Are you a permanent resident in Canada, and your PR card is about to expire? Don’t worry, and you’re not alone. Many people face this challenge every year. However, renewing your PR card doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the simple steps on how to renew your PR card in Canada. So sit back and read on!
What is a Permanent Resident Card?
A Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) Card is a crucial identification document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to individuals who have achieved permanent resident status in Canada. It serves as proof of this status and is essential for travel, identification, and access to various benefits.
The PR card acts as a lifeline for permanent residents, ensuring they can enjoy the rights and privileges associated with their residency. Key aspects of the PR card include:
- Legal Status Confirmation: It verifies your permanent residency, granting you the right to live, work, or study anywhere in Canada.
- Travel Documentation: A valid PR card is required to re-enter Canada via commercial transportation, such as planes or trains.
- Access to Benefits: The card provides access to healthcare, education, and other social benefits available to permanent residents.
Neglecting to renew the PR card can result in travel restrictions or difficulties proving your residency, emphasizing the need to understand its importance and renewal process.
Who Is Eligible to Renew a PR Card in Canada?
Eligibility for renewing a PR card depends on meeting specific criteria set by IRCC. Not all permanent residents qualify automatically, as the renewal process ensures that individuals continue to meet residency and legal requirements.
To be eligible for renewal:
- Residency Obligation: You must have lived in Canada for at least 730 days within the last five years. These days do not need to be consecutive.
- Status Maintenance: Your permanent resident status must be valid and not under review for revocation.
- Travel History Compliance: You must not have any issues, such as failing to meet travel restrictions or conditions attached to your residency.
- Valid Documentation: Ensure you have the required documents, including your current PR card, proof of residence, and identification papers.
Meeting these requirements is essential to maintaining your status and avoiding complications when renewing your PR card.
How To Do Canadian Permanent Resident Card Renewal?
Renewing a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) card is a vital process to maintain your residency status and avoid complications with travel or access to benefits.
The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail to ensure compliance with IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) guidelines.
Starting the renewal process early, ideally six months before your card expires, is recommended to avoid delays.
Steps to Renew Your PR Card
1. Check Eligibility: Confirm that you meet the residency requirements, such as living in Canada for at least 730 days in the last five years. Ensure your permanent resident status is valid and not under review.
2. Prepare Required Documents: Collect essential documents, including:
- Your current PR card (even if expired).
- Proof of residence in Canada, such as utility bills or lease agreements.
- A record of your travel history, including entry and exit dates.
- Two passport-style photos that meet IRCC specifications.
3. Complete the Application Form: Download and fill out Form IMM 5444 accurately (Download). Double-check all details to avoid errors that may delay processing.
4. Pay the Fees: Submit the required processing fee of $50 CAD. Payment can be made online through the IRCC portal.
5. Submit Your Application:
- Online: The most efficient method, allowing you to upload documents and track the status easily.
- By Mail: Send your completed application to the specified IRCC mailing address, ensuring all required documents are included.
IRCC will review your application, and processing times may vary. Keeping a copy of your application and tracking its progress is crucial for a seamless experience.
Documents Required for PR Card Renewal
To renew your PR card, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Your most recent PR card
- A completed application form (IMM 5444 or IMM 5445)
- Two passport-style photos of yourself that meet specific requirements
- Proof of your current status in Canada (such as a valid study or work permit or a copy of your permanent resident status document)
- Any supporting documents that apply to you (such as evidence of a change in your name or documentation relating to criminal convictions)
- The appropriate fees
Cost of PR Card Renewal
If you are a permanent resident of Canada, you will need to renew your PR card every five years. The cost of renewing your PR card is $50. You can pay the renewal fee online or by mail.
If you are renewing your PR card outside of Canada, you may be required to pay an additional fee of $100.
Benefits of Renewing PR Card
There are many benefits to renewing your PR card in Canada. For one, it allows you to maintain your status as a permanent resident of Canada. Additionally, it gives you the ability to travel freely in and out of the country and allows you to work and study in Canada without having to apply for a new visa.
Renewing your PR card is important in maintaining your access to government services and benefits, such as healthcare.
The renewal process is also relatively simple and straightforward. You can easily apply for a PR card renewal online, which typically takes around four to six weeks to process. Once you receive your renewed PR card, you will be able to stay in Canada as long as you wish.
