Permanent Resident Card Renewal
Application for a Permanent Resident Card
Timeline
Apply 6 months before expiration
Handled by
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Available
Renew your Permanent Resident (PR) card before it expires. Required for travel and proof of status.
In Plain Language:
Update your Permanent Resident card so it doesn't expire and you can travel.
You May Qualify If:
- Permanent residents with valid status
- People who meet residency requirements (730 days in past 5 years)
- People whose PR card is expiring or expired
You May NOT Qualify If:
- People who have lost permanent resident status
- People who don't meet residency requirements
- People whose PR status has been revoked
Requirements Checklist:
- □Valid permanent resident status
- □Met residency obligations (730 days in past 5 years)
- □Current PR card (or proof of loss)
- □Passport photos meeting IRCC specifications
- □Proof of residency
- □Application fee payment
Examples:
- • A permanent resident whose 5-year card is expiring
- • A permanent resident who needs to renew before traveling
You must meet residency requirements to renew. If you don't, you may lose your permanent resident status.
⚠️ Not meeting residency requirements
Ensure you've been in Canada for at least 730 days in the past 5 years before applying
⚠️ Photos don't meet specifications
Get photos from a professional photographer who knows IRCC requirements
⚠️ Missing proof of residency
Gather comprehensive proof of your time in Canada (tax returns, employment records, etc.)
⚠️ Applying too late
Apply at least 6 months before your card expires to avoid travel issues
What Happens Next
- IRCC will review your application
- You may be asked for additional documents
- Your application will be processed
- Your new PR card will be mailed to you
Check Your Status
Check status onlineWhat to Keep
- • Application confirmation number
- • Copy of submitted documents
- • Receipt of payment
- • Current PR card (until new one arrives)
Follow-Up Actions
- □Monitor your application status online
- □Respond promptly to any IRCC requests for additional documents
- □Update IRCC if you change your address
- □Keep your current PR card safe until the new one arrives
Expected Timeline:
Processing typically takes 2-3 months. Your new PR card will be mailed to your address on file.
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