CDN Passport Expiring

[JustJanis 2]

I couldn't find this topic in any recent posts so hoping someone can answer for me.

Where I'm at: I have received a Permanent Resident Status card after our K1 process and we are at the stage where we can start applying for Removal of Conditions (we still have 1 year, 10 months before my card expires). I have recently returned to Canada for a visit and only required my PRS card at the border crossing while driving through. While flying within the US I have only been using my US Drivers Licence.

My Question(s): My Canadian Passport expires July 2012 (less than a month from now). Do I need it any more? If so, do I need to renew it and how do I do this from the US? ALSO and IMPORTANT: If I travel from the US to Japan or Europe do I need a passport or will my Permanent Resident Card be enough?

Thank you in advance for any help with this.

Janis

[Caryh 5,206]

Yes you need your passport. You can renew it at the Canadian consulate for your area. You've been lucky while driving across so far, they will ask for your passport if you fly across the border. Even US citizens are required to have their passport on re-entry to the USA, or passport card if driving. Your drivers license works while flying in the USA because you're not crossing any international borders.

[GB55 11]

As a Canadian who had a permanent resident card, I found it very surprising that the Canadian border agencies let you through without a passport. A passport is necessary for all travel outside the US. Your PR card is only used as proof of status upon returning to the US.

In short: keep your Canadian passport.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I couldn't find this topic in any recent posts so hoping someone can answer for me.

Where I'm at: I have received a Permanent Resident Status card after our K1 process and we are at the stage where we can start applying for Removal of Conditions (we still have 1 year, 10 months before my card expires). I have recently returned to Canada for a visit and only required my PRS card at the border crossing while driving through. While flying within the US I have only been using my US Drivers Licence.

My Question(s): My Canadian Passport expires July 2012 (less than a month from now). Do I need it any more? If so, do I need to renew it and how do I do this from the US? ALSO and IMPORTANT: If I travel from the US to Japan or Europe do I need a passport or will my Permanent Resident Card be enough?

Thank you in advance for any help with this.

Janis

Until you become a US citizen (if that's your plan and taht is a yr+ away if you're doing ROC now) you need a passport from your country aka Canada. There are situations when you're returning to the US that the US border patrol will want your current (Cdn) passport as well as your GC. A few VJ-ers have been asked for it coming back in. You should have a valid document proving your current citiznship should something ever come up.

I am suprised they've let you use your driver's license, we've always been asked for passports at points of entry

[SapphireDreams 71]

Yes! You most definitely need a passport! Just because they didn't ask you for a passport upon re-entry into the US doesn't mean it's not required. You should always have a passport if you are travelling internationally. They will not let you on a plane if you are flying outside of the US without a passport.

You can apply for it by mail while living in the US. I don't believe you can do it at a Consulate. Takes about 3 weeks.

[JoeCanuk 3]

As a Canadian who had a permanent resident card, I found it very surprising that the Canadian border agencies let you through without a passport. A passport is necessary for all travel outside the US. Your PR card is only used as proof of status upon returning to the US.

In short: keep your Canadian passport.

That is because your green card will show where you were born, thus signifying your citizenship. Since a Canadian citizen has the right to enter Canada, a green card showing you're a Canadian citizen is good enough to enter Canada. That, and I believe the states and Canada has an agreement to let Canadians use their green card since it is a land border crossing. I always used my green card; in fact if I remember correctly the Canadian customs site said that you can use your green card to enter Canada.

[JustJanis 2]

I couldn't find this topic in any recent posts so hoping someone can answer for me.

Where I'm at: I have received a Permanent Resident Status card after our K1 process and we are at the stage where we can start applying for Removal of Conditions (we still have 1 year, 10 months before my card expires). I have recently returned to Canada for a visit and only required my PRS card at the border crossing while driving through. While flying within the US I have only been using my US Drivers Licence.

