What it is
The PR card is official proof of your PR status when travelling — usually valid 5 years (sometimes 1). Renew if it expires within 9 months or has expired; replace if lost, stolen, destroyed, or wrong. IRCC does not mail PR cards outside Canada.
Who is eligible
You must: be a PR; be physically in Canada when you apply; meet the residency obligation (730 days physically in Canada in the last 5 years); not be a citizen or registered under the Indian Act; not be under an effective removal order.
The process
- Get the package: IMM 5444, guide IMM 5445, checklist IMM 5644.
- Complete and sign forms.
- Gather documents.
- Pay the $50 fee online; print receipt (non-refundable once processing starts).
- Submit via the PR Portal (or by mail).
- Track it; IRCC mails the card or asks for local-office pickup (collect within 180 days).
- Free reissue within 60 days if IRCC made an error.
Document checklist
Current PR card photocopy (send original only if damaged/wrong); passport copy; two IRCC-spec photos; Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or COPR; other ID per checklist; travel/residency proof for the 730-day obligation; solemn declaration if lost/stolen/destroyed/never received; fee receipt; IMM 5476 if applicable.
Important warnings
- Outside Canada without a valid PR card? Apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) — cards aren’t mailed abroad.
- Urgent processing exists but minimum processing is 3 weeks with no guaranteed delivery date.
- A name shortened to fit the card (28 characters) is not an error.
Based on official guidance from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Next step: Residency-obligation cases need careful presentation. Contact Journey to West Immigration before you apply.