Permenant Residency Renewals

An individual is eligible for a permanent resident card (PR card) once they have been approved for Canadian permanent residence. It is automatically mailed within six months once the individual immigrates to Canada. In most cases, this card is valid for up to five years and can be used as a travel document. As the PR card is proof of one’s status in Canada, it is often used by residents to travel in and out of Canada freely.

It is encouraged to carry a valid permanent resident card (PR card) at all times. If an individual’s PR card is expired or will expire within nine months, the resident can submit an application for a new PR card which will have a new expiration date. The individual’s permanent residence status does not diminish if their PR card has expired, that can only be done through an official channel and statement.

  • To be eligible for a PR card, you need to
  • Be a permanent resident and
  • Submit your application in Canada

An application must be submitted to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Case processing Centre to renew a permanent resident card. A new PR card will only be issued if the application meets all the requirements set by the government.

A Person can lose their Permanent Residence status if:

  • An officer determines an individual is no longer a permanent resident after an inquiry
  • An individual voluntarily renounce their permanent resident status
  • A removal order is made against an individual and comes into effect
  • You become a Canadian citizen.

When a permanent resident wishes to enter Canada but do not have a valid PR card, they may be able to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD). A PRTD is used for an entry into Canada once. Since an individual can only apply for a new PR card inside Canada, the PRTD allows the permanent resident to gain access into the country in order to obtain it.

An individual may apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document if:

  • They are a permanent resident of Canada;
  • They do not have a valid PR card
  • They are outside Canada
  • They will return to Canada by airplane, boat, train, or bus