Frequently Asked Questions - Permanent Resident Card
Who is a permanent resident?
A permanent resident is a person who has immigrated to Canada. To keep permanent resident status, a permanent resident must live in Canada for at least two years in a five-year period.
I am immigrating to Canada. When will I receive my permanent resident card?
Please note: The PR card processing centre is experiencing higher than usual processing times. For up-to-date information, see Processing Times: Permanent Resident Card.
Incomplete applications will cause a delay in processing, so please ensure that your application is complete and that it includes all documents required for processing.
If you do not have a Canadian mailing address before you arrive in Canada, you must provide your new address to Citizenship and Immigration Canada as soon as possible after arriving. For more information concerning your new address, see Change My Address.
What if I’m already a permanent resident? How long does it take Citizenship and Immigration Canada to process my application for a new or replacement Permanent Resident Card?
Go to Application processing times. Incomplete applications will cause a delay, so please check that your application is complete and that it includes all the documents required to be processed.
What documents do I need to apply for my first card, or to replace my Permanent Resident Card?
The Document Checklist in the application guide explains all the documents you need.
How will my card be delivered to me?
If you are a new permanent resident, you will receive your Permanent Resident Card by mail.
If you are already a permanent resident and are applying for a first card, or if you are replacing a card, you must pick up your card in person to confirm your identity. The Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) office closest to where you live will send you a notice by postal delivery when the card is ready. The notice will tell you how to make an appointment to pick up your card. Your Permanent Resident Card will be cancelled if you do not pick it up within 180 days of receiving the notice from CIC. If your card is cancelled, you will need to apply again and pay another application fee.
Can the Permanent Resident Card be mailed to me if the Citizenship and Immigration Canada office is far away?
If you are already a permanent resident and you are applying for your first Permanent Resident Card, or if you are replacing a card, you must pick up your card in person to confirm your identity.
If you are unable to go to your appointment to pick up your card, you should contact the Call Centre (see Contact Us at the top of this page) and explain your situation. Do this at least a day before the appointment to pick up your card.
Will other government agencies in Canada ask to see my card?
Other government agencies may ask to see your Permanent Resident Card to confirm your status in Canada. Your status as a permanent resident may need to be confirmed to receive some programs and services. Please keep this card in a safe place when it is not in use.
Why did Citizenship and Immigration Canada change the look of the Permanent Resident Card?
It is common to change secure identification documents like the Permanent Resident Card from time to time to reduce the risk of counterfeit, forgery and fraud.
Do current Permanent Resident Card holders have to apply to get a new card?
No. Current permanent residents only need to get a new card when their existing Permanent Resident Card expires. In the meantime, their existing card is still valid.
Why did Citizenship and Immigration Canada introduce the Permanent Resident Card?
Citizenship and Immigration Canada introduced the Permanent Resident card to:
- increase border security
- improve the integrity of the immigration process and
- provide holders with secure proof of their permanent residence status when re-entering Canada on a commercial carrier (plane, train, boat and bus).
How does the Permanent Resident Card improve the ability of Citizenship and Immigration Canada to secure Canada’s borders?
The card gives holders reliable proof of their permanent residence status in Canada. The high-tech security features make the card extremely resistant to tampering or duplication. The card simplifies document screening for transportation officials because all permanent residents must produce the card when boarding a commercial carrier to Canada.
Do I require a Permanent Resident Card if I’m returning to Canada by car?
No matter how you travel back to Canada, all permanent residents entering Canada must satisfy the border services officer that they have valid permanent resident status. A valid permanent resident card is the best proof of your status.
If you do not present your card when you return to Canada, you may be asked to show one of the following documents:
- a completed Confirmation of Permanent Residence form;
- the original Record of Landing (if it is dated 1973 or later);
- a passport stamped with the date you were granted permanent residence (if your Record of Landing is dated 1972 or earlier);
- a certified true copy of a Record of Landing document issued by CIC National Headquarters; or
- a letter issued by CIC National Headquarters attesting to your permanent resident status.
The border services officer may also need to confirm your permanent resident status by asking you questions and checking our information systems.
What happens if my card expires while I am outside Canada?
If you wish to return to Canada and don’t have a valid Permanent Resident Card, you will need to obtain a permanent resident travel document from a Canadian visa office abroad. For a list of visa offices, see Find a CIC office. Once you return to Canada, you should apply for a Permanent Resident Card.
Do children of permanent residents need a Permanent Resident Card too?
Yes. Every permanent resident seeking to return to Canada by commercial transportation needs a Permanent Resident card. However, children of permanent residents who were born in Canada are Canadian citizens and need a Canadian passport to travel, not a Permanent Resident Card.
If I have been granted citizenship, what happens to my Permanent Resident Card?
Once a grant of citizenship is awarded, you are no longer a permanent resident and your card will be revoked.