PR card holders need a valid PR card, along with a valid passport or other travel document, to return to Canada after travelling abroad on a commercial carrier.
The card confirms that a person holds permanent resident status, but an expired card does not automatically mean that permanent resident status has ended.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC, says permanent residents must meet the residency obligation and apply from inside Canada for a new, renewed or replacement card.
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What A Canadian Permanent Resident Card Does
A Canadian permanent resident card is an official status document issued to Canadian permanent residents.
Most cards are valid for five years, although IRCC may issue a card valid for one year in some circumstances.
The card is generally required, along with a valid passport or other travel document, when a permanent resident returns to Canada on a commercial airline, train, bus or boat.
Permanent residents should check the entry and transit requirements of every country on their itinerary because a Canadian PR card does not replace a visa for another country.
A PR card is evidence of permanent resident status, but an expired card does not by itself end that status.
Who Can Apply For This Document
To apply for this document, a person must have permanent resident status, be physically present in Canada and meet the residency requirement.
The applicant must also not be under an effective removal order, must not be a Canadian citizen and must not have been convicted of an offence related to the misuse of a PR card.
IRCC does not mail these cards outside Canada.
A permanent resident outside Canada who does not have a valid card generally needs a permanent resident travel document, or PRTD, to return to Canada on a commercial carrier.
Residency Requirement For Applicants
Permanent residents generally must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days during the previous five years.
The 730 days do not need to be consecutive.
Some time spent outside Canada may count toward the requirement, including certain periods accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse or common-law partner, working full-time for a Canadian business or the federal, provincial or territorial public service, or accompanying a permanent resident spouse or parent who is working for a qualifying Canadian business or public service.
Applicants who have been permanent residents for less than five years must show that they will be able to reach 730 days in Canada within five years of becoming permanent residents.
IRCC may require evidence supporting the applicant’s travel history and residence in Canada.
Keeping a travel journal, boarding passes, leases, employment records and other residence documents can help an applicant complete the application accurately.
How To Get A First Card
Most new permanent residents do not need to submit a separate application for their first PR card.
IRCC usually sends the first card automatically when the new permanent resident provides a Canadian mailing address and an acceptable photo within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident.
A person who confirms permanent residence at a Canadian port of entry may provide the address to the Canada Border Services Agency officer or use IRCC’s online service within the 180-day period.
A person who confirms permanent residence virtually must provide a Canadian address and upload a digital photo through the Permanent Residence Portal.
If the applicant’s photo does not meet the requirements, IRCC may request another photo.
People who do not provide an address and photo within the required period may need to apply for their first card through the Permanent Residence Portal.
When To Renew A Card
IRCC says permanent residents should renew a PR card if it will expire in less than nine months or if it has already expired.
The renewed card receives a new expiration date.
A permanent resident should apply before booking international travel when possible because processing and delivery times can vary.
Renewal applications are submitted through the Permanent Residence Portal using the permanent resident card application form IMM 5444 and the required document checklist.
The application must include the requested identity documents, travel and residency information, photo and fee receipt.
Applicants must review the forms carefully, electronically sign where required and upload all supporting documents before submitting the application.
PR Card Fee And Current Processing Times
The current IRCC fee for a PR card application is $50 in Canadian dollars.
The $50 fee generally applies to first-card applications submitted when a separate application is required, renewals and replacement applications.
A first PR card sent automatically does not cost anything when the new permanent resident provides the address and photo within 180 days.
IRCC’s PR card page currently lists processing times of 35 days for a new PR card and 38 days for a renewal.
These figures can change as IRCC updates its processing-time information.
The processing clock depends on factors such as whether the application is complete, how easily IRCC can verify the information and how quickly the applicant responds to requests.
Applicants should check the official IRCC processing-time tool before making travel plans.
| Card service | Current information |
|---|---|
| First automatic card | No fee when address and photo are provided within 180 days |
| New PR card application | $50 fee and approximately 35 days listed by IRCC |
| Renewal | $50 fee and approximately 38 days listed by IRCC |
| Validity | Usually five years, but sometimes one year |
Replacing A Lost, Stolen Or Damaged Card
A permanent resident should apply for a replacement card if the card is lost, stolen or damaged.
The application may require details about what happened and supporting identity and status documents.
If the information printed on a card is wrong, the applicant may need to request a reissue and provide evidence of the correct information.
Applicants should report a lost or stolen card promptly and avoid using a card that is damaged or no longer valid.
IRCC may require two photos where the photo itself is the reason a card needs to be reissued.
Urgent Processing
IRCC offers urgent processing in some circumstances, but urgent processing is not guaranteed.
