A permanent resident card (“PR Card”) is the official proof of permanent resident status in Canada. Permanent residents must show their PR card when re-entering Canada on a commercial carrier. However, where a permanent resident is a newcomer to Canada, a PR Card will be issued to them upon their arrival if an address is provided to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within 180 days. The process is usually automatically initiated when permanent resident status has been acquired. 

 

A permanent resident must have resided in Canada for a period of 730 days –concurrently or cumulatively–within the last 5 years of renewing their PR Card. It is usually issued for a period of 5 years. Where a permanent resident wishes to travel to Canada but is not in possession of a permanent resident card, they must apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) at a visa office or consulate in their country, provided they meet the residency requirements.

 

Permanent residents should only apply for a PR Card when it is expired or will expire within 9 months, or where update to information such as citizenship, date of birth, or legal name should be made.  Furthermore, a person may apply for a PR Card when it has been lost, destroyed, or stolen. It is worthy to note that in the absence of a valid PR Card, a person still retains their permanent resident status; the status is not lost until a final determination is made by the Immigration and Refugee Board. For information no residency appeals, click here.