Renew Canada Permanent Resident Card

We Can Help You With Your Application for PR Card Renewal

Renew Canada Permanent Resident Card. We can help you with PR Card Renewal

We Can Support Your PR Card Renewal Application

 

PR Card renewal is important to maintain proof you have met the requirements for permanent residence. Your Permanent Resident (PR) Card is also essential for travel inside and outside of Canada, and as proof of your identity when applying for documents such as Canadian driver’s license and healthcare cards.

Outlined below are the steps to apply for, renew or replace your PR Card, and frequently asked questions about the process and the card itself. 

Right then, let’s get started!

Matthew & Miho - Immigration Consultant Vancouver

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As immigrants we founded Canada Immigration Partners to help people navigate the twists and turns of immigrating to Canada.

For us this is more than a business.  We do this because we genuinely care. 

We’ve been through this process, know it intimately, and understand the payoff of achieving your dream move to CanadaMiho came here from Japan and I emigrated from England. 

When you work with us you get more than an incredibly dedicated team. You get a partner in your entire immigration process, from start to finish.

Get the tailored advice you need from an immigration expert.  Schedule your personalized consultation today!

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What is a PR Card and Why you Need It

Your Permanent Resident (PR) Card is a credit card sized piece of identification used by the Canadian government to help them keep track of the time you spend in Canada in order to meet your residency obligation.

To keep up this obligation you must spend two years out of every five in Canada. Essentially, it proves you’ve been living and filing taxes in Canada; the basic things that are required to maintain permanent resident status.

A PR Card is essential for when you re-enter Canada by commercial transportation after traveling overseas, you won’t be able to board a flight without it.

Lastly, it is also required when applying for government services and programs in Canada such as getting your Canadian driver’s license, health care, social benefits, and more. It is therefore crucial to ensure you always have a valid PR Card.

What is the Residency Requirement? And Why is it Important When Renewing my PR Card?

The residency requirement is a rule that you must meet inorder to apply for a renewal of your PR Card.

The rule says that you should have resided in Canada for at least 730 days out of the past 1825 days or meet one of the exemptions.

Put another way you need to be physically present in Canada for 2 years in each 5 year period.  Or inversely you can spend up to 3 years or 1095 days outside of Canada in each 5 year period. 

Making an application to renew your PR Card without meeting these requirements can trigger a residency determination and risks possible loss of Permanent Residency, so it is important to calculate your residency accurately before you apply.

Your Steps for PR Card Renewal

To renew your PR Card in Canada, you must submit the application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This handy step-by-step guide will walk you through how to renew your PR Card:

  1. Gather Required Documents: Before starting your application for PR Card renewal, ensure you’ve got to hand all the documents you need. These include proof of meeting your residency obligation and identity documents like a passport, health card, or driver’s license.
  2. Complete the Application Form: You can access the application form online at the IRCC’s website. Be sure to fill it out correctly to avoid it being sent back to you for resubmission. This will double the time it takes and its cost! 
  3. Pay the Fees: Pay the appropriate processing fee online.
  4. Submit Your Application: Mail your completed application form along with your supporting documents to the IRCC office closest to you.  It is also possible to renew your PR Card online. It usually takes about 100 days (three months) for PR Card renewals, but it is crucial to check for the current processing times, as events like the recent labor dispute can affect them.
  5. Keep a Copy and Check Your Application Status: It’s always a good idea to keep a copy of your application and supporting evidence. You can also check your status online using your application number.

It’s important to apply for PR Card renewal before it expires to avoid difficulties when traveling or accessing government services in Canada. If you need assistance or have any questions during the application process, you can contact IRCC or consult an immigration professional.

What Type of Documentation is Needed for PR Card Renewal

To renew your PR Card in Canada, you’ll need the following documents:

  • Proof of residency in Canada such as a utility bill or bank statement, notice of assessment, rental agreements, bank statements, paystubs.
  • You must provide proof of identity.  These can be documents such as a passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, and others. These documents must show your photo and name to confirm your identity.
  • Recent Photographs: Your photos must meet the IRCC’s size and quality requirements.
  • Evidence of Permanent Residence Status: This is normally your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) or Landing Document.
  • The Application Fee: Once you’ve paid your $50 fee, submit a copy of the receipt with your application.
  • Your PR Card.

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Frequently Asked Questions | Canada Express Entry

While it is best to renew your PR card before you leave Canada (and to ensure there’s enough time before it expires for the expected duration of your stay) this is not always possible.

If your PR Card expires while outside of Canada, you will need to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to come back via commercial transportation. 

You can only apply for a PRTD from outside Canada and processing times can be lengthy, but don’t try to return by commercial transportation without one, or you might not be allowed on your flight, train, bus, or boat to Canada.

