How do I renew my permanent resident (PR) card?

Renew your PR Card

Canada's permanent residents are issued PR cards, making it easier for individuals to return to Canada following their trips abroad, easing their return to Canada after overseas travels. PR cards are renewable ONLY in Canada. Canadian PR Renewal is necessary since PR Cards have an expiration date, and you must apply for a new one before the old one expires. 

Don't be alarmed if you find yourself in this situation where your PR card has expired. 

Expiry of the PR card does not mean that your PR (permanent resident) status has expired. Permanent Residence (PR) Status stays in effect until the cancellation procedure is initiated. 

There are various methods for resolving the issue of an expired PR card, depending on your circumstances. Several factors determine the strategy to use:


  1. When your PR card expires within the next 730 days & you reside in Canada.
    1. apply for renewal stat
  2. If your PR Card has already passed its expiration date
    1. Are you in Canada
    2. Are you travelling overseas?
      1.  When outside Canada without a valid PR Card, a PR Travel Document (PRTD) is required to return to Canada. 
      2. The main reason for this is that you will have to pick up your PR Card in Canada if you apply for one. 
      3. As a result, only one option is PRTD.
  3. Eligibility
    1. You are eligible if you have spent at least 730 days in Canada in the last five years. 
    2. To reclaim your PR status or renew your PR card, you must be present physically in Canada for a least 730 days out of five years.

You can obtain a new PR card if your current PR card has expired or will expire within nine months and you meet the eligibility criteria. The majority of new PR cards expire after five years.


Documents Required for a PR Card Application


  1. The expired PR needs to be handed over to the PRCC officer on receiving the new PR card.
  2. Other documents listed in the documentation checklist include 
    1. a copy of your passport or a travel document
    2. Photos (as per the application specifications).
  3. Please fill out form IMM544E and submit it with the documentation mentioned above to replace a stolen, destroyed, or expired PR card.


Speak with a professional immigration advisor about your options. You can reach us at +1 (877) 683-SAAB (7222) | hello@saabimmigration.ca or visit us at www.saabimmigration.ca.


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