Apply for, renew or replace a PR card
Permanent residents must have a valid permanent resident card (PR card) or permanent resident travel document (PRTD) in order to travel by plane, train, bus, or boat back to Canada. The absence of one may prevent you from traveling.
The PR card you present must be valid. Your card will expire if it hasn't been renewed. Upon expiration, you are still considered a permanent resident.
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
Otherwise, we may not process your application.
You aren’t 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, give us your PR card at your citizenship ceremony.
Before you apply
The permanent resident card (PR card) is typically issued for five years, but can occasionally be issued for one year. Cards are valid until the date indicated on the card.
Currently, PR cards can only be sent to addresses within Canada. You may need to pick up your card in person at one of our Canadian offices in some cases.
You may request that your PR card be reissued if you discover a mistake on it. It is sometimes necessary to shorten a name on a card if it is too lengthy. It is not an error.
Replace a lost, stolen or destroyed PR card
You must inform us of what happened before you apply.
Outside of Canada, please contact the nearest visa office. To return to Canada, you will need to obtain a permanent resident travel document (PRTD). After you return to Canada, you can continue your application.
Tell us what happened here if you are inside Canada. Here is how to do it:
- First select tell us more, then select No and then proceed to Web form.
- Select Permanent Resident Card and Renewal and Replacement.
- Fill in your details.
Please contact IMMIGRAM Immigration for assistance with your PR card renewal application.