Themillenniumimmigration

  • 1011 Parsons Road SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 0X2 - CANADA
  • Office # 6, Second Floor, Blook-D, Spring North Commercial, Phase-7, Bahria Town, Islamabad

1011 Parsons Road SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 0X2 - CANADA

Flag-of-Pakistan

Office # 6, Second Floor, Blook-D, Spring North Commercial, Phase-7, Bahria Town, Islamabad

1011 Parsons Road SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 0X2 - CANADA

Office # 6, Second Floor, Blook-D, Spring North Commercial, Phase-7, Bahria Town, Islamabad

THE MILLENNIUM IMMIGRATION

FROM HOPE TO REALITY

FREE ASSESSMENT

Menu

Permanent Residence (PR) Card

Your PR Card is a proof of your permanent residency in Canada.

It can also act like a Photo ID and be used at a port of entry to prove your status as a Permanent Resident to enter Canada, when returning from abroad.

Table of Contents
  • Overview
  • What is a PR Card?
  • How long does it take to get your PR card delivered in Canada?
  • How long is your PR card valid for in Canada?
  • Is my PR Card a Residence Permit?
  • What are the benefits of a PR card in Canada?
  • Do you need a PR Card to travel to Canada? What can I do if my PR card has expired while I am outside of Canada?
  • I am a new permanent resident of Canada. Do I need to apply for a permanent resident card?
  • How do I renew or replace my PR card?
  • How can I qualify for urgent processing of my PR card?
  • What is a Temporary Travel Document and how can it help me in the absence of a PR card?

Overview

This page provides essential information for newcomers about Canada’s Permanent Resident (PR) Card. It covers how to obtain a PR Card as a new arrival, the process for replacing a lost or damaged card, what steps to take if your PR Card expires while you are outside Canada, and additional relevant details.

What is a PR Card?

A Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) is an official identification document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that includes your photo and confirms your status as a permanent resident. After being granted PR status and completing the landing process in Canada, you can apply for your PR Card. This card serves as a valid travel document when re-entering Canada and is typically valid for five years, although, in rare instances, it may be issued for just one year. It’s essential for all permanent residents to obtain their PR Card to easily demonstrate their legal status, as it replaced printed immigration documents in 2002.

You must have a valid PR card to verify your permanent resident status upon returning to Canada from abroad. If your PR card expires while you are outside the country, read on to learn what steps you should take.

How long does it take to get your PR card delivered in Canada?

IRCC aims to process new PR cards within approximately one month (30 days), although this timeframe can vary based on various factors that may affect processing efficiency. For renewals or replacements of lost PR cards, the standard processing time is around two months (60 days). To stay updated on the current processing times for PR cards, you can use IRCC’s online processing time tool.

How long is your PR card valid for in Canada?

While most PR cards are valid for up to five years, some may only have a one-year validity. It’s crucial to note that your PR status itself does not expire when your PR card does; you simply need to renew your card to continue demonstrating your valid status in Canada.

Once your PR card expires, you cannot use it as a travel document, which can be particularly important for those returning to Canada from abroad. It’s recommended that PRs apply for a renewal of their card within six months of its expiration.

Is my PR Card a Residence Permit?

Your PR card is not the same as a PR permit in Canada; its length and validity do not dictate how long you will hold PR status. The card serves solely as proof of your status, rather than defining the duration of your stay in the country.

However, there is one key aspect where PR cards function similarly to PR permits: they are necessary for re-entering Canada during international travel. At a Canadian port of entry, PRs must present their PR card to verify their status for valid entry.

As implied by its name, Permanent Residence is intended to be permanent. Consequently, PRs in Canada enjoy many of the same rights and privileges as Canadian citizens. Losing PR status is not automatic; it requires voluntary action, even if you haven’t met the physical presence requirements necessary to maintain your status or apply for Canadian citizenship.

What are the benefits of a PR card in Canada?

The primary advantage of obtaining your PR card is the ability to verify your status as a permanent resident in Canada, allowing you to travel back to Canada from abroad without any restrictions.

As a permanent resident, you can:

Live and work anywhere in Canada
Access universal healthcare and social services
Sponsor family members to visit or reside in Canada
Benefit from free education for your children
Transition to Canadian citizenship once you meet the eligibility criteria
Enjoy broader rights and freedoms compared to temporary residents.

Do you need a PR Card to travel to Canada? What can I do if my PR card has expired while I am outside of Canada?

You need a PR card to return to Canada, as it serves as an official proof of your status.

If you’re a permanent resident and your PR card has expired while you are outside Canada, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD). This temporary document verifies your PR status and can be used to demonstrate to travel companies and border officials that you are eligible to return to Canada as a permanent resident. The PRTD is intended specifically for those whose PR card has expired while abroad.

It’s crucial to note that if you lack both a valid PR card and a PRTD, you may be denied boarding on your flight, train, bus, or any other commercial means of travel to Canada.

I am a new permanent resident of Canada. Do I need to apply for a permanent resident card?

New permanent residents (PRs) will automatically receive their first PR card upon arriving in Canada. After passing through border customs and declaring their address in Canada, or by updating their address using IRCC’s online tool, they can expect to have their PR card mailed to them within about a month. There’s no need to apply separately for this initial card.

How do I renew or replace my PR card?

To renew your PR card, follow these steps:

1. Download the Application Package: Visit the IRCC website to get the application package, which includes all necessary forms. If you’re renewing your PR card, remember to include your expired card with your application. A document checklist is also available to help you ensure you have everything needed.

2. Pay Your Application Fees: Complete your payment online. You’ll need a PDF reader, a printer, a valid email address, and a credit or debit card. After making the payment, print your receipt and include it with your application.

3. Submit Your Application: Once you’ve completed all steps, send your application to the Case Processing Center in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Be aware that there are different addresses based on whether you’re mailing or using a courier service.

How can I qualify for urgent processing of my PR card?

IRCC may expedite the processing of your PR card under specific circumstances. To qualify for urgent processing, you must demonstrate that you are traveling within the next three months for one of the following reasons:

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

However, even if you meet these criteria, IRCC cannot guarantee that your PR card will be renewed or replaced in time for your travel.

What is a Temporary Travel Document and how can it help me in the absence of a PR card?

As a general rule, all commercial carriers require Canadian Permanent Residents to present their PR Card before boarding, and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) mandates a status-proving document for all international travelers entering Canada.

If a Canadian PR is outside of Canada and does not have their PR Card, they can apply at a Canadian Immigration Visa Office for a Travel Document, which will allow them to return to Canada via a commercial carrier.

Before a Travel Document is issued, the Canadian Immigration Visa Officer must confirm the applicant’s identity and verify that they were previously a Canadian Permanent Resident. Additionally, the officer must ensure that the applicant has met the residency obligations associated with maintaining PR status.

Contact The Millennium Immigration for Assistance

Do you need assistance with Canadian immigration?

The Millennium Immigration is a prominent Canadian immigration law firm with over 11 years of experience. Our team includes more than 60 Canadian immigration lawyers, paralegals, and professionals dedicated to helping individuals achieve their immigration goals. We specialize in various areas, including skilled worker and business immigration, family sponsorship, work permits, study permits, citizenship, and inadmissibility issues.

TheMillenniumImmigration.com has become one of the most trusted resources for Canadian immigration information. Feel free to contact us for assistance—we’re here to help!

Need Help?