Permanent Residence Card

Canadian Immigration

Indian Immigration Services

What is a Permanent Resident Card?

The Permanent Residence Card is a legal document that approves your Canadian status within and outside Canada. The validity of a PR card is optimally five years, but sometimes a PR card may be usable for just a year. It can also serve as a travel document that gives you access to Canada’s borders. Permanent residents are encouraged to have their cards as it grants them the privilege of traveling outside Canadian borders.

An individual qualifies to collect a permanent resident card (PRC) when the application for permanent residence in Canada is officially accepted.

A permanent resident travel document (PRTD) is issued to permanent residents who are currently outside the country with expired PR cards but want to travel to Canada. The PRTD will permit a person to travel to Canada and submit a fresh application for a PR card.

Who is a Permanent Resident?

A permanent resident is an immigrant that has received a permanent residence status from the Canadian government upon immigration. Permanent residency is for non-Canadian citizens.

Students and foreign workers living or working temporarily in Canada are not considered permanent residents.

Permanent Resident Card Application

A new permanent resident isn’t required to submit an application for a PR card. You are entitled to receive a PR card when you reach Canada. Your PR card is delivered to your chosen mailing address.

To apply for a PR card, a person must fulfill one of the following requirements:

Your PR card isn’t sent to your desired mailing address after 180 days of moving to Canada.
Your PR card is due for renewal within the next nine months.
Your PR card is outdated.
Your PR card was damaged, broken, or taken away
Your PR card may need an update or replacement if you marry or officially have your name changed.

PR Card applicants must provide hard copies of their applications to any designated Case Processing centers under IRCC.

Who is Eligible to request a PR Card Renewal?

You qualify for a permanent residence (PR) card renewal if you are:

A recipient of Canadian Permanent Resident status
Currently living and working in Canada.
Not under any exemption order.
Not guilty of any offense
A citizen of another country or a known Indian
With evidence of loss or damage of your PR card (where necessary).

How to apply for PR Card Renewal?

First, you will complete an application having form IMM 5444e and other important documents such as:

Your expired PR card or the almost-expiring one is needed.
If your old card hasn’t reached its expiration, you may hold on to it till your new PR card request is ready.
Evidence of a loss or report of damage is required if your PR card was lost, destroyed, or stolen.
Original and clear photocopies of your official travel documents are needed.
Your photos follow the photo requirements in your guide.
Other documents that may affirm your identity are available, like your Work ID.
Reports confirming you are innocent of any criminal offenses
Other important credentials

How long does PR Card Renewal Take?

A complete renewal process will last about 90 days, although it is possible to issue new PR cards within 45 days. IRCC has enough information on the expected processing times for PR cards on its website. Processing your PR card may linger for six months if IRCC has numerous applications. There are extreme cases where issuing your PR card may take IRCC about a year.

Renew a PR card on Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds

You can renew your PR card under several conditions. If you have lived in Canada actively for about 730 days in the five years preceding your renewal, you may apply for a PR card renewal. Another condition for PR card renewal is Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds.

Situations under Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds include the following but are not limited to them:

Life-threatening accident or sickness outside Canada
Terminal diseases or sickness or loss of a close family, friend, or relative outside Canada
Providing care for a relative or foster relative outside Canada who cannot administer care themselves. It could be a young child or an elderly parent.
Although the list above isn’t detailed, several other conditions could guarantee a successful renewal of your PR cards under H&C grounds.

If your permanent residence status hasn’t received any derogatory report, you can apply for a PR card renewal. With the provisions of H&C, it won’t matter if your PR card expired a long time ago.

If you think you have all it takes to apply for your PR card renewal under the H&C grounds, book an appointment with us to discuss your needs.

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How long will my PR Card take to be ready?

Processing a new PR card requires you to wait for 45 days or more if you are a new permanent resident. You must ensure that your application meets IRCC residency criteria. If you apply for a PR card renewal, you may have to wait about 104 days. Check the IRCC website to know the most recent and accurate processing time.

What happens if there is a need to return to my country to address any disputes after reaching Canada?

Your PR card can also serve as an official travel document. We advise you to wait patiently and get your PR card before you travel. If it is an urgent trip, kindly call the IRCC helpdesk and access the appropriate documents for your journey.

What is the function of my valid PR Card when applying for a renewal?

You should have a valid PR card before the new one is issued. While processing for a renewal, your current PR card can serve you and guarantee your access to Canada if you need to travel.