have also spoken with my travel agent regarding this. They will place a
note with airline indicating my residence status in the Canada and my
pending PR Card application. It may not do much but it's best to cover all
bases.

Thanks,

Stu


"PMM" <pmurray-no spam-@telus.net> wrote in message
news:G3Qub.59412$1K.29021@edtnps84...
    > 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

Mattias Hembruch

In article <G3Qub.59412$1K.29021@edtnps84>,
PMM <pmurray-no spam-@telus.net> wrote:
    >Hi Stu
    >"Stu Barton" <> wrote in message
    >news:iPOub.434753$6C4.103386@pd7tw1no...

[cut]

    >> 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.

Why not? Maybe this ties into the later question..


    >> 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.


Ok, so what are the rules again? Maybe I'm missing something?

I'm in the situation of needing to drive someone to Buffalo (from Ontario)
for their flight on Jan 3. I am a PR, and have applied for the card.

Will I be prevented from re-entering Canada? Is this the "only for
commercial carries" restriction, meaning I CAN enter while driving my own
car?


Thanks,
Mattias

Mattias Hembruch

In article <bpgq9a$23h$>,
Mattias Hembruch <> wrote:
    >In article <G3Qub.59412$1K.29021@edtnps84>,
    >PMM <pmurray-no spam-@telus.net> wrote:
    >>Hi Stu
    >>"Stu Barton" <> wrote in message
    >>news:iPOub.434753$6C4.103386@pd7tw1no...
    >[cut]
    >>> 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.
    >Why not? Maybe this ties into the later question..
    >>> 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.
    >Ok, so what are the rules again? Maybe I'm missing something?
    >I'm in the situation of needing to drive someone to Buffalo (from Ontario)
    >for their flight on Jan 3. I am a PR, and have applied for the card.
    >Will I be prevented from re-entering Canada? Is this the "only for
    >commercial carries" restriction, meaning I CAN enter while driving my own
    >car?

Well, guess I answered my own question by going to the CIC website..

Yes, if I'm driving myself, I don't need a PR card..

Good news - they called to tell us ours would be ready late December, but...

Better safe than sorry :-)

Mattias

Stu Barton

"Mattias Hembruch" <> wrote in message
news:bpgq9a$23h$...
<SNIP>
    > Ok, so what are the rules again? Maybe I'm missing something?
    > I'm in the situation of needing to drive someone to Buffalo (from Ontario)
    > for their flight on Jan 3. I am a PR, and have applied for the card.
    > Will I be prevented from re-entering Canada? Is this the "only for
    > commercial carries" restriction, meaning I CAN enter while driving my own
    > car?
    > Thanks,
    > Mattias

Mattias,

From what I can tell it would appear this way. It's not immigration that
stops you, it's the carrier. I'm assuming that if you were allowed to board
you would just need to present prove of residency to immigration and customs
and you will probably be allowed to enter (or if you enter via private
vehicle at the border).

The frustrating thing is the apparent lack of information regarding
contingencies/consequences if you do not have the PR Card (other than the
Residents Abroad document). As I stated earlier there are going to be a
fair number of people who do not have the card nor realize they need it and
will be shocked to learn when they attempt to come home that oops, sorry,
you can't go home until you prove you live there.

Stu

Jaj

Hi Stu
As you say you're British, you should be able to board a flight to
Canada purely on the strength of your British passport.

As far as I know (although you should check), airlines do not require
a return ticket from tourist visa-exempt passport holders.
Once you get to Immigration present yourself as a returning PR, and
have with you plenty of evidence of your status.

CIC have stated in their policy manuals that PRs from tourist visa
exempt countries (British citizens, Australians etc) may use their
passports rather than a PR card to board Canada bound commercial
transportation:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/manuals-guides/...enf/enf04e.pdf
(section 11.5)

CIC's publicity does not address this, however.

As time goes on it will get increasingly awkward for even these PRs to
travel into and out of Canada without the PR Card. Get the PR Card to
keep things simple.

Many people - especially long time PRs - will be surprised by the need
to get the PR Card, and also by the long processing times involved
(compared to Canadian passport processing time). But the reality is
that no matter how long a PR has lived in Canada, Canada is not
legally your home until you become a Canadian citizen. If the
introduction of the PR Card brings this fact home to long-resident
PRs, and encourages them to take Canadian citizenship, it can only be
a good thing.

