RENEWING YOUR PERMANENT RESIDENT CARD
Your PR card is official proof that you are a permanent resident of Canada. You need this card to enter and stay in Canada when you return from another country in a commercial vehicle (bus, boat or plane).
If you are traveling to the United States and plan to return to Canada in a private vehicle (a private car), it may be possible to enter using your Confirmation of Permanent Residence. However, it is prudent to renew your PR card before you leave Canada if it will expire while you are abroad.
APPLICATION TO RENEW YOUR PR CARD
You should submit an application to renew your PR card if it will expire within 9 months.
If you are planning a trip abroad and your PR card will expire while you are outside of Canada, you should renew it before leaving. You will need this card to re-enter the country in a commercial vehicle (airplane, boat, train or bus).
It is possible to apply for urgent processing, which may be helpful if you are planning a trip outside Canada and hope to renew your PR card before your departure.
PR CARD IS LOST OR STOLEN OR EXPIRES WHILE YOU ARE OUTSIDE CANADA
If your PR card expires or is lost or stolen while you are outside Canada, you need to apply for a travel document to return to Canada by airplane, boat or bus (commercial vehicle). You are expected to return to Canada using that travel document and to renew your PR card when you are back in Canada.
Obtaining a travel document requires completing the relevant application form and submitting several supporting documents to IRCC, including:
- The IRCC Document Checklist;
- Application for travel document
- All your passports or travel documents used by the applicant before the application;
- Evidence of your permanent resident status in Canada;
- Evidence that you meet the PR residency obligation;
- Photographs; and
- A fee (in an acceptable format).
Providing sufficient evidence to support your PR status in Canada, demonstrate that you satisfy the residency obligation.
PR CARD EXPIRES OR IS LOST OR STOLEN WHILE YOU ARE INSIDE CANADA
You can replace your PR card by applying for a new one. You must submit several supporting documents with your application for renewal as well pay the required fee.
Supporting documents include:
- Your PR card;
- Primary identity document;
- Secondary identity document;
- Documents demonstrating proof of residence in Canada;
- Photographs; and,
- Processing fee.
Note that any document that is not in English or French must be accompanied by the English or French translation, as well as an affidavit (official letter signed by a commissioner of oaths) completed by the translator. Any copy of an original document must be certified by an authorized person (IRCC provides a list of persons authorized to certify copies on their website).
If your PR card has been lost or stolen, you must let IRCC know as soon as possible. If you are outside Canada, you must go to the nearest Canadian visa office. If you are inside Canada, you will need to tell IRCC about what happened by completing an online form available on the IRCC website. You can then apply to replace your PR card.