eTA for PR, but not been resident for 50 years
Mar 27, 2017, 3:02 am
#1
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Join Date: Mar 2017
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eTA for PR, but not been resident for 50 years
Hello, I wonder if anyone is in the same position as me? I am a British Citizen. I emigrated to Canada in 1965. I was there for 2 years and returned to the UK in 1965. I have travelled to Canada many times without any hassle of visa. I bought my plane tickets to go on holiday to Canada in June. I now need an eTA and have applied. I am having great difficulty getting one as I am classed as a Permanent Resident. I haven't lived in Canada for 50 years, but apparently still have my PR status. I have been denied an eTA so far and have been asked to renounce my PR status before I can get an eTA. This isn't a problem - but CIC are not at all helpful and after much to-ing & fro-ing with emails via my CIC account. They have withdrawn my application & I am in the process of re-applying. Has anyone else, in my position, had the same problems & if so - how do I get my eTA. I would appreciate any help. Thank you. confused!
Mar 27, 2017, 11:55 am
#3
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I doubt it because PRs had to apply for a PR card some years back. OP obviously didn't so it's a problem at Canada's computer end. It's an interesting situation; I don't have an answer, but I'm following this with interest.
Apr 4, 2017, 8:52 pm
#4
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Welcome to Flyertalk RustieCustard.
As this is specific to travel to Canada, we'll move your post to our Canada [Destination] forum for greater exposure to those in the know.
~beckoa, co-moderator Information Desk
As this is specific to travel to Canada, we'll move your post to our Canada [Destination] forum for greater exposure to those in the know.
~beckoa, co-moderator Information Desk
Apr 4, 2017, 9:01 pm
#5
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It sounds like this has been a clusterflog for many PR Canadians. The policy was instituted without sufficient care and consideration. There are a number of threads aboot it in the Air Canada forum.
OP, maybe a personal visit to the Canadian High Commission would help if you are close to one. You might also consider whether you actually want to give up your status.
OP, maybe a personal visit to the Canadian High Commission would help if you are close to one. You might also consider whether you actually want to give up your status.
Apr 4, 2017, 9:27 pm
#6
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Canadian PR status is not automatically stripped if you leave the country and never come back.
If you were ever a PR, and have not either renounced that status or been stripped of it through a judicial process, you are still technically a PR. You may no longer be eligible to hold that status, but in Canada's book it's still there until you renounce it (more detail here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/about-pr.asp). Therefore, you cannot get an eTA, effectively barring you from travelling to Canada by air.
It sounds like you are already in communication with CIC through the online portal. Have they sent you the Voluntary Renunciation of PR form?
I would suggest contacting the Canadian High Commission in London for assistance if you are having difficulties dealing directly with CIC.
If you need to travel more quickly than this can be resolved, your best option is to fly to the USA and then travel by land to Canada.
If you were ever a PR, and have not either renounced that status or been stripped of it through a judicial process, you are still technically a PR. You may no longer be eligible to hold that status, but in Canada's book it's still there until you renounce it (more detail here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/about-pr.asp). Therefore, you cannot get an eTA, effectively barring you from travelling to Canada by air.
It sounds like you are already in communication with CIC through the online portal. Have they sent you the Voluntary Renunciation of PR form?
I would suggest contacting the Canadian High Commission in London for assistance if you are having difficulties dealing directly with CIC.
If you need to travel more quickly than this can be resolved, your best option is to fly to the USA and then travel by land to Canada.
Last edited by eigenvector; Apr 4, 2017 at 9:39 pm
Apr 6, 2017, 1:43 am
#7
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My wife is in the exact same position.
Currently the renouncing of the PR will take 45 days. Our flight in in two weeks. She HAD a eTA after her PR card was no longer valid. However it was recently cancelled.
We tried to contact our embassy / consulate in Japan but they told us that Japan embassy does not deal with Canadian VISA. Please contact the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines.
However we can't get through.
Not sure what we can do.
Currently the renouncing of the PR will take 45 days. Our flight in in two weeks. She HAD a eTA after her PR card was no longer valid. However it was recently cancelled.
We tried to contact our embassy / consulate in Japan but they told us that Japan embassy does not deal with Canadian VISA. Please contact the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines.
However we can't get through.
Not sure what we can do.