PR Cards & Renewals

What is a Permanent Resident Card?

A Permanent Resident (PR) Card is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that serves as proof of permanent resident status in Canada.

The PR card allows permanent residents to:

• Live, work and study anywhere in Canada.
• Apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting the residency requirement.
• Receive most social benefits that Canadian citizens are entitled to. This includes healthcare, education, and other social services.
• Travel freely to and from Canada. PR cardholders can return to Canada after temporary absences.
• Sponsor eligible relatives to become permanent residents.
• Benefit from the protection of Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The PR card contains the cardholder's name, date of birth, gender, photo, client ID number, card issue and card expiration dates. It also features sophisticated security features to deter against fraud. The PR card does not list any conditions tied to an individual's permanent resident status.

Permanent residents are not issued citizenship certificates. The PR card is the official proof of their permanent resident status in Canada. All permanent residents aged 14 years and older, who want to return to Canada by air, are required by law to show their PR card.

Who Needs to Renew their PR Card?

Permanent Resident (PR) Cards generally expire after 5 years. All permanent residents who want to keep their status need to renew their PR card before it expires.

PR cards serve as proof of your permanent resident status in Canada. You are required to show your valid PR card when re-entering Canada, as well as when applying for certain benefits and services.

It is crucial to renew your PR card before it expires. If your card has expired, you may not be allowed back into Canada. You could also lose access to health services, benefits, jobs, and education. An expired PR card essentially nullifies your permanent resident status.

Some key points:

• PR cards expire after 5 years, at which point they must be renewed
• PR card holders must carry their valid card at all times as proof of PR status
• Allowing your PR card to expire can prevent re-entry to Canada and access to services, and could lead to loss of PR status

When to Apply for PR Card Renewal

Permanent residents need to renew their PR card every 5 years before the card expires. The renewal window opens 6 months before your current PR card expires. You should apply within this 6 month period before the expiry date.

Ideally you should submit your PR card renewal application 3-4 months before expiry. This provides enough of a buffer in case processing takes longer than usual. Applying with 3-4 months remaining also allows time to correct any errors or supply any missing documents if the application gets returned or refused.

Leaving your PR card renewal too late comes with serious risks:

• If your card expires before you renew, your status may be in jeopardy. You could lose PR status and benefits.
• Applying in the last 2 months before expiry means if the application gets rejected or processing is delayed, you likely won't receive the new card in time.
• You may not be allowed to re-enter Canada if your PR card expired while abroad.
• After card expiry, you may lose eligibility for Canadian health insurance, jobs, and services.
• If stopped by authorities, you'll need to prove PR status without the card, which is difficult.

To maintain continuous PR status and benefits, renew your PR card with 3-4 months remaining before it expires. Don't leave renewal to the last few months. Apply for renewal early in the 6 month window before card expiry.

PR Card Renewal Eligibility

To be eligible for PR card renewal, you must meet certain requirements related to continuous residency and criminal inadmissibility.

Continuous Residency Requirement

To renew your PR card, you must have been physically present in Canada for at least 730 days during the previous 5 years. The government counts time spent outside of Canada towards this requirement. Short absences generally will not impact your eligibility.

Criminal Inadmissibility

If you have committed or been convicted of a crime, it could make you criminally inadmissible to Canada and ineligible for PR card renewal. Less serious crimes committed more than 10 years ago are usually not an issue. More serious crimes may lead to a refusal of your renewal application.

PR Card Renewal Exemptions

Certain permanent residents may be exempt from having to renew their PR card. For example, members of the Canadian forces, employees of the Canadian government, and permanent residents residing abroad do not have to renew their cards if they provide proof of special circumstances. Speak with an immigration attorney if you think you may qualify for an exemption.

The eligibility criteria for PR card renewal aims to ensure permanent residents continue meeting residency and good character requirements after initially being granted status. Understanding the renewal eligibility rules allows you to properly maintain permanent resident status in Canada.

How to Apply for PR Card Renewal

The PR card renewal application process involves completing the required forms, gathering supporting documents, and submitting the application. Here are the key steps:

Application Forms

You need to complete the following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) forms:

• IMM 5444 - This is the main application form for PR card renewal. It asks for your personal details, contact information, travel document details, etc.
• IMM 5257 - This supplementary form is for your current address and work history in Canada for the past 5 years.
• IMM 5707 - You need this form if a third-party representative is applying on your behalf. It authorizes them to conduct business for your application.

Supporting Documents

In addition to the forms, you must include copies of supporting documents with your application such as:

• Your existing PR card (front and back).
• Your valid passport or travel document (all pages with stamps, visas, etc).
• Proof of your status in Canada for the last 5 years such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, utility bills, etc.
• Two passport-size photos with your name and date of birth written on the back.
• Any applicable Certificat de Selection du Quebec (CSQ).
• Fees payment receipt (more on fees below).
• Any other documents that support your PR status.

Make sure to include both originals and photocopies when mailing in the application. The originals will be returned to you.

PR Card Renewal Processing Time

The current processing time for PR card renewals is around 4-7 months. However, processing times can vary depending on:

• Application completeness - Incomplete applications take longer to process. Make sure to double check that you have filled out the application properly and included all required documents.
• Application intake volumes - During peak periods when IRCC receives more applications, processing times tend to be longer.
• Individual circumstances - More complex cases involving dual citizenship, criminality issues, or incomplete information can add to processing times.
• Backlogs and delays - Sometimes IRCC may experience backlogs due to high application volumes or other factors, leading to longer processing times.

