Skip to content

Permanent residence & citizenship

Canadian Permanent Resident Card

The official document that proves permanent resident status and is used to travel to and re-enter Canada by commercial carrier.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Book a consultation

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Canada government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Permanent resident card (PR card)
Route type
Status document for existing permanent residents
Validity
Usually 5 years (sometimes 1 year)
First card
Usually mailed automatically if you provide address and photo within 180 days of landing
When to renew
When expired or expiring within 9 months
Cost
CAN$50 per person, each time you apply, renew or replace the card
Residency obligation
At least 730 days of physical presence in Canada within every 5-year period
The 730 days do not need to be continuous; some time abroad may count in specific situations.

Who it is for

  • Permanent residents who need proof of status to travel to and re-enter Canada
  • Permanent residents whose card is lost, expired, damaged, or needs a name/gender update

What you can do

  • Use the card to prove permanent resident status and re-enter Canada by commercial carrier
  • Note: the card is proof of status, not a substitute for meeting the residency obligation

How to apply

  • Complete the PR card application (IMM 5444) and provide a photo meeting the specifications
  • Pay the fee to IRCC and upload the receipt in the Permanent Residence Portal fee-payment section
  • Do not apply to renew if your card is valid for more than nine months (unless name or gender has changed)

Requirements

  • Be a permanent resident of Canada who still meets (or is on track to meet) the residency obligation of 730 days of physical presence in Canada within a 5-year period
  • Have not become a Canadian citizen, and have not lost or renounced permanent resident status
  • Have a Canadian mailing address to receive the card
  • Provide a photo meeting IRCC specifications

Documents you may need

  • Application for a permanent resident card (form IMM 5444)
  • A photo meeting IRCC specifications
  • Proof of your permanent resident status
  • Supporting identity documents as listed in the application guide
  • Proof of fee payment (CAN$50)

Frequently asked questions

  • No. The PR card is only proof of status for travel. To keep permanent resident status you must separately meet the residency obligation — at least 730 days of physical presence in Canada within every 5-year period.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

Related Canadian visas

Book a consultation