Canada Permanent Resident Card Renewal Process
Canada PR card is proof of permanent resident status and it allows you to travel freely in and outside Canada. It is supposed to carry a valid PR card at all times.
A Permanent Resident Card is the most common status document for permanent residents in Canada. Though it is intended as a travel document for permanent residents returning to Canada, the PR Card is the best proof of status within Canada too.
VALIDITY OF PR CARD
Canada Permanent Resident Card is valid for up to 5 years. Further, if your card is about to expire within less than 9 months, you can apply for a PR card renewal process.
ELIGIBILITY FOR PR CARD RENEWAL
In order to be eligible for a renewal you must be:-
1. A permanent resident of Canada.
2. Be physically present in Canada.
3. Not under an effective removal order.
4. Free of conviction for any type of offense.
5. Having proof of a lost or stolen PR card (if applicable).
Cost of Canada PR Card Renewal Process – $50
Processing time of PR Card Renewal – 88 Days
OUR MEDIA MENTIONS
Looking for Immigration? Join Us Now!
Permanent Residence (PR) Card Renewal
Permanent resident cards are valid for up to 5 years. If your PR card is about to expire or will expire in less than 9 months, you can apply for a renewal. Even if your card expires, you will still retain your permanent resident status. The renewal process takes at least 49 days, but urgent processing is available if necessary. The renewal fee is $50, which must be paid online. Be sure to print the receipt and attach it to your application. Your application must also include photos that meet the specified requirements, as failure to do so may result in rejection.
Eligibility for PR Card Renewal :
To be eligible for a PR card renewal, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a permanent resident of Canada.
- Be physically present in Canada.
- Not be under an effective removal order.
- Have no convictions for any type of offense.
- Not be a Canadian citizen or a registered Indian under the Indian Act.
- Provide proof if your PR card is lost or stolen (if applicable).
How to apply for PR Card Renewal?
To apply for a PR card renewal, you need to complete an application form IMM 5444e and provide the necessary documents. The required documents include:
- Your current PR card, if it has expired or is about to expire. You may retain it until the new card is issued.
- Proof of a lost or stolen PR card, if applicable.
- A clear photocopy of a valid travel document, such as your passport.
- Photos that meet the specifications outlined in the guide.
- Other identity documents, if required.
- Criminal records showing that you are not under any convictions.
Additional Documents: You may also need to provide:
- A copy of the record of confirmation of permanent residence.
- A copy of a valid ID, such as a driver’s license, student ID, or photo-identity card.
- Recent tax documents.
- A birth certificate if the applicant is under 18 years old.
Documents required for PR Card Renewal
People often miscalculate their physical presence in Canada and may actually be eligible for Canadian Citizenship instead of needing to renew their PR card. However, if you do need to renew your PR card, the following documents are typically required:
1. Copy of your current Permanent Resident (PR) Card.
2. Government-issued identity documents for identification purposes.
- Copy of your current valid driver’s license.
- If you obtained travel documents to re-enter Canada upon the expiration of your PR card, include a copy of those travel documents.
- Copy of your foreign passport or travel document if you do not have a passport.
3. Two application photographs that meet the photo specification requirements for obtaining the PR card (50mm x 70mm). Do not staple or use a paper clip; instead, place the pictures in an envelope and submit them with your application.
4. Proof that you meet the residency requirements of PR status, i.e., two years of residence in Canada within the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirements, submit documents proving that:
- You were outside Canada as an accompanying spouse/common-law partner of a Canadian citizen (if applicable). Provide your Canadian partner’s citizenship papers and proof of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or proofs of common-law relationship, and further proof that your Canadian citizen spouse or common-law partner was with you during your entire absence from Canada.
- You were working full-time for a Canadian company or business, or accompanying a permanent resident spouse/partner who was working for a Canadian company or business, during your entire absence from Canada. Provide documents showing that the company you or your spouse worked for has a head office in Canada and is primarily operated and managed from within Canada. If your spouse is working for the Canadian company, you need to prove your relationship with your spouse, such as a marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship, and further proof that your spouse or common-law partner was with you during your entire absence from Canada.
If you do not have proof that you accompanied a Canadian citizen abroad or that you or your permanent resident spouse/common-law partner worked for a Canadian business while abroad, you can use Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) grounds for the PR card renewal application (if applicable).
Please note that all documents not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Processing Time for PR Card Renewal
The processing of PR card renewal applications typically takes about 90 days. New PR cards may be issued within 45 days. For accurate processing times, refer to the IRCC website. Depending on the volume of applications, it may take up to 6 months, and complex cases may take up to a year to process.
.
How will I get my new PR card?
If you are a permanent resident living in Canada, you will receive your PR card by mail. However, in some cases, you may be asked to collect it from the local IRCC office. It is crucial to inform IRCC of any change in your mailing address. If you do not pick up your card within 180 days, it will be destroyed. If you are residing outside Canada, you will not receive your PR card by mail and will need to collect it once you return to Canada. If your PR card has expired before your return to Canada, you must apply for a permanent resident travel document. This document is valid for a one-time re-entry solely for the purpose of renewing your PR card.
What to do if I have not received my PR card?
You must wait at least six weeks for your PR card to be mailed to you. If six weeks have passed and you have not received your card, you may contact IRCC to check the status of your PR card renewal application.
Keep in mind that this time frame applies to applications where the applicant meets the residency obligation of PR. If the residency obligation is not met, the processing time may vary depending on the complexity of the application.
OUR MEDIA MENTIONS