If your PR card renewal is taking longer than the estimated processing time, you can contact IRCC to inquire about the status. Make sure to have your UCI number ready. You will not get your PR card any faster, but at least you can confirm if it is still being processed.

While waiting, make sure to carry alternative temporary proof of your PR status like a copy of your expiring PR card, confirmation of permanent residence, or your last PR card renewal receipt. You may need to show this if applying for a driver's license, social insurance number renewal, or when traveling.

PR Card Renewal Cost

Renewing your PR card involves paying two fees - an application fee and a biometrics fee. Here are the current costs:

• Application Fee - This fee covers the processing of your PR card renewal application. The current fee is $50 CAD.
• Biometrics Fee - This fee covers the collection of your fingerprints and photo. These biometrics are used to verify your identity. The current biometrics fee is $85 CAD.
• Total Expected Cost - Based on the current application and biometrics fees, you can expect to pay approximately $135 CAD when renewing your PR card. This cost may be subject to change in the future, so always check the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website when preparing to submit your renewal.

The application and biometrics fees can be paid online by credit card when submitting your renewal through IRCC's website. Or the fees can be paid in-person at a Visa Application Centre if submitting paper forms. The total renewal cost should be paid at the time you submit your application.

After Submitting PR Card Renewal

After you submit your PR card renewal application, here's what to expect:

• Receipt Letter - You'll receive a receipt letter in the mail confirming Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) received your application. This letter will include your file number, which you'll need to check your application status.
• Biometrics Appointment - Most applicants will need to attend a biometrics appointment, where IRCC will take your fingerprints and photograph. IRCC will send you a letter indicating when and where your biometrics appointment will take place.
• Application Status Checks - You can check the status of your PR card renewal application online using your file number and other details. The online tool will show you when your application was received, whether more information is needed, if you need to attend a biometrics appointment, and when your new card has been issued. Checking online allows you to monitor your application status instead of calling IRCC.

Refused PR Card Renewal

Unfortunately, some PR card renewal applications get refused. There are a few common reasons why this can happen:

• You did not meet the eligibility criteria. For example, you did not meet the residency requirement of living in Canada for 2 out of every 5 years.
• Your application was incomplete. Failing to provide required documents or forms can lead to a refused application.
• Issues were found with your background or criminal record. Having certain criminal convictions can make you inadmissible and lead to refusal.
• Fraud or misrepresentation was suspected in your application. Providing false information is grounds for refusal.

If your PR card renewal gets refused, you have options:

• Appeal the Decision: You can file an Appeal through the Immigration Appeal Division. This must be done within 60 days of refusal. You will have the chance to present new information and make your case.
• Apply Again: In some cases, you can reapply for PR card renewal and correct whatever issues led to the initial refusal. Make sure you meet all the requirements this time.
• Apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document: If you need to travel urgently, you can apply for a PRTD instead while your renewal application is being processed.
• Seek Legal Help: Consulting with an immigration lawyer can help determine your best options and strategies if your renewal was refused unfairly.

Getting refused PR card renewal can lead to losing your permanent resident status if not handled properly. Make sure to act promptly and understand the appeal and reapplication process. With the right approach, you can overcome the refusal and regain your PR status.

Temporary Proof of PR Status

If your PR card expires and you have submitted a renewal application, but have not yet received your new card, you may need temporary proof of your PR status for travel or other purposes. There are a few options available:

PR Travel Document

You can apply for a PR travel document (PRTD) to allow you to travel abroad and re-enter Canada. The PRTD serves as temporary proof of your PR status. It is a printed document valid for a single journey abroad.

To apply, submit an Application for a Travel Document and include a photocopy of your PR card (expired or expiring) along with your application fee. Processing times for PRTDs are around 20 business days.

Single Journey Travel Document

In urgent cases where you need to travel soon but will not receive your PRTD in time, you can request an emergency single journey travel document. This allows a single entry to Canada within 2-3 business days from when it's issued.

You must provide justification for the urgency along with your application and documents. The single journey document will be cancelled after use.

Permanent Resident Abroad Facilities

If your PR card expired while you were abroad, you can apply to the Permanent Resident Abroad (PRA) facilities to obtain a PRTD or PRA travel document to return to Canada. You'll need to undergo an interview at a Visa Application Centre.

The PRA facilities provide assistance to PRs abroad who do not have a valid PR card and need to travel back to Canada to maintain their PR status.

For a seamless Permanent Residence (PR) Card Renewal process in Canada, our expert teamof CTIV ensures swift handling of your renewal requirements. Understanding the intricacies of the Renew PR Card process, we guide you through every step, from gathering necessary documents to submitting your application. Our dedicated service prioritizes efficiency, offering an Express PR Card Renewal option for quicker results. We navigate the PR Card Renewal Timeline with precision, ensuring timely renewals. Trust us(CTIV) for Canadian PR Card Renewal expertise, addressing your needs promptly and efficiently. Experience the convenience of Permanent Residency Renewal with our comprehensive and reliable renewal services. Don't Let Your PR Card Expire! How to Renew Your Permanent Residence Status  Call us Today at 416-542-1000