Permanent Resident Card: How to apply

You will need to gather certain documents to obtain your first Permanent Resident Card, or replace one that is expired, lost or stolen. Collect these documents as early as possible, especially if you plan to travel soon.

The information on this page is for you if:

If you are outside of Canada without a valid Permanent Resident Card, you will need a Travel Document to return to Canada.

You need to apply for your first Permanent Resident Card

If you are applying to immigrate to Canada, you do not need to apply for a card using the process on this page. Your Permanent Resident Card will be issued to you as part of the immigration process.

If you had permanent resident status in Canada before the Permanent Resident Card was introduced in June 2002, and you still have permanent resident status, follow the steps below to apply for your Permanent Resident Card.

How to apply for your Permanent Resident Card

  1. Obtain an application package.
  2. Read the guide.
  3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents.
  4. Pay the fee and get the original receipt.
  5. Mail the application form and documents.

1. Obtain an application package

You can download and print the application package for a Permanent Resident Card.

2. Read the guide

Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form. The fee for processing your form is not refundable, so make sure that you are eligible for a Permanent Resident Card before you submit your application.

3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents

Follow the instructions in the guide. Be sure to provide the required documents. If information or documents are missing, your application will not be processed. It will be returned to you with a request for the missing information.

Include the following documents with your application:

  • Your Permanent Resident Card (if your card has expired or if the information on it is out of date or inaccurate).
  • A copy of your valid passport or travel document, or a copy of the passport or travel document you held at the time you became a permanent resident. Please note that if photocopies are not clear, your application will be returned to you.
  • Photos. Consult the Photo Specifications Appendix in the guide for more information. If your photos do not meet our requirements, they will not be accepted.
  • Any other identity documents specified in the Document Checklist (which is part of the application package). Please follow the directions in the Document Checklist closely.
  • Remember to order and include the Supplementary Identification Form (IMM5455).

Important: If your application is incomplete or missing information, it will be returned to you with a letter telling you what information to provide or fees to pay.

Add the missing information or fees described in the letter and return your application to CIC for processing. If you do not provide all the required information or fees, your application will be returned again with all other information and fees that you have sent. This will further delay the processing of your application.

4. Pay the fee and get the original receipt

The application processing fee is payable in Canadian funds only.

To pay your fees on the Internet, you must:

  • Have a PDF Reader.
  • Have a printer.
  • Have a valid email address.
  • Pay with a Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express® credit card.
  • Print the “receipt of payment” page and include it with your application.
  • Pay your fees on the Internet when you are ready.

To pay your fees at a financial institution in Canada, you must:

  • Obtain an original payment receipt form (IMM 5401): Order it online or contact the Call Centre.
  • Fill the receipt form and bring it with you when you go to pay your fees.
  • Include the completed payment receipt form (IMM 5401) with your application.

For more detailed instructions, read the “Paying the Fees” section of the application guide.

5. Mail the application form and documents

The application package will provide the address for mailing your application. Be sure your application is complete. Include the original receipt for your application fee and all other supporting documents outlined in the document checklist.

You need to replace an expired (or due to expire), lost or stolen Permanent Resident Card

Lost, stolen, destroyed or expired immigration documents issued by the Government of Canada can be replaced. To have documents replaced, you must complete an application and pay the $50 processing fee.

If your Permanent Resident Card is lost, stolen or destroyed, immediately contact the Call Centre. If your card has simply expired (or is due to expire), you do not need to contact the Call Centre.

You will have to complete an application for a new Permanent Resident Card. Follow the steps for How to apply for your Permanent Resident Card on this page.

You require urgent processing of your Permanent Resident Card application

If you have not mailed your application:

Complete your application as instructed in How to apply for your Permanent Resident Card on this page.

Include a photocopy of your travel tickets or e-ticket with your application, and write “Urgent—Proof of travel included” on your envelope. An agent from the processing centre will examine your application quickly.Your travel itinerary or e-ticket will only be accepted as proof of travel if you also include proof of partial or full payment for the ticket, showing date, amount and method of payment.

If you sent your application by courier or registered mail:

If it has been longer than the “received up to” date posted on our website and you have not yet received your card, please send us the following information by fax at 514-496‑8670:

  • the date you mailed your application, the company you used, the date it was received and the confirmation number
  • a photocopy of your plane, bus, train or boat ticket (if not available, then a travel itinerary or e-ticket with proof of payment)
  • your surname and given name
  • your client ID number (if available)
  • your date of birth
  • your home address
  • your daytime telephone number (this is the number at which CIC will call you about your request for urgent processing) and
  • your email address (if applicable).

We will examine your request and contact you within two business days to inform you whether it is possible to speed up the process.

If you sent your application by regular mail:

If it has been longer than the “received up to” date posted on our website since you submitted your application and you have not yet received your card, you may mail a new application, including:

  • a photocopy of your plane, bus, train or boat ticket (if not available, then a travel itinerary or e-ticket with proof of payment)
  • all supporting documents (you will have to replace pictures and certified copies)
  • a photocopy of your receipt of payment form (IMM 5401) or electronic receipt and
  • an explanation letter with your personal information, client ID number and the reason you are re-sending your application.

Also:

  • write “Urgent—Proof of travel included” on your envelope
  • use registered mail or a courier service (optional).

Or:

For more information, you can check application processing times. You can also read the service standard for an initial PR Card. This details the specific level of service you can expect to receive under normal circumstances. You can also contact the CIC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100.