Canadian Permanent Resident Card
Canadian Permanent Resident Card
A Canadian permanent resident card is a document which helps you prove your status as a permanent resident of Canada. It is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to those who have been granted permanent residence in Canada
The process for obtaining a Permanent Resident Card can be complicated, as there are many eligibility criteria that applicants must meet in order to receive one. At Pax Law, we specialize in helping individuals navigate this complex process and make sure they successfully receive their Permanent Resident Cards. Our experienced team of lawyers will guide you through the entire application and renewal process from beginning to end, answering all your questions along the way.
Permanent Resident Card Eligibility
In order to be eligible for a Permanent Resident Card, you must:
- be a permanent resident, and
- submit your application in Canada.
You should only apply for a PR card if:
- your card has expired or will expire in less than 9 months
- your card is lost, stolen, or destroyed
- you didn’t receive your card within 180 days of immigrating to Canada
- you need to update your card to:
- legally change your name
- change your citizenship
- change your gender designation
- correct your date of birth
If you were asked by the Canadian Government to leave the country, you may not be a permanent resident and therefore you are not eligible for a PR card. However, if you think the government has made a mistake, or you do not understand the decision, we recommend you schedule a consultation with our immigration lawyers or immigration consultant.
If you are already a Canadian citizen, you cannot have (and do not need) a PR card.
Applying to renew or replace a permanent resident card (PR card)
To receive a PR card, you first need to become a permanent resident of Canada. When you apply for and receive your permanent residency, you become eligible to work and live in Canada indefinitely. A PR card proves that you are a permanent resident of Canada and allows you to access certain social benefits that are available to Canadian citizens such as health care coverage.
If your application for permanent residence has been accepted, but you have not received your PR card within 180 days of that acceptance, or if you need a new PR card for any other reason, you will need to apply to IRCC. The steps to applying are as follows:
- Get the application package
The application package necessary to apply for a PR card contains instructions and every form you need to fill out.
The following should be included in your application:
your PR card:
- If you are applying for a renewal, you should keep your current card and include a photocopy of it with the application.
- If you are applying to replace a card because it is damaged or the information on it is wrong, send the card with your application.
a clear copy of:
- your valid passport or travel document, or
- the passport or travel document you held at the time you became a permanent resident
additionally:
- two photos that meet IRCC’s photo specifications
- any other identity documents listed in the Document Checklist,
- a copy of the receipt for the processing fee, and
- a solemn declaration if your PR card was lost, stolen, destroyed or you didn’t receive it within 180 days of immigrating to Canada.
- Pay the application fees
You must pay the PR card application fee online.
To pay your fees online, you need:
- a PDF Reader,
- a printer,
- a valid email address, and
- a credit or debit card.
After you pay, print your receipt and include it with your application.
- Submit your application
Once you have filled out and signed all the forms in the application package and included all required documents, you can send your application to IRCC.
Make sure you:
- answer all questions,
- sign your application and all forms,
- include the receipt for your payment, and
- include all the supporting documents.
Send your application and payment to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada.
By mail:
Case Processing Centre — PR Card
P.O. Box 10020
SYDNEY, NS B1P 7C1
CANADA
Or by courier:
Case Processing Centre – PR Card
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, NS
B1P 5Z2
Permanent Residence (PR) Card Renewal
If you already have a PR card but it is about to expire, then you will need to renew it in order to remain a permanent resident of Canada. At Pax Law, we can help make sure you successfully renew your PR card so that you can continue living and working in Canada without interruption.
Documents required for renewal of PR card
- Photocopy of your current PR card
- Valid passport or travel document
- Two photos that meet the IRCC’s photo specifications
- A copy of the receipt for processing fee
- Any other documents listed on the Document Checklist
Processing Times
The processing time for a PR card renewal application is typically 3 months on average, however, it can vary significantly. To see the latest processing estimates, check Canada’s processing times calculator.
Pax Law Can Help You Apply for, Renew or Replace a PR Card
Our experienced team of Canadian immigration lawyers will be there to assist you throughout the renewal and replacement application process. We will review your application, gather all necessary documents and ensure that everything is in order before submitting it to Canada Immigration (IRCC).
We can also help you if:
- Your PR card has been lost or stolen (solemn declaration)
- You need to update information on your current card like name, gender, date of birth or photo
- Your PR card has been damaged and needs to be replaced
At Pax Law, we understand that applying for a PR card can be a long and intimidating process. Our experienced team will make sure you are guided every step of the way and that your application is submitted correctly and on time.
If you need help with a permanent resident card, contact Pax Law today or book a consultation.
FAQ
How long is the processing time for the renewal of a PR card?
How do I pay for the renewal of my PR card?
To pay your fees online, you need:
– a PDF Reader,
– a printer,
– a valid email address, and
– a credit or debit card.
After you pay, print your receipt and include it with your application.
How do I get my PR card?
What should I do if I don’t receive my PR card?
How much does renewal cost?
How many years does a Canadian permanent resident card last?
What is the difference between a Canadian citizen and a permanent resident?
Which countries can I travel to with a Canadian PR card?
Can I go to the USA with Canada PR?
Is Canadian permanent residency easy to get?
Book a Consultation Today
Applying to renew, replace, or update a Canadian permanent resident card requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and submitting complete and accurate documentation to IRCC. Pax Law Corporation assists permanent residents with PR card applications involving renewals, lost or stolen cards, corrections to personal information, and residency-related concerns. Our immigration lawyers provide guidance to help ensure your application is properly prepared and compliant with Canadian immigration requirements. Please complete the form below to book a consultation.