RA-1 — Presence at Appeal Travel Document

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.