Applicants may qualify when they need to travel for a job opportunity, work related to their current job, a serious illness, the serious illness or death of a family member, a crisis, an emergency or a vulnerable situation. For applications, IRCC says the travel generally must be within the next three months and the applicant must provide evidence of both the travel and the urgent reason.
Applicants must provide proof of the travel plans and proof of the reason for urgency, such as an employer letter, medical evidence or other relevant documentation.
IRCC states that it cannot process a PR card application in less than three weeks.
A person leaving Canada in less than three weeks should not assume that an urgent PR card can be issued before departure.
If the person is outside Canada and needs to return without a valid PR card, a PRTD may be the appropriate document instead.
Travelling Without A Valid Card
A permanent resident who leaves Canada without a valid card may have difficulty boarding a commercial carrier for the return trip.
When outside Canada, the person generally needs to apply for a PRTD through the Permanent Residence Portal or through a visa application centre.
A PRTD is intended to facilitate return to Canada and does not replace the need to apply for a PR card after returning.
After coming back to Canada, the permanent resident should apply for a PR card as soon as possible if the card is expired, lost or unavailable.
A permanent resident without a valid PR card or PRTD may be able to travel to Canada by land in a private vehicle, subject to applicable border and travel requirements.
What Happens After Applying
If IRCC approves the application, it usually mails the card to a Canadian address.
IRCC may instead ask the applicant to collect the card at an office.
Applicants should update their address if they move within three weeks of submitting the application or have already moved.
Applicants can generally track a renewal, replacement, information-update or separately submitted first-card application after IRCC sends an acknowledgement of receipt.
There is not always a status-tracking option for a first card sent automatically.
If a card does not arrive, IRCC provides separate steps based on how long the applicant has waited, including a solemn declaration in some cases.
When the new card arrives, the permanent resident should check the name, date of birth, photograph and other information for errors.
The old card should be destroyed after the new card arrives, following IRCC’s instructions.
Common Application Mistakes
- Applying from outside Canada instead of using the PRTD process when a return trip is required.
- Failing to provide a complete five-year travel history.
- Using a photo that does not meet IRCC specifications.
- Submitting an incomplete document checklist or missing fee receipt.
- Assuming an expired card automatically ends permanent resident status.
- Booking travel before checking the card’s expiry date and current processing information.
- Requesting urgent processing without evidence of both travel and the urgent reason.
Practical Checklist Before Submitting
- Confirm that you are physically in Canada if applying for this document.
- Check whether you meet the 730-day residency obligation or can meet it within the first five years of becoming a permanent resident.
- Review your travel history for the applicable five-year period.
- Prepare an acceptable photo and the required identity and status documents.
- Pay the $50 fee and upload the receipt where required.
- Check the application for missing signatures, fields and documents.
- Review the current IRCC processing time before arranging international travel.
Bottom Line
The Canadian permanent resident card process depends on the applicant’s situation, including whether the person is applying for a first card, renewing an existing card, replacing a lost card or returning from outside Canada.
The most important practical rules are to apply from inside Canada, maintain the 730-day residency obligation, pay the current fee where required, use an acceptable photo and avoid relying on urgent processing as a guaranteed travel solution.
Permanent residents should use the current IRCC forms, portal instructions and processing-time information because application requirements and processing estimates can be updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Canadian PR card cost?
The current IRCC fee for a PR card application is $50 in Canadian dollars. A first card sent automatically is free when the new permanent resident provides an address and photo within 180 days.
How long is a PR card valid?
A PR card is usually valid for five years, although IRCC may issue a card valid for one year in some circumstances.
Can I renew my PR card from outside Canada?
No. IRCC says PR cards are not mailed outside Canada and applicants must be physically present in Canada. A permanent resident outside Canada without a valid card generally needs a permanent resident travel document to return.
How many days must I stay in Canada to renew a PR card?
Permanent residents generally must have been physically present in Canada for at least 730 days during the previous five years. Applicants who have been permanent residents for less than five years must show they can meet 730 days within their first five years.
Can I travel if my PR card has expired?
An expired PR card can create problems when returning to Canada by commercial transportation. A permanent resident outside Canada generally needs a permanent resident travel document to return.
Is urgent PR card processing guaranteed?
No. IRCC may offer urgent processing for qualifying situations, but it does not guarantee that the card will be issued before travel. IRCC lists a minimum urgent-processing time of three weeks.
Fact-Checked: Fact-checked against current IRCC and Government of Canada PR card, residency, travel document, fee and processing-time pages reviewed October 15, 2026.
Disclaimer: This is general information only. Applicants should follow the current IRCC instructions and forms for their individual situation.
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