The Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)
The Permanent Resident Card is the official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada. The Permanent Resident card is now a compulsory document for all Permanent Residents including children.
This wallet-sized plastic card is required for all permanent residents of Canada seeking to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus).
If you are a current permanent resident, you will only receive a new card when your existing card expires. If you are a new permanent resident, you will automatically receive your new card as part of the immigration process.
You can apply for a PR Card if:
- You received permanent resident status before June 28, 2002;
- You became a permanent resident after June 28, 2002 but did not receive a PR Card at that time; or
- You need to replace an expired, lost or stolen PR Card.
Since June 2002, all new permanent residents automatically receive their first PR Card as part of the immigration process.
The PR Card expires every five years. Check the expiry date and apply for a new one at least 90 days before you plan to travel outside Canada.
Keeping your permanent resident status
Your permanent resident status allows you to live in Canada, but there is also a time limit on how long you can live outside the country. To keep your status as a permanent resident, you must live in Canada for at least two years within a five-year period.
Contact us if you need more information regarding PR Card or want to apply for PR Card. |
