Permanent Resident Cards
How do I receive a Canadian Permanent Resident Card?
How long is a Permanent Resident Card valid for?
I am new permanent resident of Canada. Do I need to apply for a permanent resident card?
What can I do with a Permanent Resident Card?
Do I lose my permanent resident status once my permanent resident card expires?
My permanent resident card expired or is expiring soon. What do I do?
What is the residency obligation for Canadian permanent residents?
How do I keep track of my residency in Canada?
I am travelling abroad and my permanent resident card is expired. What do I do?
When can I submit an application for a new permanent resident card?
How do I receive a Canadian Permanent Resident Card?
Once an applicant has been granted Canadian permanent residence status, they are issued a Canadian permanent resident card.
I am new permanent resident of Canada. Do I need to apply for a permanent resident card?
No, your new permanent resident card will be mailed to you at your Canadian address once you arrive in Canada. If you do not provide your Canadian address at the time of becoming a permanent resident, you will have 180 days from the day you become a Canadian permanent resident to provide your Canadian mailing address. If you do not provide your Canadian mailing address within 180 days, you will need to apply for a permanent resident card and pay the applicable processing fee.
What can I do with a Permanent Resident Card?
A Permanent Resident Card is used to show that an individual has permanent resident status in Canada. If travelling outside of Canada, the permanent resident will need to show their Permanent Resident Card and passport to re-enter Canada via airplane, boat, train or bus.
Do I lose my permanent resident status once my permanent resident card expires?
No, the validity of a PR card is unrelated to your status as a permanent resident.
My permanent resident card expired or is expiring soon. What do I do?
You may be eligible to apply for a renewal of your permanent resident card if you have met your residency obligation. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to renew your permanent resident card on an urgent basis.
What is the residency obligation for Canadian permanent residents?
A permanent resident must live in Canada for at least 730 days in the 5 years preceding their PR card renewal application, or meet owe of the exemptions, which include:
outside Canada accompanying a Canadian citizen who is their spouse or common-law partner or, in the case of a child, their parent;
outside Canada employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business or in the federal public administration or the public service of a province;
outside Canada accompanying a permanent resident who is their spouse or common-law partner or, in the case of a child, their parent and who is employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business or in the federal public administration or the public service of a province;
How do I keep track of my residency in Canada?
We recommend you record the following information as it relates to each trip in your travel journal:
The date you leave Canada;
The date you return to Canada;
The countries you visit; and
The purpose of your trip.
A travel journal as simple as this is sufficient:
I am travelling abroad and my permanent resident card is expired. What do I do?
A valid permanent resident card is required in order to return to Canada by air, train, bus or boat. If your permanent resident card is about to expire, try to renew it urgently before you leave. If it has already expired and you are outside Canada, you may be able to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document to return to Canada. Without a valid permanent resident card or a Permanent Resident Travel Document, you will not be able to return to Canada as a permanent resident by air.
You may be eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document if:
You are a permanent resident of Canada;
Do not have a valid permanent resident card; and
Are outside of Canada and will be returning to Canada by air, boat, train or bus.
You must prove that you continue to meet the requirements to remain a permanent resident of Canada, including the residency requirements.
When can I submit an application for a new permanent resident card?
You should only submit an application for a permanent resident if:
Your card has expired;
Your card will be expiring within the next 9 months;
You did not receive your permanent resident card within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident of Canada;
Your permanent residence card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed;
You need to update your card to update your personal information if you:
Have legally changed your name;
Have changed your gender designation;
Have changed your country of citizenship; or
You need to correct your date of birth.