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Permanent Resident Card
The permanent resident card (PR Card) is the official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada. It is of the same size as a credit card and it contains various security features on it, to prevent any misuse or fraud. It contains all the vital information regarding your immigration status.
Permanent residents (PR) of Canada must carry and show their valid PR Card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD) when boarding a flight to Canada, or travelling to Canada on any other commercial carrier.
If you do not carry your PR Card or PRTD, you may not be able to board your flight, train, bus or boat to Canada.
It is your responsibility to make sure your PR Card is still valid when you return from travel outside Canada and to apply for a new PR Card before your current card expires
You need a PR Card if:
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you are a permanent resident (including a child);
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you plan on travelling outside of Canada; and
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you plan on returning to Canada by any commercial transporter, such as a plane, train, boat or bus.
Permanent Resident Card With Signature
Not Issued Anymore
Permanent Resident Card
New Residents
New permanent residents don’t need to apply for a PR card. IRCC will send one to you when you immigrate to Canada if you give them your Canadian mailing address. You have 180 days after immigrating to send it to the IRCC.
If they don’t get it in time, then you have to apply for your card. There is a $50 processing fee for PR card applications.
Permanent Resident Card
Lost, Stolen, Replacement or Renewal
Eligibility:
To be eligible for a PR card, you need to:
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be a permanent resident, and
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submit your application in Canada
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You should only apply for a PR card if:
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you didn’t receive your PR card within 180 days of immigrating to Canada;
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your PR card is expired or will expire in less than nine months;
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your PR card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed; or
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you legally changed your name and need to update your PR card.
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Otherwise, IRCC may not process your application.
You are not eligible for a PR card if you were asked by the Government of Canada to leave the country. If you are a Canadian citizen, you can’t have (and don’t need) a PR card. If you become a Canadian citizen, you shall return your PR card at your citizenship ceremony.
Minimum Residency Obligations
You must meet the residency obligation to get a PR Card.
If you have been a permanent resident for five (5) years or more
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you must have been physically present in Canada for a minimum of 730 days within the past five (5) years.​
If you have been a permanent resident for less than five (5) years
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you must show that you will be able to meet the minimum of 730 days of physical presence in Canada within five (5) years of the date you became a permanent resident.
