PR Card Renewal
How to Renew Your PR Card?
First, let’s discuss the purpose and benefit of having a PR card. Permanent resident cards can simply be defined as ID cards for non-Canadian citizens who are allowed to work and live permanently in Canada. To enter Canada, you will need to have a valid PR card. That’s why you should always ensure that your PR card has enough validity for your travel duration and it won’t expire while you are outside Canada. However, if this situation has happened to you, read more about your options here.
If your PR card expires, you are still a permanent resident of Canada. PR card expiry doesn’t have anything to do with your permanent resident status. That’s why you can apply for a new card once your PR card expires.
What if I lose my PR card?
If you have lost your PR card, you must immediately notify IRCC to prevent fraud and apply for a replacement card.
Renewing your PR card from outside Canada
Unfortunately, you cannot renew your PR card from outside Canada. Even if you submit a renewal application, IRCC will not mail out your new PR card until you return to Canada.
As mentioned earlier, as a permanent resident you cannot enter Canada without a valid PR card.
So now how can you return without an expired PR card?
In such a situation, your only option is to apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD). The approval of your PRTD is at the sole discretion of the immigration officer and is not guaranteed.
A PRTD will only be issued once and will be valid for a period of six months. This duration should provide you with enough time to return to Canada.
To increase your chances of receiving a PRTD, you should submit a detailed letter explaining your situation and attach extensive documentation. As this might be your last option, you should not gamble with your Canadian permanent residency status and get legal representation to ensure a complete and strong application is being submitted.
Receiving a PRTD can be extremely difficult in some situations. For example, if you have not fulfilled your residency obligation and do not qualify to renew your PR card.
Can I renew my PR card if I did not fulfill my residency obligation?
As a permanent resident of Canada, you are obligated to be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days during the five-year validity of your PR card. If you failed to fulfill this obligation, you may still have some options depending on your situation.
Contact us before it’s too late!
