When you’ve been granted permanent residency status in Canada, you know the value of having your permanent resident card (also known as a 'PR card'). But did you know you might not be allowed back into Canada if your PR card expires while you’re outside the country? And Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will not mail a PR card to an address outside of Canada. These are some of the reasons why it’s important to apply for a PR card renewal before yours expires.
How to Renew a PR Card
The PR card renewal process is relatively straightforward. There is a paper application you fill out, then either mail or courier to the Case Processing Centre from within Canada. Before you can send in the application, you must pay the nonrefundable processing fee online. The receipt needs to be attached to the application.
But while the PR card processing times and process are straightforward, it is not necessarily simple. The application includes a lot of details and requests specific documentation before the IRCC will issue a PR card.
For example, only certain identity documents are acceptable and the photos you send must meet the guidelines. If the documents are incorrect or the application is incomplete, IRCC will return the card renewal form unprocessed. That would mean starting the application process again.
Because the application is so precise, many people hire experienced immigration professionals to assist them. Immigration professionals are experts and know how PR card applications should be completed as well as what documents meet the government criteria. The right immigration professional will ensure that your PR card renewal is done right.
When to Apply for a PR Card Renewal
If your PR card will expire within the next nine months, you can apply to have it renewed. You can also apply to have it renewed if the card has already expired. The permanent resident card processing times can be two months or longer. So if your card has expired and you are scheduled to travel outside of Canada, you might want to speak to an immigration professional.
To be allowed back into Canada without a PR card, you could require a permanent resident travel document, it's a temporary travel document for permanent residents.
In the event your card is stolen, damaged, or lost, you should apply for a renewal using the same application process. There is one important difference, though. You must notify IRCC what has happened to your PR card before you apply for a new one.
Another situation when you should complete a PR card renewal is when you legally change your name.
