- +1 (604) 786-1214 , +1 778-257-5709
- mkj@siaimmigration.com
PR Card Application
PR Card Application, Renewal & Replacement
Your PR card is proof of your permanent resident status and is normally needed to return to Canada on a commercial vehicle after travelling abroad. Whether your card is expiring, expired, lost, stolen, damaged or never issued, the correct application route depends on where you are and your individual PR history.
Which PR Card Service Do You Need?
Normally apply when your current card will expire in less than 9 months, or after it has expired.
Apply for a replacement if you are in Canada and your PR card has been lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged.
Most new permanent residents receive their first PR card automatically. A separate application may be needed if required address/photo steps were not completed within the required period.
Name changes, IRCC errors and other corrections can follow different procedures. The right process should be confirmed before filing.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for a PR Card?
For a standard PR card application, IRCC requires the applicant to have permanent resident status and normally to be physically present in Canada. The application also involves the permanent resident residency obligation and other status-related requirements.
Core Requirements
- Have Canadian permanent resident status
- Be physically present in Canada when applying for a PR card
- Meet the applicable PR residency obligation
- Not be under an effective removal order
- Not already be a Canadian citizen
Residency History Matters
Permanent residents generally need at least 730 days in Canada during the relevant 5-year period to maintain PR status. The days do not need to be continuous, and certain qualifying time outside Canada may count.
Renewing a PR Card
When to Renew
IRCC currently says to renew if your PR card will expire in less than 9 months or has already expired.
Do Not Apply Too Early
If a card is still valid for more than 9 months, IRCC generally says not to submit a normal renewal unless an applicable exception such as a legal name or gender change applies.
New Expiry Date
A renewed card receives a new expiry date. PR cards are usually valid for 5 years, although some may be issued for only 1 year.
Lost, Stolen, Damaged or Incorrect PR Card
If You Are in Canada
You can apply to replace a lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged PR card. The application should accurately explain what happened to the previous card.
If IRCC Made an Error on the Card
A reissue request may be available for an IRCC error, and there can be a 60-day deadline. A legal name change or information that changed after card issuance generally follows the regular PR card application process instead.
Outside Canada Without a Valid PR Card?
You May Need a PRTD
If you are outside Canada and your PR card is expired, lost, stolen or damaged, you generally need a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return to Canada on a commercial vehicle such as an airplane, bus, boat or train.
- A PR card application is normally made while physically present in Canada.
- A PRTD is a separate application used by permanent residents outside Canada who do not have a valid PR card for commercial travel.
- A PRTD application also involves review of your permanent resident status and residency obligation.
- After returning to Canada, apply for a new PR card if you need one.
First PR Card for a New Permanent Resident
Usually No Separate Application
New permanent residents normally receive their first PR card automatically after becoming permanent residents if the required Canadian address and photo are provided through the PR confirmation process.
The 180-Day Requirement
If the required Canadian mailing address and photo are not provided within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident, IRCC can cancel the first-card process and a new PR card application with the applicable fee may be required.
PR Card Application Process
Review Status
Confirm the correct application type, current PR status and residency history before preparing the application.
Prepare Evidence
Prepare the required identity, travel, photo and residency information according to the current IRCC checklist.
Submit & Pay
Submit through the current IRCC process and pay the PR card processing fee online.
IRCC Decision
IRCC may mail the card or provide further instructions. Respond promptly to any additional request.
Current PR Card Government Fee
Renewal or Replacement
IRCC currently charges $50 each time a person applies to renew or replace a PR card. Government fees and procedures can change, so verify the current amount immediately before payment.
Urgent PR Card Processing
IRCC has an urgent-processing process in qualifying situations. You must provide evidence showing why the card is needed urgently. Requesting urgent processing does not guarantee that IRCC will process the application urgently; applications that do not qualify are processed normally.
How Sia Immigration Can Help
Need to Renew or Replace Your PR Card?
Before filing, confirm your PR status, travel history and the correct application route—especially if you have spent significant time outside Canada.
Book a PR Card Assessment
