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Last verified: March 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca← Back to IRPA ExplorerLast verified: March 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca
PART 1: Immigration to CanadaDIVISION 3: Entering and Remaining in Canada
§31

Effect

Effect

Permanent Residents
🍁 In Simple Terms

A permanent resident must carry their PR card when traveling outside Canada. Without it, they need a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return.

Affects: Immigration applicants (economic, family, humanitarian)
Legal Text — IRPA Section 31

(1)A permanent resident and a protected person shall be provided with a document indicating their status.

(b)a person who is outside Canada and who does not present a status document indicating permanent resident status is presumed not to have permanent resident status.

Related Subsections
s.31.1Designated foreign national

31.1 For the purposes of Article 28 of the Refugee Convention, a designated foreign national whose claim for refugee protection or application for protection is accepted is lawfully staying in Canada only if they become a permanent resident or are issued a temporary resident permit under section 24.

In Practice
Official Source: Justice Canada — IRPA s. 31 (authoritative, may differ from this display)
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