Can My Mom Visit Canada With an Expired US Green Card?
“My mom is a US permanent resident, but her green card is expired and she has a temporary one valid until November 2026 for traveling. Is that okay for her to travel to Canada?”Asked by Jing
Consultant's answer
Yes, your mother can generally travel to Canada with her temporary I-551 stamp or USCIS-issued travel document, even though her permanent green card has expired. Canadian immigration authorities recognize that US Permanent Residents sometimes hold temporary proof of status while awaiting their renewed green card.
To enter Canada, she will need to determine if she requires a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) or qualifies for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). US Permanent Residents who are citizens of certain countries can travel to Canada with just an eTA, which is obtained online and linked to her passport. If she is a citizen of a country that normally requires a visa to enter Canada, she will need to apply for a visitor visa even though she holds US permanent residence.
When traveling, she should carry both her valid passport from her country of citizenship and her temporary I-551 documentation. The temporary document proves her lawful permanent resident status in the United States. If traveling by air, the airline will verify she has the proper authorization to enter Canada before boarding.
Before making travel plans, she should check the Government of Canada website to confirm whether citizens of her country need a visa or eTA to enter Canada. She should also ensure her passport remains valid for the duration of her intended stay. If she plans to drive across the border, she should bring all immigration documents, as CBSA officers may ask to see proof of her US status and her authorization to enter Canada.