The Permanent Resident Card, often called the PR Card, is a vital document for Canadian permanent residents. It serves as both an identification and travel document, proving your status and allowing re-entry into Canada by commercial carriers like planes, trains, buses, or boats. How to Renew My Permanent Resident Card in Canada is a common concern among residents, and the process is straightforward if you plan, ensuring you can travel and access services without interruption.
Below, we break down the steps and considerations to help you understand the process of renewal smoothly.
Why Renewing Your Permanent Resident Card Matters
A valid PR Card is crucial for re-entering Canada by commercial carrier and proving your status for various services. It’s advisable to start the renewal process well before expiration to avoid travel issues, as:
- Travel Requirements: A valid PR Card is necessary to return to Canada by commercial carrier. Without it, you may not be able to board your flight, train, bus, or boat.
- Proof of Status: It serves as official proof of your permanent resident status, which may be required for accessing provincial services, applying for driver’s licenses, or healthcare cards.
- Legal Continuity: While your PR status does not expire with the card, an expired card can complicate proving your status, especially during travel or official interactions.
Most PR Cards are valid for five years, though some may be issued for one year, and it’s advisable to apply for renewal when your card is within nine months of expiration to ensure timely processing
Eligibility and Steps
To renew, you need to meet residency obligations and submit an application with supporting documents as proof of residency, identification, and pay the fee. Applying online is the preferred option for faster processing, though you have the option to apply in offline mode as well.
Special Considerations
If you’re outside Canada when your card expires, you’ll need a PRTD to return. For those not meeting residency requirements, they would need to provide adequate documentary evidence of their circumstances, due to which they could not submit an application in time, and to take a humanitarian and compassionate view.
Eligibility Requirements for Renewing Your Permanent Resident Card
To be eligible for PR Card renewal, you must meet the following criteria:
- Permanent Resident Status: You must be a permanent resident of Canada, not a Canadian citizen, and not under an effective removal order.
- Residency Obligation: You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within the last five years. This does not need to be continuous, and some time abroad may count if spent with a Canadian spouse, working for a Canadian business, or under other exemptions.
- No Convictions: You should not have been convicted of an offense related to the misuse of a PR Card.
If you do not meet the residency obligation, you may still apply on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Renew a Permanent Resident Card
The renewal process involves several steps, detailed below for clarity:
Step | Details |
Before You Apply | Ensure PR card is valid for less than 9 months (270 days) before applying; otherwise, the application will be returned. Must be a PR, physically present in Canada, meet residency requirement (730 days in the past 5 years), not under removal order, not a Canadian citizen, and not convicted of PR card misuse |
Step 1: Gather Documents | Use Document Checklist IMM 5644. Submit: a fees receipt, 1 photo (within 12 months, JPEG/PNG, 715×1000 to 2000×2800 pixels, max 4MB, upload via portal), proof of residency obligation (e.g., employment records, CRA Notice of Assessment), & a copy of a valid passport or travel document. For online, upload the photo via the “upload photo” button; for paper, provide 2 identical photos in an envelope. If under 18, include birth certificate, legal guardianship, or school records. Translations required for non-English/French documents; must not be done by the applicant or family, an affidavit is needed if not by a Canadian certified translator. |
Step 2: Fill out the Forms | Complete Application for a Permanent Resident Card or PRTD (IMM 5444) online via the Permanent Residence Portal. Digitally sign by typing your full name as on your passport. If you can’t apply online, request an alternate format (braille, large print, paper) and send via email to the designated address as given in the form. Answer all questions; write “Not Applicable” or “NA” if the section doesn’t apply; incomplete applications returned. |
Step 3: Pay the Fees | Pay processing fee: $50 per person for a PR card. Biometrics fee: $85 per person, or $170 max for family (2+ people applying at the same time/place). Pay online with a credit card, print a receipt (2 copies, attach one to the application). No refunds after processing starts or if refused; overpayment refunded automatically. Check the exact fees payable at the time of making an application. |
Step 4: Submit the Application | Submit online via the Permanent Residence Portal. For paper, use tracking service, mail to: Regular mail – Case Processing Centre — PR card, P.O. Box 10020 SYDNEY, NS B1P 7C1 CANADA; Courier – IRCC Digitization Centre – PRC, 3050 Wilson Ave, New Waterford, NS B1H 5V8. For urgent processing (travel within 3 months for serious illness, family illness/death, work, or crisis), check “Yes, my request is urgent” online or write “Urgent” on envelope, include travel proof, payment proof, urgency letter, and translations if needed; cannot process in less than 3 weeks. |
Additional notes include biometrics requirements for those over 14 under certain conditions, and legal name changes requiring supporting documents. Check application status via the IRCC secure account or the Client application status tool.
Special Cases: Renewing Your PR Card in Unique Situations
This section covers scenarios that may require special handling:
- Renewing a PR Card from Outside Canada: You cannot renew your PR Card from outside Canada; you must be physically present in Canada to apply. If your card expires while abroad, apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return, which is valid for a single entry and must be applied for from outside Canada. Once back, you can apply for a new PR Card.
- Renewing on Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds: If you do not meet the residency obligation due to extenuating circumstances, you can apply for renewal on H&C grounds.
This requires demonstrating compelling reasons, such as illness, family obligations, or significant establishment in Canada, with substantial documentation. It’s an exceptional remedy, not often granted, and processing times can approach two years.
- Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged PR Card: To replace, apply similarly to renewal, but complete a solemn declaration explaining the circumstances. If stolen, report to police and include the report; for damaged, include the card pieces. The fee is CAD 50, and you must be in Canada to apply.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renewing Your PR Card
Avoiding common errors can prevent delays or refusals. Here are key mistakes and how to sidestep them:
- Applying Too Early or Too Late: Apply when your card is within 9 months of expiration; applications submitted earlier will be returned.
- Not Meeting Residency Obligation: Ensure you’ve been in Canada for 730 days in the last five years, or explore H&C grounds if not met.
- Incomplete or Incorrect Forms: Fill out all sections of IMM 5444, writing “NA” if not applicable; errors can delay processing.
- Missing Documents: Include all required documents, such as proof of residency and photos, as per the checklist.
- Incorrect Fees: Pay the exact $50 CAD processing fee, plus biometrics if applicable, to avoid rejection.
- Unsigned Application: Ensure you sign digitally or physically, as unsigned applications will be returned.
- Using Outdated Forms: Always download the latest forms from the IRCC website to ensure compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to renew a PR Card?
Processing times vary, with research suggesting an average of 45 days, but check the current estimate on Check processing times – Canada.ca, as it can fluctuate based on application volume.
Can I travel while my PR Card is being renewed?
If in Canada, you can stay, but for travel outside, ensure you have a valid PR Card. If it expires abroad, apply for a PRTD to return
What if my PR Card expires while I'm outside Canada?
You need a PRTD to return, applied for from outside Canada, and once back, renew your PR Card.
Do I need to renew my PR Card if I plan to apply for citizenship?
No, you can apply for citizenship with an expired PR Card, as long as you meet residency requirements (1,095 days in five years).
Summarizing
- Renewing your Permanent Resident (PR) Card in Canada is essential for travel and proving status.
- You must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days in the last five years to meet residency requirements, though humanitarian exceptions apply in some genuine cases.
- The process to renew a PR card application, payment of a $50 CAD processing fee, and submitting online or by mail with the requisite details. Online applications are getting processed faster.
Special cases include applying for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) if outside Canada, or renewal on humanitarian grounds for compelling reasons.