Permanent Resident Cards (PR card)in Canada:Everything You Need to Know

A Comprehensive Guide for Applying, Renewing, and Replacing Your PR Card

As a permanent resident of Canada, you have the right to live, work, and study in the country. You must have a permanent resident card (PR card)issued by the government to prove your status. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to apply for, renew, or replace your Permanent Resident Cards, who is eligible, and how to maintain your permanent resident status.

Who can apply for a PR card?

You don’t need to apply for a Permanent Resident Card as a new permanent resident. The government will send one to you when you immigrate to Canada if you provide a Canadian mailing address. However, you must send it to the government within 180 days of your arrival. If you fail to do so, you must apply for a PR card with a $50 processing fee.

To be eligible for a PR card, you must be a permanent resident of Canada and submit your application within the country. If you leave Canada without a valid PR card or if your card is not ready before you depart, you will need to apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) to return to Canada. Once you are back in Canada, you can apply for a permanent Resident Card.

When should you apply for a PR card?

You should apply for a PR card if your card is about to expire (within the next nine months), lost, stolen, or destroyed. You should also apply for a new card if you do not receive it within 180 days of your arrival in Canada. Additionally, you can apply for a new card if you need to update your information due to a legal name change, citizenship change, gender designation change, or date of birth correction. If none of these apply to you, it’s best not to apply for a new card, as the government may not process your application.

Who is not eligible for a PR card?

If the government has asked you to leave Canada, you are not eligible for permanent Resident Cards. Similarly, if you are a Canadian citizen, you do not need a PR card. If you become a Canadian citizen, you should give your Permanent Resident card to the government during your citizenship ceremony.

How to apply for a PR card?

To apply for a Permanent Resident Card, complete the Application for a Permanent Resident Card form (IMM 5444) and provide supporting documents. The government may request additional documents if needed. The current processing time for a Permanent Resident Card is approximately 104 days, but it may vary depending on the volume of applications.

You can apply for a PR card online, by mail, or in person. Online applications are generally faster and easier to process. To apply online, you must have a valid email address, a credit card to pay the processing fee, and access to a scanner or camera to upload your documents. If you prefer to apply by mail or in person, you must download and complete the application form and mail it to the address specified on it or submit it at a Service Canada office.

How to renew a PR card?

You must submit a new application and pay the processing fee to renew your Permanent Resident Cards. You can apply to renew your card up to nine months before it expires. If your PR card has already expired, you must apply for a new one immediately. If you don’t have a valid Permanent Resident Card or PRTD, you may be unable to return to Canada.

How to replace a lost or stolen PR card?

If your permanent Resident Cards are lost, stolen, or destroyed, you must apply for a replacement immediately.