A Permanent Resident (PR) card is a document that allows foreign individuals to reside in Canada permanently. The Canada PR card is usually valid for 5 years, but in some cases, it is also valid for one year. If your PR has expired or will expire in less than 9 months, it is essential to renew it. Read this blog carefully to understand how to renew a Permanent Resident (PR) Card.
What is a PR Card in Canada?
Canada PR card is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It serves as proof of your permanent residence status in Canada. If a permanent resident travels outside Canada and returns by airplane, boat, train, or bus, they are required to show
- PR card or PRTD
- Valid passport or refugee travel document
Note: If you are traveling outside Canada or your PR card has expired, you can apply for a permanent resident travel document.
Additionally, if your PR card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a replacement PR card.
Who Can Apply for PR Card?
You are eligible to apply for the PR card if:
- It is about to expire within 9 months or has expired
- The card is lost, destroyed, or stolen
- You have not received your card even after 180 days of immigrating to Canada
- If you want to update your card in circumstances such as changing your name, citizenship, or gender designation, or correct your birth date.
Note: Canadian citizens do not need a PR Card. After becoming a Canadian citizen, you will have to submit your card at the citizenship ceremony.
How to renew a Permanent Residence (PR) Card?
You can renew your PR card in 3 easy steps.
1. Get the application package
2. Pay your application fees
3. Submit your application
Step 1. Get the application package:
Whether you want to renew your card or apply for a new one, the application package will serve as your guide. This package includes all the forms you need to fill out for a permanent residency card. To do this, read the guide carefully and fill out all the forms correctly.
During card renewal, keep your current card and include its photocopy with the application. Additionally, you will need a valid passport or travel document, current photos as per requirements of the application, a copy of the fee receipt, etc.
Step 2. Pay your application fees:
You must pay your application fees online. You will need a valid email address, a printer, a PDF reader, and a debit or credit card to pay your application fees online.
Step 3. Submit your application:
After paying your application fees, now is the time to submit your application. Keep these things in mind while applying.
- Answer all questions correctly
- Sign all your forms or applications
- Include your payment receipt
- Include all required documents
In some cases, you can also submit your paper application. Send your application with all required documents to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. You can use two methods to send it.
1. By mail
Case Processing Centre — PR Card
P.O. Box 10020
Sydney, NS B1P 7C1
Canada
2. By courier
Case Processing Centre – PR Card
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, NS B1P 5Z2
Canada
Processing Time of PR Card
According to the IRCC, if you renew or replace your PR card then it takes around 66 days. On the other hand, if you are getting a new card issued then the processing time will be 35 days.
Required Documents for Canada PR Card Renewal
All the required documents must either be in French or English. If the documents are not in any of these languages, you will have to get them translated by a certified translator. You will need the following documents to renew your PR card:
1. Current Photographs (fulfill the photo specifications)
2. Copy of fee receipt
3. prove that you have been physically present in Canada for a minimum of 730 days in the last 5 years. To prove this, you can show employment records, bank statements, club membership, rental agreements, etc.
4. A valid passport and travel document that consists.
- Name
- Photographs
- Date of birth
- Document type and number
- Issue and expiry date of PR card
5. Copy of expired PR card
Fee for Permanent Residence Card
The cost of a permanent resident card is $50. Every time you renew or replace your PR card you must pay $50.
| Fee Component | Fees |
| Permanent Resident Card | $50 |
| Permanent Resident Travel Document | $50 |
Validity of PR Card
Canada PR card is valid for 5 years. Its expiry date is mentioned on the card. If your card is about to expire within 9 months, you should apply to renew it.
Summing up, now you know everything about how to renew your Permanent Residence (PR) Card. Make sure to check your PR card expiry date whenever you travel outside Canada.
If you want to immigrate to Canada or are thinking about applying for Canada PR, you need a certified consultant who will help you simplify your process.
Talent Connected Worldwide (TCWW) is an award-winning, CICC-listed company. Our team of experts will help you throughout your application process, documentation, PR filing and also provide post-landing support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How frequently can I renew my PR card?
ANS: There is no limitation in renewing the PR card. You can get your card renewed as many times as you want but a better option is to opt for Canadian citizenship.
What is the processing time for a new PR card?
ANS: According to IRCC, the processing time for a new PR card is around 35 days. If you renew or replace your PR card then it takes around 66 days.
How much is the fee for PR card renewal?
ANS: The PR card renewal fee is $50.
Can the PR card be renewed after it expires?
ANS: If your card is about to expire within 9 months or has expired, you can apply for a new card.
