PR Card Renewal

Canada PR cards are issued to all permanent residents in Canada. This is both an identity document and a document that confirms a permanent resident’s status in Canada. As such, it must be presented at the port-of-entry when re-entering Canada by plane, train, bus or boat. Without a valid PR card, permanent residents may not be allowed to cross the border.

PR Cards can be delivered only within Canada, so if you’re planning a trip abroad and your PR card is expiring soon, it is important to renew your Permanent Resident card while you’re still in Canada. If you don’t have a valid PR card and you’re already outside Canada, you will need to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document in order to be allowed to return to Canada.

To be eligible for a PR card, you need to:

  • be a Canadian permanent resident;

    • To avoid losing your PR status, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days during the five years preceding the renewal of your PR card. It is not necessary for these 730 days to be continuous and some time that you spend abroad may count towards the 730 days in certain circumstances.

  • submit your application from inside Canada.

    • If you’re abroad with an expired PR card and planning your return to Canada you will need to apply for Permanent Resident Travel Document instead.

How to apply for or renew your PR card?

Eligibility

You should apply for or renew your PR card if:

  • your card has expired or will expire in less than 9 months

  • your card is lost, stolen, or destroyed

  • you didn’t receive your card within 180 days of immigrating to Canada

  • you need to update your card to:

    • legally change your name

    • change your citizenship

    • change your gender designation

    • correct your date of birth

When should you apply for PR card?

To apply for PR card you must prepare a paper-based application. The PR card application will include immigration forms, your travel history, a copy of your passport, a copy of your PR card (or Police report if you lost your card), photos, and supporting documents to prove that you meet the residency requirement.

It is important to make sure you collect and provide all forms and supporting documents required in the documents checklist, or your application may be refused.

If you need help with your PR card application, want to request urgent processing for your PR card, or need assistance with issues related to the residency requirement, you can book a consultation and speak with a Canadian Immigration Lawyer.

Canada PR card application process

If you’re planning a trip abroad soon and your PR card is expiring before or during your trip, you’re encouraged to apply for PR card before you leave. Getting your renewed PR card can take several months and you should act well in advance of your trip. However, sometimes it is not possible to plan in advance and you won’t be able to get your new PR card in time. If this is the case, you may be eligible for urgent PR card processing, if you’re travelling within the next three months due to:

  • a job opportunity

  • your own serious illness

  • the death of a family member

  • work related to your current job

  • the serious illness of a family member

IRCC specifically identifies that even if you qualify for urgent PR card processing, there is no guarantee that you’ll get your PR card on time. So, the earlier you submit your PR card renewal application the higher the likelihood you’ll get it on time.

Urgent Processing for Permanent Residence Cards

Planning a trip abroad with an expiring PR card? Apply for renewal as soon as possible…

Speak to one of our Canadian Immigration Lawyers to prepare and request urgent processing for your PR Card application.