When it comes to renewing your PR Card, it is important to gather the necessary documents to support your application. While some individuals may be eligible for Canadian citizenship and not require PR Card renewal, for those who need to renew, the following documents are typically required:
Include a copy of your current PR Card to demonstrate your existing status.
Provide official identity documents for identification purposes. This can include a copy of a valid driving license or other government-issued identification.
If you have obtained travel documents to re-enter Canada when your PR Card expires, be sure to include a copy of these documents as well.
If you do not possess a passport, submit a copy of any foreign passport or travel document you may have.
Include two recent photographs that meet the specified PR Card application requirements (e.g., 50mm x 70mm). Place the pictures in an envelope, avoiding stapling or using paper clips.
Provide evidence that you meet the residency requirements for maintaining PR status, which typically involves demonstrating at least two years of residence in Canada within the last five years.
If you were outside of Canada accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse/common-law partner during your absence, submit proof of your partner’s Canadian citizenship (e.g., citizenship papers) and evidence of your relationship (e.g., marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship). Show that your Canadian citizen spouse or partner was with you throughout your time away from Canada.
If you or your permanent resident spouse/common-law partner worked full-time for a Canadian company or business while abroad, provide documents demonstrating this employment. This can include proof that the company has a head office in Canada and primarily operates and manages its activities from within the country. Similarly, if your spouse or partner is the one working for the Canadian company, provide proof of your relationship (e.g., marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship) and evidence of their presence with you during your absence.
If you lack proof of accompanying a Canadian citizen abroad or employment with a Canadian business while abroad, you may still be eligible to renew your PR Card on H&C grounds. This requires providing a compelling case based on humanitarian and compassionate considerations.
Note: Documents not in English or French must be accompanied by certified translations.
If you are a new permanent resident in Canada, you do not need to apply for a PR card. However, to be eligible for a PR card, you must be a permanent resident and submit your application within Canada. It is important to apply for a PR card under the following circumstances:
If your PR card has expired or will expire within the next nine months, it is essential to apply for a renewal.
If your PR card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you should promptly apply for a replacement.
If you have not received your PR card within 180 days of immigrating to Canada, you must submit an application to obtain your card.
You may need to update your PR card in specific situations, such as legally changing your name, changing your citizenship, changing your gender designation, or correcting your date of birth.
To ensure a smooth return to Canada via plane, train, bus, or boat, it is crucial to possess a valid permanent resident (PR) card. If you anticipate that your card will expire while you are travelling, it is advisable to renew it before your departure. PR card renewals can only be done within Canada, as the government does not mail PR cards to non-Canadian addresses, and third parties cannot obtain them on your behalf.
If you find yourself outside Canada with an expired PR card, you will require a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) to return. PRTD applications must be made from outside Canada, and attempting to re-enter Canada without a valid PR card or PRTD may lead to difficulties boarding your flight, train, bus, or boat.
While your PR card may expire while you are outside Canada, your permanent resident (PR) status remains intact. However, maintaining your PR status requires spending a certain amount of time in Canada.
The appropriate course of action when your PR card expires while outside Canada depends on your intended method of returning:
If you plan to return to Canada by a private vehicle, there are alternative documents you can use for re-entry. Once you are back in Canada, it is recommended to apply for a new PR card if you have future travel plans outside the country. Examples of private vehicles include privately owned or rented cars, trucks, motorcycles, or recreational vehicles not available for public use.
Airplane, bus, train, or boat: If your return to Canada involves a commercial vehicle, such as an airplane, bus, train, or boat, you must apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) in advance to ensure a smooth re-entry. Failure to obtain a PRTD may result in travel restrictions to Canada.
You have the option to apply for a PR card replacement either upon your return to Canada or before your departure. Urgent processing may be available in certain cases.
PR cards typically have a validity of five years, although some are valid for only one year. The expiration date is printed on the card. Once your PR card has expired, it cannot be used as a travel document. If your PR card expires within six months, applying for renewal while in Canada is advisable. In cases where you are returning to Canada by a commercial vehicle and possess an expired PR card, obtaining a PRTD is necessary for re-entry.
