The card became mandatory for permanent residents returning to Canada by commercial carrier as of December 31, 2003. Since that date, permanent residents returning to Canada by airplane, boat, train or bus must show their PR card to carrier personnel when boarding to prove their permanent resident status in Canada.
9. Can I leave Canada while my application is being processed?
If you are a permanent resident and are returning to Canada by commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus), you will require a PR card to board the carrier.
If you do not have a PR card, you will need to contact the nearest Canadian visa office to obtain a temporary travel document to re-enter Canada, at a cost of $50 each.