What is a Permanent Resident Card?
Categories: Permanent Residence
All new permanent residents of Canada should receive a Permanent Residence (PR) Card after arrival. Permanent Residents who do not already have a PR Card should apply for one as soon as possible.
When you apply for a permanent residence visa to Canada part of your application process will include providing a passport size photograph and information to be used on your PR card. When you make your first entry to Canada as a permanent resident the immigration officer will confirm that your photograph and information are correct.
After you make your first entry you will then be asked to provide a mailing address in Canada. Your PR card will be created for you by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and sent your mailing address in a several weeks. Many newcomers do not know where they will be living in the short, or even the medium term, and you may not have been able to give a permanent mailing address. If you have not yet given a mailing address to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, you should do so as soon as you can. You can call the Permanent Residence Card call centre toll-free on 1 888 242 2100. (This phone number will only work within Canada.)
New permanent residents have 180 days from the date of first entry into Canada to provide a valid mailing address. If you wait longer than 180 days you will need to make a new application for a PR card, including information, photograph and application fee.
PR cards do have expiry dates, and you should note it when you get your card. If your PR card is going to expire soon, you should be sure to re-apply at least 3 months before it expires to make sure you are not without a valid card.
The current processing time for a new, replacement or renewal PR card is 12 weeks on average.
Is a PR card mandatory?
It is not a requirement that you get a PR card, however it is highly recommended, especially if you are planning on leaving Canada for any reason. A PR card is required if you wish to re-enter Canada after traveling abroad. Your PR card is your proof of permanent residence, and you will be expected to show it to an immigration officer when you re-enter Canada after a trip out of the country, even if you have only visited the United States.
How to apply for a PR card
To apply for a Permanent Resident card you must:
- Be a Permanent Resident of Canada
- Not be under an active removal (deportation)
- Not already be a Canadian Citizen
You can find the application form for a new, replacement or renewal PR card here. The application fee for a PR card is currently $50 CAD per person.
5 Responses on “What is a Permanent Resident Card?”
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Dear Sir/Mam:
I’m Indonesian who’d like to apply for a new PR in Canada. I’m currently serving for Holland America Cruise Line which now cruising in Europe.
I’d like to apply PR by appointing a representative and I have all the documents ready with me.
Would you please explain to me on how I submit my application when I’m outside Indonesia and outside Canada?
Sincerely yours,
Joey Sugianto
How soon after receiving the PR card (first one after immigrating) can I travel to the US?
Dear Sir,
I am working as a CGN in edmonton….and i have a work visa fro 1 year..i would like to take a PR card…please help me get a PR online…..please let me know the procedure and the required documents for new PR application.
My father has been a permanent resident in Canada since 1956 when he immigrated from England.
He was diagnosed with dementia in 2003 and now lives in a seniors home in Coquitlam, BC. He does not know where his permanent residency card is. We have his SIN # and his British passport.
I have had a very frustrating experience trying to get anyone on the phone/on line to give me the right information in obtaining the correct forms to replace the lost permanent residency card.I have tried inquiry international as I live outside of Canada and the Canadian Consulate who have given me incorrect information. I have called your 877 663 6606 # but it is ALWAYS operator busy and then promptly hangs up on you.
Can u email me where and when to call or whom to contact so I can download forms or have them send to me?
Thank you,
K Levinson
hi team,
i have a valid work permit for alberta and it has been 8 working months in airdrie so now i want to know when can i apply for the PR and what all do i need to Qualify ….
thanks
Paramjit