Jeremy


    >On Wed, 19 Nov 2003 22:46:53 GMT, "Stu Barton" <> wrote:
    >The frustrating thing is the apparent lack of information regarding
    >contingencies/consequences if you do not have the PR Card (other than the
    >Residents Abroad document). As I stated earlier there are going to be a
    >fair number of people who do not have the card nor realize they need it and
    >will be shocked to learn when they attempt to come home that oops, sorry,
    >you can't go home until you prove you live there.
    >Stu

This is not intended to be legal advice in any jurisdiction

Stu Barton

Thank you everyone for your feedback. I feel a lot more comfortable with
this process. When I arrive in the US I will contact the Canadian Consulate
and arrange for the One-Time Use Travel document. This certainly is the
kick in the pants I needed to apply for citizenship though. Below is a
compilation of information and sources relevant to my questions:



What is the Permanent Resident Card?



Permanent Resident Card: Overview http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pr-card/


"The permanent resident (PR) card is a wallet-sized, plastic status card
that replaces the paper IMM 1000 Record of Landing document. As of December
31, 2003, the PR card will be the proof of status document required by
permanent residents seeking to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier
(airplane, boat, train or bus).



As of December 31, 2003, permanent residents returning to Canada without a
valid PR card will not be permitted to board their carrier. They will have
to contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate to obtain a limited use
travel document to re-enter Canada at a cost of $50 for each one. "



Permanent Resident Card: Application
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/prcard.html





What if I don't have a PR Card?



Permanent Resident Card: Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pr-card/prc-issues.html



Can you process my application more quickly if I am leaving the country?



No.

Permanent residents who plan to travel overseas and return after December
30, 2003 should obtain a PR card prior to their departure. Apply as early as
possible since it takes approximately 12 weeks to process an application for
the card.

Permanent residents without PR cards who travel overseas and return to
Canada after December 30, 2003 will need to contact the nearest Canadian
embassy or consulate to obtain a limited use travel document.

You can use your IMM 1000 Record of Landing document for travel purposes
until December 30, 2003.



Is there an alternative to the PR card?



As of December 31, 2003, all permanent residents returning from
international travel on commercial carriers will need to show their PR card.

In emergency situations, permanent residents may obtain a one-time-use
travel document at a Canadian embassy or consulate abroad.



One time Use Travel document (Permanent Resident Abroad IMM5524): Form
(http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kit...s/IMM5524B.PDF)



One time Use Travel document (Permanent Resident Abroad IMM5524): Guide
(http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5529E.PDF)



One time Use Travel document (Permanent Resident Abroad IMM5524): Help on
the IMM5524 application process (USA)
(http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/can-am/...mid=11&cat=633)



Overview of what you need for the IMM5524 (from the US):



a.. Completed IMM 5524 application (Permanent Resident Abroad)
b.. Evidence of Permanent Resident Status (copy of PR Card or Record of
Landing)
c.. Evidence of physical presence in Canada for the past 5 years
d.. Two recent passport-sized photos with birth date and signature on the
back.
e.. Valid Passport
f.. US Visa or I-94 card
g.. Cheque CAD$ 50 or US$ 37 payable to the Receiver General of Canada or
Canadian Consulate-General (respectively).
h.. Self-addressed, stamped return Express Mail envelope.


Note: You can only apply for the One Time Travel document while you are
abroad.



Citizenship & Immigration Canada: Entry Policy Manual
(http://www.cic.gc.ca/manuals-guides/...enf/enf04e.pdf)



CIC have stated in their policy manuals that PRs from tourist visa exempt
countries (British citizens, Australians etc) may use their passports rather
than a PR card to board Canada bound commercial transportation (section
11.5):



11.5 Permanent resident card

A permanent resident card, commonly referred to as the Maple leaf card, is
the status document referred to in A31(1) that indicates that the holder is
a permanent resident. It replaces the IMM 1000 Record of Landing, which was
issued to all permanent residents under the 1976 Immigration Act. (For more
information on the permanent resident card, refer to [ENF 27, Permanent
resident card]).



Prescribed document
Section A148(1)(a) requires that transporters must not board persons unless
they are in possession of a prescribed document. Section R259 makes the
permanent resident card a prescribed document for the purpose of A148. This
section, however, does not come into force until December 31st, 2003.



After this date, unless a permanent resident is from a visa exempt country
listed in R190, they will need to have a permanent resident card to board a
vehicle bound for Canada. In order to facilitate the transition from the IMM
1000 to the permanent resident card, transporters are permitted to board
permanent residents holding the IMM 1000 until December 31st, 2003.







"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?
    > 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)
    > c. Potentially, could the carrier allow me to board and then
have
    > Immigration "process" me once I return?
    > 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)?
    > b. Do you need to present yourself in person to a Canadian
    > Consulate or can this be done by fax/mail/phone?
    > 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?
    > Thoughts/comments/suggestions/advice/etc are appreciated.
    > Thanks,
    > Stu Barton