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Home / Status documents

Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)

Renew, replace or apply with confidence. A PR card is proof of permanent resident status for travel purposes, but it is not the status itself. Applications can raise documentation and residency-obligation questions.

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Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)
01Get Your First PR CardApply for your first PR Card after landing in Canada as a new permanent resident.

Eligibility

  • New permanent residents who recently landed in Canada
  • Those who did not receive their PR Card automatically after landing
  • Permanent residents who need to apply for their initial PR Card
  • Applicants who confirmed their Canadian address with IRCC after arrival

Our approach

  • We confirm you have provided IRCC with your correct Canadian mailing address
  • We verify your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document details
  • We ensure your PR Card photo meets all technical specifications
  • We prepare all required identity documents and supporting materials
  • We review forms for accuracy and completeness before submission
  • We advise on processing timelines and what to do if your card doesn't arrive

What to expect

  • New permanent residents generally receive their first PR card automatically if they provided an eligible Canadian address and photograph
  • You must provide a valid Canadian mailing address to receive your card
  • If you don't receive your card, you can check application status online or apply for a new one
  • Your first PR Card is typically valid for 5 years from the date you became a permanent resident
  • For return to Canada on a commercial carrier, a permanent resident generally needs a valid PR card or permanent resident travel document
02Renew Your PR CardRenew your PR Card before it expires or within 9 months of expiry.

Eligibility

  • Permanent residents whose PR Card is expired or will expire within 9 months
  • Those who have met the residency obligation (730 days in Canada in the last 5 years)
  • Applicants who are currently in Canada at the time of application
  • Permanent residents who have not lost their PR status

Our approach

  • We calculate your physical presence in Canada to confirm you meet residency obligations
  • We prepare detailed travel history and residence information for the past 5 years
  • We organize supporting documents such as passports, travel stamps, and entry/exit records
  • We ensure your PR Card photo meets current specifications
  • We review all forms for accuracy, consistency, and completeness
  • We prepare explanations for any extended absences from Canada if needed
  • We verify your current address and contact information

What to expect

  • You must apply from within Canada; you cannot apply from outside Canada
  • Processing times vary but typically take several weeks to a few months
  • IRCC will verify your residency obligation and may request additional documents
  • If you do not meet residency requirements, your application may be refused
  • Your renewed PR Card will be valid for 5 years from the date of issue
  • You can continue to live in Canada while waiting for your renewal, but cannot travel internationally without a valid PR Card
03Replace a Lost, Stolen or Damaged PR CardGet a replacement PR Card if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Eligibility

  • Permanent residents whose PR Card was lost, stolen, or destroyed
  • Those whose PR Card is damaged and no longer usable
  • Applicants who are currently in Canada
  • Permanent residents who meet residency obligations

Our approach

  • We prepare a statutory declaration explaining the circumstances of loss, theft, or damage
  • We advise on reporting theft to local police if your card was stolen
  • We calculate your residency obligation to ensure you are eligible
  • We organize travel history, residence information, and supporting documents
  • We ensure your replacement PR Card photo meets specifications
  • We complete all forms accurately with proper explanations

What to expect

  • You must apply from within Canada for a replacement card
  • Processing times are similar to renewal applications
  • You will need to provide details about when and how your card was lost, stolen, or damaged
  • IRCC may verify your residency obligation before issuing a replacement
  • The replacement card will have the same expiry date as your original card unless it has less than 9 months validity remaining
  • You cannot travel outside Canada without a valid PR Card or travel document
04Update Information on Your PR CardGet a new PR Card with updated personal information.

Eligibility

  • Permanent residents who have legally changed their name
  • Those whose personal information on their PR Card is incorrect
  • Applicants who have changed their gender designation
  • Permanent residents who need to update their date of birth or other biographical information
  • Those who are currently in Canada

Our approach

  • We gather legal documents supporting your name change or information update
  • We organize marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or official name change documents
  • We prepare identity documents showing your updated information
  • We ensure your new PR Card photo meets specifications
  • We calculate residency obligation to confirm eligibility
  • We complete all forms with accurate updated information and supporting explanations

What to expect

  • You must provide official documentation supporting the information change
  • Processing is similar to a renewal application
  • You will receive a new PR Card with your updated information
  • The new card will have the same expiry date as your previous card unless it has less than 9 months validity
  • You must return your old PR Card or explain why you cannot return it
05Apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)Get a travel document to return to Canada when you don't have a valid PR Card.

Eligibility

  • Permanent residents who are outside Canada without a valid PR Card
  • Those whose PR Card expired while they were abroad
  • Permanent residents whose PR Card was lost, stolen, or damaged while outside Canada
  • Applicants who meet residency obligations or have humanitarian and compassionate reasons for not meeting them

Our approach

  • We calculate your physical presence in Canada to assess residency obligation compliance
  • We prepare detailed travel history and residence documentation for the past 5 years
  • We organize supporting documents such as passports, travel records, and entry/exit stamps
  • We develop humanitarian and compassionate explanations if you do not meet residency requirements
  • We gather evidence of ties to Canada such as employment, family, property, and financial records
  • We prepare explanations for extended absences from Canada with supporting evidence
  • We ensure all forms are accurately completed with proper documentation

What to expect

  • You must apply from outside Canada at a visa office or online
  • Processing times vary depending on the visa office and complexity of your case
  • IRCC will assess whether you meet the residency obligation (730 days in Canada in the last 5 years)
  • If you do not meet residency requirements, you can provide humanitarian and compassionate reasons
  • A PRTD is typically valid for one entry to Canada and limited duration
  • Once in Canada, you should apply to renew your PR Card
  • If your application is refused, you may lose your permanent resident status
06Understanding Your Residency ObligationLearn about the residency requirements to maintain your permanent resident status.

What is the residency obligation

  • To maintain permanent resident status, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) in every 5-year period
  • This requirement applies when you apply for a PR Card renewal or PRTD
  • IRCC counts the days you are physically in Canada, not just years of residence
  • Certain days outside Canada may count toward your obligation in specific circumstances

What counts toward your residency obligation

  • Days you are physically present in Canada
  • Days you are outside Canada accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse or common-law partner
  • Days you are outside Canada working full-time for a Canadian business or government
  • Days you are accompanying a permanent resident spouse or common-law partner who is outside Canada working for a Canadian business or government

Our approach

  • We calculate your physical presence in Canada using your travel history
  • We identify which days count toward your residency obligation
  • We organize travel documents, passport stamps, boarding passes, and other evidence
  • We prepare explanations and supporting documents for time spent outside Canada
  • We assess whether humanitarian and compassionate considerations apply if you don't meet requirements
  • We develop strong evidence packages to demonstrate compliance or special circumstances

What to expect

  • IRCC reviews your residency obligation when you apply for PR Card renewal or PRTD
  • You must provide detailed travel history and residence information for 5 years
  • If you do not meet the requirement, you may lose your permanent resident status
  • Humanitarian and compassionate considerations may be accepted in some cases
  • It's your responsibility to track and prove your time in Canada

Information is general; specific eligibility and requirements depend on current IRCC rules and the circumstances of the application. No immigration outcome can be guaranteed.