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RC-1 — Humanitarian and Compassionate PR Travel Document (Humanitarian/Immigrant)
CanadaCanada•North America
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RC-1 — Humanitarian and Compassionate PR Travel Document (Humanitarian/Immigrant)

Residency Pathway Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

CAD $50

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Renewable

Renewal

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

The RC-1 is a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) counterfoil issued to a Canadian permanent resident abroad who has failed to meet their residency obligation but has been approved for a travel document based on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds.

The RC-1 is a Canadian Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) issued to PRs abroad who have failed their residency obligation but qualify on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds. It is discretionary — officers weigh compelling personal circumstances before approving — and costs CAD 50 to apply.

The RC-1 is single-use: once it gets you back to Canada, you must apply for a PR card to restore normal travel rights. Approval requires extensive H&C evidence; processing times vary. Spouses and dependants do not travel on the same document.

This visa is ideal for permanent residents stranded abroad who missed the 730-day residency requirement due to exceptional circumstances such as illness, caregiving, or hardship beyond their control.

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Stay & Extensions

Status typePermanent / indefinite

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a Permanent Resident of Canada.

Must be outside Canada.

Must not have a valid PR card.

Must have failed to meet residency obligation.

Must demonstrate compelling H&C reasons.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Proof of PR status

Extensive H&C evidence

Two passport-sized photos

Paid fee receipt

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows return to Canada despite failing residency obligations
  • Recognizes humanitarian circumstances

Worth Knowing

  • Complex evidentiary requirements
  • Longer processing times
  • Single-use document
  • Failure to prove compelling H&C grounds

Application Process

1

Determine need for H&C consideration.

2

Create account on PR Portal.

3

Complete IMM 5444 and IMM 5644.

4

Upload documents and H&C evidence.

5

Pay fee and submit.

6

Submit passport for counterfoil upon approval.

Application Forms

Go to application portal
IMM 5444
Application for a Permanent Resident Card (PR card) or Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)
Fill online

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