There is one caveat, however. If you’re returning by a private vehicle and you can convince a visa officer that you’re coming back to stay, then you can enter Canada. It’s a bit risky, but arriving by private vehicle at an entry port can be a good option. Remember that you need to apply for a new PR Card and meet the requirements before you can travel again.

The cost to renew your PR Card is CAD $50. However, keep in mind that this is subject to change, so it is best to check the latest information on the government website.

Typically, if you apply online, it takes around 104 days to process your application, while if you apply by mail, it takes around 156 days. So it’s best to plan ahead.

However, these processing times are approximate and subject to change depending on several factors, such as the volume of applications received by the government and the complexity of your individual case.

You can check your application status online through your Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) account. Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your new PR Card by mail at the address listed on your application.

To avoid any delays, make sure you submit a complete application. If your application lacks information, the processing time may increase significantly, and it could even result in a rejection of your application. Be sure to read the instructions carefully!

If you have a compelling reason to travel and you have proof of travel you may qualify for urgent processing for renewal of your PR Card. 

However there is no guarantee that you will receive expedited processing and the Canadian Government is strict on the criteria of what qualifies for urgent processing. 

Circumstances where we have seen expedited processing granted are;

  • Travel for the purpose of work, where evidence is provided;
  • Hospitalization or death of an overseas family member, where evidence is provided.

It is better to apply for a new PR Card ahead of time. IRCC allows you to apply for a new PR Card 9 months before the expiration date.

Form IMM 5444 is the Application for a Permanent Resident Card. It is a form that must be completed by permanent residents of Canada who need a new or replacement card. 

The completed form, along with supporting documents and fees, must be submitted to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) for processing.

It is important to ensure that the form is filled out completely and accurately to avoid delays or rejection of the application.

Not meeting the residency requirement can be a serious issue when it comes to renewing your Permanent Resident (PR) Card. 

To maintain your status as a permanent resident, you must meet the residency requirement, which means you must have been physically present in Canada for at least 730 days out of every five-year period. However, if you do not meet this requirement, it does not necessarily mean that you will lose your permanent resident status.

If you do not meet the residency requirement, you can still apply for a PR Card renewal from inside or outside of Canada. 

However, your application will be subject to review by an immigration officer. The officer will consider several factors, including the length of time you have lived in Canada, your reasons for leaving the country, and any ties you have to Canada, such as family or business connections.

A Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application can be made to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to allow someone to stay in Canada on humanitarian or compassionate grounds when residency requirements have not been met. 

To apply for an H&C application to overcome a failure to meet residency requirements, you would need to demonstrate  the reasons you could not meet the residency requirement were beyond your  control, and that there are compelling humanitarian and compassionate considerations that should allow you to remain in Canada.

This could include factors such as family ties in Canada or medical conditions that require treatment that is not available in their home country.

It is essential to keep in mind that applying for an H&C application can be a lengthy and complex process, and there is no guarantee of approval. The immigration officer reviewing the application has broad discretion in determining whether the circumstances presented meet the requirements for an H&C application.

 

Applying for an H&C application requires expert legal advice from an immigration lawyer or consultant to assess the situation and provide guidance on the application process, required documentation, and the chances of success.

An urgent PR Card renewal is a process to expedite the renewal of a permanent resident (PR) Card when it is needed before a proposed travel date. If you have an urgent need to travel and your PR Card has either expired or will be expiring within the next six (6) months, you can apply for an urgent PR Card renewal. However, not all requests for urgent processing will be approved. Urgent PR Card renewals are granted only in exceptional circumstances or emergency situations, so it is essential to provide supporting documents that demonstrate your urgent reasons for renewal, such as a medical emergency, family emergency, or a time-sensitive job opportunity.

To apply for an urgent PR Card renewal, you should first apply for a regular renewal of your PR Card either online or through a paper application. You will be asked if you need an urgent processing of the application while you are doing this. The urgent processing service costs CAD 110 in addition to the regular PR Card renewal fee of CAD 50, and it is non-refundable under any circumstances.

Once you have submitted your application you will need to provide additional documents to support your request for an urgent PR Card renewal, such as a plane ticket or a letter explaining the emergency situation. It is essential to ensure that your application is complete and contains all the necessary documents to avoid delays in processing.

Yes, you are still a permanent resident even if you don’t have a valid Permanent Resident (PR) Card. A PR Card is a document that serves as evidence of your permanent resident status in Canada. However, it is not proof of your permanent resident status itself. Permanent resident status is granted to individuals who have been permitted to enter and remain in Canada as permanent residents under the provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

As a permanent resident, you retain your status even if your PR Card has expired or if you do not have it in your possession. You are still entitled to the same rights and benefits as any other permanent resident, which include the right to work, study, and travel across Canada. 