My Question(s): My Canadian Passport expires July 2012 (less than a month from now). Do I need it any more? If so, do I need to renew it and how do I do this from the US? ALSO and IMPORTANT: If I travel from the US to Japan or Europe do I need a passport or will my Permanent Resident Card be enough?

Thank you in advance for any help with this.

Janis

Thanks for your replies!!!

I forgot one more thing... has anyone renewed with your new married last name? Does it have to be in person or will a certified copy of a marriage licence along with the renewal form and old passport be sufficient?

[Krikit 1,164]

Here is the link to everything you need to do:

http://www.ppt.gc.ca/cdn/form.aspx?lang=eng&region=USA

Since you are changing to your married name you will not be able to do the simplified renewal, meaning you are going to have to go through the process of guarantors. You will find lots of threads on the subject here in the Canada Forum.

This does not have to be done in person.

[Marilyn. 340]

As a Canadian who had a permanent resident card, I found it very surprising that the Canadian border agencies let you through without a passport. A passport is necessary for all travel outside the US. Your PR card is only used as proof of status upon returning to the US.

In short: keep your Canadian passport.

you don't need a passport to drive across the border into Canada.. I have done it plenty of times..

Until you become a US citizen (if that's your plan and taht is a yr+ away if you're doing ROC now) you need a passport from your country aka Canada. There are situations when you're returning to the US that the US border patrol will want your current (Cdn) passport as well as your GC. A few VJ-ers have been asked for it coming back in. You should have a valid document proving your current citiznship should something ever come up.

I am suprised they've let you use your driver's license, we've always been asked for passports at points of entry

she said she used her DL to fly within the US..

[Inky 1,110]

Thanks for your replies!!!

I forgot one more thing... has anyone renewed with your new married last name? Does it have to be in person or will a certified copy of a marriage licence along with the renewal form and old passport be sufficient?

Yes many people have renewed them with married names. My friend and I never left the USA when applying for ours. We both did it recently from the USA.

Just follow the instructions for it on the ppc website.

[soon2batexan 3]

I actually had this very question myself last week. I called Passport Canada and spoke to a very helpful lady named Debby. Since I was including a copy of my GC and DL as supporting proof of identity, she said a regular photocopy of our marriage certificate would serve as sufficient proof for my name change. Of course, you'll want to also have the photocopy signed by your guarantor as well (same as is required for any copies of documentation you're providing).

[VeeNDee 44]

you don't need a passport to drive across the border into Canada.. I have done it plenty of times..

If you don't have your passport you will need an enhanced driver's license instead. The rules have changed in the last few years - if you managed to cross without either recently I'd be very surprised! I kind of miss the old days when all you needed was a birth certificate and sometimes they'd wave you through without even that :/

[bsd058 296]

If your plan is to only ever go to Canada, then an American GC is sufficient. See here: Canada International. Whether a carrier will allow you on board without your passport in another story. At a port of entry, they won't turn you away.

I think the original question is about going to other countries though. You'll probably need a passport for those, but each country has it's own rules.

Edited June 26, 2012 by bsd058

[Marilyn. 340]

If you don't have your passport you will need an enhanced driver's license instead. The rules have changed in the last few years - if you managed to cross without either recently I'd be very surprised! I kind of miss the old days when all you needed was a birth certificate and sometimes they'd wave you through without even that :/

i crossed last September with just my green card..

Lawful Permanent Residents

Air Travel

All travelers including children must present a passport or secure travel document when entering the United States by air.

Land/Sea Travel

Lawful permanent residents may continue to present their Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card.

http://www.dhs.gov/files/crossingborders/travelers.shtm

Edited June 26, 2012 by Marilyn.

[VeeNDee 44]

i crossed last September with just my green card..

http://www.dhs.gov/files/crossingborders/travelers.shtm

Wow... you just had the green card when you left and when you re-entered? Didn't know that was possible. That's pretty handy to know for the future (seemingly far far away) when I actually get a green card! Thanks for the info.