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.