However, it is important to note that you may encounter difficulties while traveling outside of Canada or accessing government services if you do not have a valid PR Card, as it is a required document for certain activities.

If your PR Card has expired or if you do not have it, you can apply for a new one using the application process specified by the Canadian government. The government may require additional documentation or information to reissue the PR Card, and failing to renew it in time can cause delays and other issues.

Yes, you can lose your permanent residence status in Canada. Permanent residence status is granted to those who have been granted permission to enter and remain in Canada and thus must meet certain requirements.

If a permanent resident does not comply with the residency obligation, which requires that they be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days out of every five-year period, then they may lose their status as a permanent resident. Additionally, failing to comply with other conditions of residency (such as paying taxes, or not having a valid PR Card when traveling) can also result in loss of permanent residence status. Other actions that can cause one to lose their permanent residence status include: being found criminally inadmissible to Canada; obtaining citizenship or another form of legal immigration statuses from countries other than Canada; and not disclosing significant information during the immigration process.

Therefore, it is important for individuals who hold Canadian permanent residency to be aware of the conditions attached to their visa and take steps to ensure that they remain compliant with them in order to keep their status. It is also recommended that applicants seek legal advice before embarking on any course of action that may affect their residency status in Canada.

Google Reviews

Patricia Thong
Patricia Thong
2023-01-28
Excellent and professional service. The staff team worked beyond regular office hours to help us submit paperwork on time.
Chance
Chance
2023-01-23
Miho and her team were key to getting my wife’s Permanent Residence as quickly and smoothly as we did. She helped us through several unique challenges, both before we left Japan to move back to Vancouver, and after. All the while Miho made us feel safe and supported. The value for money is something I wondered about at first, but I was genuinely impressed with just how much Miho helped us simplify the process. Despite some delays with the immigration processing center that were outside of our control, Miho was instrumental in assisting us get my wife’s PR ahead of the estimated timeframe. Miho came highly recommended to us, and my wife and I would highly recommend CIP anyone looking for immigration assistance.
Anna Sakamoto
Anna Sakamoto
2023-01-22
I’m so grateful that I found CIP. Miho and Stephanie are absolutely amazing. They’re so efficient and professional, and made the processes for both my work permit and PR so smooth. I don’t know what I would have done without them. I would highly recommend them!
Chloé Guyon
Chloé Guyon
2021-05-23
Immigration was a long journey for me but I couldn't imagine how it would have been without the help of Matthew, Stephanie and Miho. They were the only consultants to have found me a temporary visa to solve my current issues so I could go back to work in Canada while applying for my PR. With the delays of COVID, they were very helpful and it was a huge peace of mind for me. I would definitely recommend them and use their help again in the future if needed.
Sam Crawford
Sam Crawford
2021-05-08
Miho and Stephanie were great to deal with and kept me updated throughout my entire process. They provided clear instructions and helped with a number of the nuances of my case. I would recommend using them for any services and your permanent residency needs in the future.
Kumiko Ina
Kumiko Ina
2021-05-07
コンサルタントの志水さんには、多大なるご尽力をいただき、無事永住権取得の夢が叶いました。他のコンサルタントや弁護士ではなかなか扱ってもらえない複雑な私の案件も、いつも親身になってくれて、迅速かつ丁寧な対応をしてくれました。申請者の不安な気持ちも理解してくれて、申請書類のひとつひとつにも的確にアドバイスしてくださり、どんな細かい質問にも、毎回分かりやすい説明を添えてくださいました。 申請者の立場を考え、対応してくださる志水さんは、私がカナダで出会ってきたコンサルタント、弁護士の中で1番です。ここまで申請者に寄り添って、対応してくれる志水さんに出会えて、本当に感謝してます。私は友人から志水さんを紹介してもらいました。その友人にも感謝です。
C Sugee
C Sugee
2021-04-02
Miho and her team helped my PR application a few years ago. I am so glad that i found Miho. They are extremely professional. My entire process was smooth and result was successful. I highly recommend! Literally THE DREAM TEAM! Thank you so much for all your help Miho, Stephanie and Ayaka 🙂
Eduardo San Martín
Eduardo San Martín
2021-03-31
I am very pleased with how professional, clear and upfront they were with my whole immigration process. Personally, I will seek them again if any other new inquiries arise as well as recommend them to anyone else looking for the best option for processing and counseling their migration journey to Canada. 11/10
Melody Garingan
Melody Garingan
2021-03-23
My Husband's brother referred us to Miho to help me with my P.R application. Doing this without a person who knows and understands the process is extremely difficult. Miho explained to me what I needed to do and what to expect. Miho guided me double checked, kept me informed of what was going on with my file and was always there to answer my questions. Miho's right hand Stephanie was extremely thorough and always available. I thank and applaud both of you for your outstanding work, I am now a P.R of Canada.

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