Permanent Resident Card Renewal Canada

Frequently asked questions on Permanent Resident Card Renewal in Canada

How to renew a Permanent Resident Card? 

To renew a Permanent Resident Card in Canada, you need to fill out the Application for a Permanent Resident Card form and submit it to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The form is available online, and you can download it from the IRCC website.

You need to ensure that you meet the residency obligation to be eligible for PR card renewal. This means that you must have been physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within the past five years. You may have to provide supporting documentation to prove your eligibility.

In addition to the application form, you will also need to submit two photos, the processing fee, and any other supporting documents that the IRCC may request.
Once you have submitted your application, the IRCC will process it and notify you of the outcome. If your application is approved, you will receive your new Permanent Resident Card by mail. It is recommended that you apply for the renewal of your Permanent Resident Card at least six months before it expires to avoid any complications or delays.

When should I renew my Permanent Resident Card?
You should renew your Permanent Resident Card if it will expire in less than 9 months or if it has already expired. It is important to renew your card before it expires because it is required for re-entry into Canada. If you plan to travel outside of Canada and your card has less than 9 months of validity remaining, you should also consider renewing it.

What happens if my Permanent Resident Card expires?
If your Permanent Resident Card has expired, you are still considered a permanent resident of Canada. However, you will need to apply for a new PR Card as soon as possible. You will not lose your permanent resident status if your card expires, but you may encounter difficulties if you try to re-enter Canada or if you need to provide proof of your status for any reason, such as applying for government benefits or services. It is recommended to renew your PR Card at least 6 months before it expires to avoid any inconvenience or delays.

How long does it take to renew a Permanent Resident Card?
The processing time for a Permanent Resident Card renewal application can vary and may take up to 104 days, depending on the volume of applications received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the completeness of the application submitted. It is important to ensure that all necessary documents and information are provided in the application to avoid delays. It is recommended to submit the renewal application as early as possible to avoid any inconvenience that may arise due to processing delays.

What happens if my Permanent Resident Card renewal application is refused?
If your Permanent Resident Card renewal application is refused, you may need to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to re-enter Canada. This document will allow you to travel to Canada as a permanent resident while you resolve your PR card renewal issues.

If your PR card renewal application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. Some common reasons for refusal include incomplete documentation, incorrect fees or failure to meet the residency obligation. In case of refusal, you can request a reconsideration or file an appeal with the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).

Can I travel outside of Canada with an expired Permanent Resident Card?
No, you cannot travel outside of Canada with an expired Permanent Resident Card. A valid PR card or a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) is required to enter Canada by a commercial vehicle (such as an airplane, boat, or train). If your PR card expires while you are outside of Canada, you will need to apply for a PRTD to return to Canada.

What should I do if my Permanent Resident Card is lost or stolen?
If your Permanent Resident Card is lost or stolen, you should immediately report it to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) by calling their Client Support Centre. You should also contact local authorities to report the loss or theft. After reporting, you can apply for a replacement card as soon as possible. You may be required to provide additional documents and pay a fee. It is important to note that you cannot travel outside Canada without a valid Permanent Resident Card, so it is best to start the replacement process immediately to avoid any travel restrictions. It is recommended to consult with a Canadian immigration consultant for assistance with the replacement process.