How Long Does It Take to Process a PR Card Renewal?
Processing times for PR card renewals typically range from 90 to 120 days, depending on application volume and the accuracy of the submitted documents.
However, delays can occur during peak seasons or if IRCC requests additional information.
Tips to Avoid Delays:
- Submit your application early, ideally six months before your card expires.
- Provide complete and accurate documentation.
- Avoid peak processing periods, such as around holidays.
IRCC provides a tracking system where you can monitor the status of your application. Planning ahead is essential to ensure uninterrupted access to your PR card.
What Happens If Your PR Card Expires While You Are Outside Canada?
Travelling with an expired PR card can lead to complications, as commercial carriers, such as airlines, require valid PR cards for boarding. In such cases, you must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return to Canada.
Steps to Obtain a PRTD:
- Visit the nearest Canadian visa office or embassy.
- Provide proof of your permanent resident status, such as a Record of Landing or Confirmation of Permanent Residence document.
- Complete the application for a PRTD and submit it with supporting documents and fees.
Processing times for a PRTD can vary, so apply as soon as possible to avoid extended delays. Renewing your PR card well before expiration prevents such challenges.
How Can You Track the Status of Your PR Card Renewal?
Keeping track of your PR card renewal status helps ensure you’re informed about its progress and can address any issues promptly.
Ways to Track Your Application:
- IRCC Online Account: Log in to your account to check real-time updates on your application status.
- Processing Times: Visit the IRCC website to view current processing timelines for PR card renewals.
- Email Notifications: IRCC may send updates or requests for additional documents to your registered email.
Maintaining communication with IRCC and regularly checking your application status ensures you’re prepared for any follow-ups or delays.
Conclusion
Renewing your PR Card in Canada is a straightforward process, provided you meet the criteria and have all of the necessary documents to complete it.
We hope this article has given you some insight into how to renew your PR Card in Canada, as well as what documents are required and other important information about the process.
If you need any further assistance with applying for or renewing your PR Card in Canada, contact us today for more details.
FAQ – How to Renew PR Card in Canada?
How long does it take to renew permanent resident card Canada?
It usually takes about 45 days to renew a permanent resident card in Canada. The processing time may be longer if you need an interview or your application is incomplete. You can check the current processing times on the IRCC website.
Can I renewal PR card without meeting residency obligation?
Yes, you can renew your PR card without meeting the residency obligation if you:
- Have been living outside of Canada for less than two years;
- Have a valid reason for not being able to meet the residency obligation (e.g., work or study); or
- Are a child under the age of 22 who has not been living with a parent in Canada.
If you do not meet any of these criteria, you must meet the residency obligation to renew your PR card.
What happens if you let your permanent resident card expire in Canada?
If you let your permanent resident card expire in Canada, you will no longer be able to live, work or study in the country. You may also be unable to return to Canada if you leave the country.
In order to maintain your status as a permanent resident, you must renew your Permanent Resident Card before it expires. If your card has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may also be subject to an investigation or examination by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You may also need to provide additional documentation, such as a police certificate or medical exam results.
How many countries you can visit with Canadian PR?
As a permanent resident of Canada, you are free to travel to any country in the world. You can visit upto 30 countries you can visit with your PR card. However, you may need a visa to enter some countries. You can check the visa requirements for your destination country online or at a Canadian consulate or embassy.
Can you get a Canadian passport if you are a permanent resident?
No, you cannot get a Canadian passport if you are a permanent resident. In order to be eligible for a Canadian passport, you must be a Canadian citizen. If you have Canadian citizenship, you can apply.
Can I travel while waiting for my PR card renewal?
You can travel, but you may need a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return to Canada if your PR card is not ready.
Is the $50 CAD renewal fee refundable?
No, the $50 CAD processing fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected or delayed.
What if I lose my PR card during renewal?
You must notify IRCC immediately and apply for a replacement card by following the same renewal process.
Can I renew my PR card if I’m outside Canada?
No, you must be physically in Canada to apply for a PR card renewal.
How do I know my renewal application is complete?
Review the IRCC document checklist and double-check your application form and supporting documents before submission.
Can I expedite my PR card renewal?
Expedited processing is available only for urgent situations, such as travel emergencies, and requires proof of urgency.
