Renewing / replacing your Canadian permanent resident card (PR Card)
A PR card is an identification and travel document that proves your permanent resident status in Canada.
If your PR card is lost, expired, or will expire in less than 9 months, you can apply for a new one. But before you do, you must first ensure you are eligible for a replacement or renewal.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a new PR card, you will need to meet certain criteria. These include (but are not limited to):
- You are a permanent resident of Canada
- You met residency requirements (see below)
- You are physically in Canada at the time you apply
- You are of good character
Residency Requirements
To receive a PR card, a prerequisite is that you meet minimum residency requirements.
- If you have been a PR for 5 or more years:
- You must have been physically present in Canada or 2 years (730 days) within past 5 years. To calculate your physical presence in Canada, you can use our online calculator
- If you have been a PR for less than 5 years:
- You will need to show an ability to meet the 2 years (730 days) within 5 years residency. To calculate your physical presence in Canada, you can use our online calculator
Application process
Fees
The fee for a PR card renewal or replacement is CAN $50.
Processing times
The current processing time to renew or replace a PR card is approximately 97 days. Please also allow for reasonable delays to postal services.
FAQ
If my PR card expires, does that mean I lose my PR status?
No. An expired PR card does not mean you have lost your PR status. However, if you plan to travel outside Canada, you will need a valid PR card to return.
Some ways you can lose your PR status is if:
- You become a Canadian citizen
- You voluntarily renounce your permanent resident status
- A removal order is made against you
Even if you don’t meet the residency obligation to qualify for a new PR card (i.e. have not spent at least 2 out of 5 years in Canada), you are still a PR. To increase days physically present in Canada, you should try to limit overseas travel unless absolutely necessary.
My PR Card expired/was lost while I was outside Canada, what do I do?
In both situations, you should apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) [insert link to ‘PRTD’ web page].
A PRTD is a temporary document that allows one single entry to Canada – it can not be used to replace a valid PR Card indefinitely. Therefore, you will need to apply for a new PR card as soon as you return to Canada.