Permanent Resident Card Renewal is a crucial process for individuals holding permanent residency status in a foreign country. Typically issued with a validity period, the PR Card serves as evidence of an individual’s legal status and right to reside in the country. Renewal is necessary to ensure the card remains current and valid, allowing residents to continue enjoying their rights and privileges in the host country.
The renewal process often involves applying, along with supporting documentation, to the immigration authorities. Individuals need to initiate the renewal process well before the expiration date to avoid any disruptions to their legal status.
Requirements to Renew PR Card
- To renew your PR card, you must be a Canadian permanent resident and meet the minimum residency requirement of 730 days out of the last 5 years in Canada.
- A valid passport is required for PR card renewal. If you don’t have one and cannot obtain it, an explanation must be provided.
You must only apply for a PR card if:
- Apply for a PR card renewal if your card has expired or will expire in less than 9 months if it is lost, stolen, or destroyed.
- If you did not receive it within 180 days of immigrating to Canada
- If you need to update it due to legal changes like name, citizenship, gender designation, or date of birth correction.
If you’re not in Canada a lot and don’t meet the residency rules, you might still be able to renew your PR card. Here are some situations where you could qualify
- If you are outside Canada and don’t meet residency requirements, you may still qualify for renewal under certain circumstances, such as living abroad with a Canadian spouse.
- Working full-time for a Canadian company overseas, or facing exceptional situations like severe injury or illness, death of a close family member
- Caring for a minor or incapacitated relative outside Canada, invoking Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) factors
Documents Required for PR Card Renewal
- Copy of Current PR Card: Include a copy of your current Permanent Resident (PR) Card.
- Identity Documents: Provide government-issued identity documents for verification purposes.
- Driving License Copy: Include a copy of your current valid driving license.
- Travel Documents: If applicable, submit travel documents used to re-enter Canada upon PR card expiration. Include a copy of the travel document.
- Foreign Passport or Travel Document: Include a copy of your foreign passport or travel document if you don’t have a passport.
- Application Photographs: Submit two recent passport-sized photographs meeting PR card photo specifications (50mm x 70 mm). Do not staple; place them in an envelope with the application.
- Residency Proof: Provide proof of meeting the residency requirements, demonstrating 2 years of residence in Canada within the last 5 years.
Special Circumstances
If not meeting residency requirements, provide documents indicating:
- Accompanying a Canadian Citizen spouse/partner.
- Include the partner’s citizenship paper and relationship proof (e.g., Marriage Certificate or common-law relationship proof).
- Full-time work for a Canadian company.
- Show evidence that the company has a head office in Canada and is primarily operated from within Canada.
- If spouse is working for the Canadian company, provide relationship proof and evidence of their presence during your absence from Canada.
How To Apply PR Card Renewal in Canada
- You need to Be in the Eligibility: Ensure that you are eligible for PR Card renewal by meeting the residency requirements and having a valid reason for renewal.
- Review Expiry Date: Check the expiry date on your current PR Card. Begin the renewal process well in advance if it’s expiring soon.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including a copy of your current PR Card, government-issued identity documents, a valid passport, and photographs meeting specified requirements.
- Complete Application Form: Fill out the PR Card renewal application form accurately. Obtain the latest version of the form from the official immigration website.
- Payment of Fees: Pay the required renewal fee. Check the official immigration website for the current fee structure and acceptable payment methods.
- Submission of Application: Submit the completed application form, along with all supporting documents and the payment receipt, through the designated application process.
- Processing Time: Be aware of the standard processing times for PR Card renewal. It is advisable to apply well before the expiry date to avoid any potential disruptions.
- Check Application Status: Regularly check the status of your application through the provided channels, such as online platforms or contact information provided by immigration authorities.
- Urgent Processing (If Needed): If urgent processing is required due to specific circumstances, clearly indicate the urgency in your application and provide supporting documents.
- Receive New PR Card: Once approved, you will receive your new PR Card. Make sure to check the details for accuracy.
Urgent processing of a permanent resident card
In some cases, people might urgently need their Permanent Resident (PR) Card for unexpected situations. The urgent processing option is available for these urgent needs, such as imminent travel or work requirements. For example, if you have upcoming travel plans and need your PR Card to re-enter Canada, you can apply for urgent processing.
Clearly outline the reasons for urgency in a cover letter accompanying the PR Card renewal application. Include supporting documentation, such as travel itineraries, employment letters, or any relevant proof highlighting the urgency of the situation
Requirement For Urgent Processing of a PR Card
- Cover Letter: Clearly explain the reasons for urgent processing in a cover letter accompanying the PR Card renewal application.
- Supporting Documentation:
- Include relevant supporting documents that substantiate the urgency of your situation.
- For imminent travel: Provide travel itineraries or tickets, indicating the need for a valid PR Card for re-entry into Canada.
- For employment requirements: Submit employment letters or contracts detailing the urgency.
- Include relevant supporting documents that substantiate the urgency of your situation.
- Additional Fee: Be prepared to pay an additional fee for expedited or urgent processing. Check with the immigration authorities for the current fee structure.
- Complete Application: Submit a fully completed PR Card renewal application, ensuring all required fields are accurately filled out.
- Indication of Urgency: Clearly indicate the request for urgent processing on the application form.
- Contact Information: Provide accurate and up-to-date contact information to facilitate quick communication if additional details or clarifications are needed.
- Submission Method: Follow the designated submission process outlined by the immigration authorities. This may involve applying in person, online, or through a specific mailing address.
- Communication with Immigration Authorities: Maintain open communication with the immigration authorities regarding the urgency of your situation. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or clarification
Reasons for Urgent Processing
- Job Opportunity.
- Personal Serious Illness.
- Death of a Family Member.
- Work Related to Your Current Job.
- Serious Illness of a Family Member.
Documents Required for Urgent Processing:
- Proof of Travel:
- Provide documents showing destination and travel dates (e.g., travel itinerary, a copy of the ticket).
- Include a copy of the receipt for the trip (ticket receipt) with date, amount paid, and payment method.
- Letter of Explanation:
- Include a letter explaining the reason for the urgency in your PR Card renewal application.
- Proof of Urgency:
- Attach supporting documents proving the urgency:
- For personal illness: Doctor’s note.
- For death of a family member: Death certificate.
- For job opportunity or work-related urgency: Letter from employer.
- Attach supporting documents proving the urgency:
Ensuring all necessary documents are provided and clearly outlining the reasons for urgency will facilitate the urgent processing of your Permanent Resident Card renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )
What is the Processing Time for PR Card Renewal?
The processing time for renewing your PR card is around 90 days. You might get your new PR card in about 45 days. You can check the official IRCC website for the most accurate processing times. Sometimes, it might take up to 6 months, especially if there are many applications being processed. For more complex cases, it could even take up to a year for the renewal process to be completed.
What is the Fee For PR Card Renewal?
You need to pay $50 for each PR card renewal application. The fee is non-refundable, so be sure you qualify for PR card renewal before applying. Permanent Residence is a lasting status; only the PR card has an expiration. To prevent the whole application from being sent back, make sure to submit a complete application.
How To Check Your PR Card Application Status
After sending your PR Card application, once it’s in the IRCC system, you can track your status.