How to Fill Travel History for Canada PR Application: One of the requirements when applying for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada is that you provide your travel history in your application. This criterion is meant to serve as documentation of your past international travels, which will aid the Canadian government in determining your background and eligibility.
A traveller’s entries, exits, or both into Canada are documented in a travel history report. The Canada Border Services Agency is the organization that gathers this data (CBSA).
On June 30, 2013, the CBSA started gathering traveller exit data on foreign nationals (apart from American citizens) coming into the country from Canada. Beginning on July 11, 2019, the Canadian Security Agency (CCSA) will begin gathering exit data on all travellers (including nationals of Canada and the United States) in both the land and commercial aviation modes as of June 25, 2020. You can also request exit data via the Travel History Report.
Data gathered in order to create travel history reports
The following records pertain to both entries and exits: Name, birthdate, citizenship, gender, date of entry, port of entry location, and any document numbers related to that trip, like a passport number.
Depending on your unique situation, completing the travel history portion of a Canada PR application can vary in difficulty. While it might be more complicated for some applicants, it might be rather simple for others. The number of travels you’ve taken, the accessibility of your documentation, and the correctness of your records are some of the variables that will determine how simple it is for you to complete this portion. Here are some things to think about:
- Number of journeys: Giving your travel history can be very simple if you’ve only taken a small number of journeys. It will be simpler to remember the specifics of each journey, and you’ll have fewer entries to list.
- Access to Documentation: Having your passport with its entrance and exit stamps, your visa, and any additional supporting documentation on hand will streamline the process. Generally speaking, it’s wise to maintain thorough documentation of your foreign travels.
- Accuracy: This is an important point. The Canadian authorities in charge of immigration demand accurate data. Your application may be delayed or encounter problems if you provide inaccurate or insufficient information.
- Travel History Gaps: You might need to explain any prolonged periods during which you did not travel in your travel history. This may make the procedure more difficult.
- Translation: You might have to produce certified translations if any of the supporting documents are not in English or French. This can be more complicated.
- Legal or Immigration Advice: It’s a good idea to get legal or immigration advice if you have questions about your particular situation or are unclear about how to fill out the travel history section appropriately. Ensuring your application is accurate and comprehensive can be assisted by an immigration counselor or attorney.
Here we are guiding the general procedures to complete your trip history for a Canada PR application are as follows:
- Gather Information: Before you begin, compile all the relevant details regarding your previous overseas travel. This should contain information about the dates, locations, and reason(s) for your travels.
- Choose the Correct Form: You will probably need to use one of the following forms to submit your trip history, depending on your immigration category: Express Entry Profile (in the event that you are using the Express Entry application process) For other PR applications, use the Personal Information Form (IMM 5669) or the Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008).
- Fill out the Travel History Section: There is a space on the form that you are using to enter your travel history. Usually, this section has fields for nations visited. Arrival and departure dates for the trip The reason for traveling (tourism, business, employment, study, etc.) Information about any relatives that accompanied you on the trip (if appropriate)
- Be Complete and correct: Make sure the data you give is both full and correct. To ensure you don’t miss any travel, double-check the stamps on your passport, your visa, and other documentation.
- If your travel history contains any gaps—periods during which you did not travel—be ready to explain them. It might be the result of various variables, immigrant status, or private reasons.
- Provide Supporting Documents: In order to verify your trip history, you could be asked to submit supporting documentation, such as copies of your passport, entry/exit stamps, visas, flight schedules, and hotel reservations. As needed, attach these files to your application.
- Format and Organization: Use a logical and well-organized format to showcase your vacation experiences. To facilitate the immigration authorities’ evaluation process, you can prepare a table or list for every trip.
- Translation: You might be required to submit certified translations if any of your documents are written in a language other than English or French.
- Examine and Sign: Verify the authenticity of the trip history section and your application form. Sign and date the form once you are happy.
- Submit Your Application: Follow the directions in the application guidance for your particular immigration category to submit your PR application, including the travel history portion, through the proper channels with any necessary supporting documentation and costs.
To ensure you have the most recent information and application guidelines, visit the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. It’s important to remember that the particular requirements and forms may change over time. In addition, in case you have any questions or reservations about your application, think about getting legal or immigration assistance.
Your Travel History Report may take up to 30 days to complete if you request it straight from the CBSA. There are a lot of reasons why you might need your report, but sometimes, asking for it straight isn’t the best course of action. Check the form for the option to share your report whenever your travel history is required as part of an application, such as when applying for Canadian citizenship. You won’t need to make the request yourself if you use this option. Requesting the report directly from the CBSA will seriously impede the processing of your application when this option is available. The three applications that don’t require you to get your report straight from the CBSA are listed below.
Adults and Minors Applying for Citizenship in Canada
Your Traveller History Report from the CBSA does not need to be requested if you are applying for Canadian citizenship. Since permission to share entry/exit information is no longer needed, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can get the report on your behalf when necessary.
Requesting a card for permanent residence
You do not need to request your Traveller History Report from the CBSA if you are applying for or renewing a Permanent Resident Card. The IRCC can get the report on your behalf if you check “Yes” in the Agreement to Reveal. The IRCC can gather the report on your behalf with the information provided.
Conclusion: How to fill travel history for Canada PR Application
In conclusion, the ease of completing the travel history section of a Canada permanent residence application relies on your circumstances and level of readiness. It can be a very simple process if you follow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) application standards and have a comprehensive record of your travel history and accompanying documentation. But, it’s critical to approach the procedure with caution, as errors or omissions may have an impact on the outcome of your application. If you’re unsure, think about consulting a specialist.