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RA-1 — Presence at Appeal Travel Document
CanadaCanada•North America
Open

RA-1 — Presence at Appeal Travel Document

Work Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

8 months – 1.2 years

Estimated Cost

CAD $50

Stay Duration

Single entry, valid for 6 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information
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Living in Canada

Cost of Living
12% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$48,000
Quality of Life
170/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Coded as "RA-1" on the visa counterfoil. This is issued to a permanent resident abroad who has appealed a negative residency decision but has not been physically present in Canada within the past 365 days. They are only issued this document if the IAD determines their physical presence is necessary for the hearing.

The RA-1 is a Canadian travel document for permanent residents absent from Canada for over 365 days who received a negative residency obligation decision and filed an appeal with the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). It is only issued when the IAD specifically orders the appellant to appear in person at their hearing.

The document gives single-entry access valid for 6 months with full work authorization. Obtaining it requires a successful Rule 46 motion to the IAD — a complex process adding 6–12 months before the 2–8 week PRTD processing begins. The application fee is CAD $50 using form IMM 5444.

This visa is ideal for permanent residents outside Canada who have filed a residency appeal and received an IAD order requiring their physical presence at the hearing.

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Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a Canadian permanent resident currently outside Canada.

Must not possess a valid PR card.

Must have received a negative residency obligation determination.

Must have been absent from Canada for the 365 days preceding the application.

Must have filed an appeal with the IAD within the 60-day limit.

Must obtain an official IAD Order under Rule 46/Subsection 175(2) of the IRPA.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed Application for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (IMM 5524)

Valid passport or recognized travel document

Official IAD Order requiring physical presence

Notice of Appeal and IAD case details

Two passport-sized photos

Proof of payment of the CAD $50 fee

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows return to Canada for essential appeal testimony
  • Retains full PR work rights
  • Provides a legal mechanism for those absent for >365 days

Worth Knowing

  • Requires complex IAD motion process
  • Single-entry only
  • High burden of proof to justify physical presence
  • Failure to obtain IAD Rule 46 order
  • Not a permanent resident
  • Appeal period (60 days) has expired

Application Process

1

Receive negative residency obligation decision.

2

File Notice of Appeal with the IAD within 60 days.

3

Submit Rule 46 motion to IAD for physical presence order.

4

Receive IAD order under Subsection 175(2).

5

Submit PRTD application (IMM 5524) with IAD order.

6

Submit passport to VAC for RA-1 counterfoil.

7

Travel to Canada and undergo secondary examination at POE.

Application Forms

Go to application portal
IMM 5444
Application for a Permanent Resident Card or Permanent Resident Travel Document
Fill online
Notice of AppealFill online

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