How do I renew my PR card?
IRCC lists five steps to renew a PR card, starting in the Permanent Residence Portal (IRCC, Get, renew or replace a PR card):
Step 1: "Start your application in the Permanent Residence Portal"
"In the portal, begin your application by filling out the application for a permanent resident card (IMM 5444)."
Step 2: "Complete additional forms, and upload them to the portal"
"Complete the Document checklist (IMM 5644), and upload it to the portal."
Step 3: "Pay your fees, then upload the receipt to the portal"
"Fees are not paid through the Permanent Residence Portal."
Step 4: "Review your application, then submit"
Step 5: "Get updates about your application"
"Track the status of your application."
Residency Obligation
IRPA s. 28(1): "A permanent resident must comply with a residency obligation with respect to every five-year period." (IRPA, s. 28)
IRPA s. 28(2)(a)
"a permanent resident complies with the residency obligation with respect to a five-year period if, on each of a total of at least 730 days in that five-year period, they are"
- • "(i) physically present in Canada,"
- • "(ii) outside Canada accompanying a Canadian citizen who is their spouse or common-law partner or, in the case of a child, their parent,"
- • "(iii) outside Canada employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business or in the federal public administration or the public service of a province,"
- • "(iv) outside Canada accompanying a permanent resident who is their spouse or common-law partner or, in the case of a child, their parent and who is employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business or in the federal public administration or the public service of a province, or"
- • "(v) referred to in regulations providing for other means of compliance;"
IRPA s. 28(2)(c): "a determination by an officer that humanitarian and compassionate considerations relating to a permanent resident, taking into account the best interests of a child directly affected by the determination, justify the retention of permanent resident status overcomes any breach of the residency obligation prior to the determination." (IRPA, s. 28)
When to Apply
Renewal
IRCC: renew your PR card "if it will expire in less than 9 months or" "if it has expired" (IRCC).
New Card or Updated Information
IRCC states: "You can apply for a new card if you made a mistake in your application or if you want to update your information for reasons such as" "a legal name change", "a name change after marriage or divorce", "a change of gender identifier" or "an updated signature". IRCC also lists lost, stolen and damaged cards (IRCC).
Urgent Processing
IRCC states: "Urgent processing is available in some circumstances." "Even if you qualify for urgent processing, we can’t guarantee you’ll get your card on time." (IRCC)
Eligibility Points to Check
Residency Obligation
IRCC states: "Even if you don't meet the residency obligation, you will stay a PR until an official decision is made on your status." (IRCC) For citizenship, see our Canadian citizenship page.
Outside Canada Without a Valid Card
IRCC states: "If you don’t have a valid PR card, you must apply for a permanent resident (PR) travel document to travel back to Canada." (IRCC) See refusal analysis if a travel document is refused.
Appeal Rights
IRPA s. 63(4): "A permanent resident may appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division against a decision made outside of Canada on the residency obligation under section 28." (IRPA, s. 63)
How much does it cost to renew a PR card?
Fees are published by IRCC and updated regularly. IRCC states: "Fees are not paid through the Permanent Residence Portal." (IRCC)
Can I renew my PR card online?
Yes. IRCC states: "You can now apply for a permanent resident card through the permanent residence online application portal." "Most people should apply online." (IRCC, Guide 5445)
IRCC also states that if you "can’t apply online and need accommodations, including for accessibility, you may ask for the forms in an alternate format" (IRCC, Guide 5445).
Can I renew my PR card in person or at Service Canada?
IRCC’s renewal page and PR card guide do not describe submitting a renewal in person or at a Service Canada office. The guide names Service Canada only for biometrics: "Most PR card applicants do not need to give biometrics unless they were previously exempt." "As of December 3, 2019, you can go to a designated Service Canada location to give your biometrics in Canada." (IRCC, Guide 5445)
IRCC also states: "If we ask you to come to a local IRCC office, you must bring your old card and the original documents of the copies you had included with your application." (IRCC, Guide 5445)
Can I renew my PR card from outside Canada?
IRCC’s PR card guide lists being in Canada as a requirement: "To be eligible for a PR card, you must:" "be physically present in Canada;" (IRCC, Guide 5445)
IRCC states: "A PR card cannot be issued and delivered overseas to allow for a permanent resident to come back to Canada." "A PR outside Canada without a status document must apply for a PRTD." (IRCC, Guide 5445)
Do I need to renew my PR card if I applied for citizenship?
The IRCC pages linked here do not say whether you need to renew your PR card while a citizenship application is in process. For citizenship, IRCC states: "You can apply with a valid or expired PR card." (IRCC, Citizenship: Who can apply)
IRCC states: "Once you are granted citizenship, you are no longer a permanent resident (PR) and your PR card will no longer be valid." "We will collect your PR card at the citizenship ceremony." (IRCC Help Centre) IRCC also states: "You can’t use an expired PR card as a travel document." (IRCC Help Centre)
What documents do I need to renew my PR card?
IRCC’s renewal steps start with the document checklist: "Complete the Document checklist (IMM 5644), and upload it to the portal." (IRCC) The PR card guide lists under "You must submit these documents:" (IRCC, Guide 5445):
- "Fees: Copy of the receipt showing the amount paid."
- "Photo(s): You must provide photo(s) that meet the photo specifications."
- "Proof showing that you meet the residency obligation in the past five (5) years immediately before the application."
- "A copy of one of the following primary identity documents:" (the accepted documents are listed in the guide)
The guide also states: "If you are applying to renew your present card, include a copy of it with your application." (IRCC, Guide 5445)
Does PR status expire when the PR card expires?
No. IRCC states: "When your permanent resident (PR) card expires, you still have your PR status." "To keep your status, you need to stay in Canada for a certain amount of time." (IRCC Help Centre) That requirement is the residency obligation in IRPA s. 28, quoted in the Residency Obligation section above.
Quick Facts
PR Travel Document
IRCC states: "If you don’t have a valid PR card, you must apply for a permanent resident (PR) travel document to travel back to Canada." (IRCC)
Renew Your PR Card
A consultation is required for case-specific advice on your PR card renewal.
Book ConsultationInformation provided is general in nature and current as of the page's last update. Immigration laws, processing times, eligibility criteria, and program requirements are subject to change per IRCC policy updates. This page does not constitute legal advice. Specific cases require individual consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. Amer Rehman is an RCIC (R515343), member in good standing with CICC.