For information on processing times and to determine the duration of the wait for your new PR card, please refer to the official processing time guidelines.
If you are a permanent resident currently residing in Canada, your new PR card will be delivered to you through the mail. However, in certain situations, you may be required to collect it from your local IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) office. It is crucial to notify IRCC promptly if there is a change in your mailing address to ensure successful delivery. Keep in mind that if you fail to collect your PR card within 180 days, it will be destroyed.
The PR card will not be sent via mail to permanent residents outside of Canada. Instead, you will need to collect it once you return to Canada.
However, if your PR card has expired prior to your return, you will be required to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD). This document allows for a one-time re-entry to Canada solely for the purpose of renewing your PR card.
Loss of permanent residence status is not automatic. It requires a determination by an officer. If no officer makes a decision that PR status is lost, then the person is still a permanent resident. This is very important for those persons who have an expired PR card and still wish to enter Canada.
Now, those who remain outside of Canada for too long risk being exposed to uncomfortable questioning and losing their status as a result.
Making a proper presentation at the border is crucial. If this is not done, then you can risk losing your PR status!
At Akrami & Associates, we prepare you for the border crossing. We prepare you for the interview questioning and how to answer these questions properly. We also prepare an Entry Package for you to carry with you so that the officer is clear as to why you left, why you are seeking entry again and what your legal rights are.
Many of our clients have successfully entered Canada on an expired PR card with our Entry Package.
In essence, it does happen that people who were not able to meet the 730-day rule were still able to enter Canada. Thankfully the 730-day rule is not completely inflexible. The officer reviewing the case is allowed to consider humanitarian and compassionate factors. But humanitarian and compassionate factors are not clearly defined, so no one should simply assume that they will qualify for this kind of flexibility.
If you have not received your Permanent Resident card, it is important to follow these steps:
Typically, it takes about six weeks for your PR card to be mailed to you. During this time, the card is processed and sent to the address you provided. It is important to note that this time frame applies to applications where the applicant meets the residency obligation of PR.
If six weeks have passed and you have not received your PR card despite it being mailed to you, you should contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to inquire about the status of your PR card renewal application. They will be able to provide you with information and guidance regarding your specific case.
It is important to understand that the processing time may vary depending on the complexity of the application, especially if the applicant is not meeting the residency obligation of PR. In such cases, additional documentation or review may be required, leading to a longer processing time. Therefore, it is advisable to keep track of the timeline and contact IRCC if there are any delays or concerns regarding your PR card.
To ensure a smooth renewal process for your Permanent Resident (PR) card, it is recommended to submit an application if your card is set to expire within 6 months. This timeframe allows sufficient processing time to receive your renewed card before its expiration.
If you have plans to travel abroad and your PR card is due to expire while you are outside of Canada, it is important to renew it before your departure. This is especially crucial if you intend to re-enter the country using a commercial vehicle such as an airplane, boat, train, or bus. Without a valid PR card, you may face difficulties during the re-entry process.
In certain circumstances where time is of the essence, you have the option to apply for urgent processing. This can be particularly helpful if you are planning a trip outside of Canada and aim to renew your PR card before your departure. Urgent processing may expedite the renewal process, ensuring that you have a valid PR card in hand when you need it.
At Akrami & Associates, we understand the complexities and concerns surrounding the maintenance of PR status. Our team of immigration experts can provide guidance and support throughout the process of renewing your PR card, ensuring a smooth transition and continued validity of your permanent residence. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation and receive personalized advice tailored to your needs.
At Akrami & Associates, we understand the importance of timely receipt and renewal of your PR card. Our team can provide guidance and support throughout the process, ensuring you clearly understand the requirements and necessary steps. Whether you need assistance with address updates, PR card collection, or applying for a PRTD, we are here to help. Contact us today to discuss your specific circumstances and receive expert immigration advice.
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| Canadian Immigration, Expired PR Card, H&C Requirements, How to Renew my PR Card outside of Canada, How to renew my PR Card?, PR Card Renewal, PR Card Renewal 2015, PR Card Renewal with H and C |
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