For those who have gained their permanent resident status in Canada, maintaining this status is important as they are only valid for five years at a time. You should apply at least six months in advance of your Permanent resident Card expiry date.

How do I renew my Permanent Resident (PR) card?

Renewing your PR Card is relatively simple, provided you have complied with your residency obligation. You will need to demonstrate this by providing the right documents as well as providing other basic criteria such as photos and the government fee.

What happens if my PR card expires and I am not in Canada?

This is a common occurrence and is not something that has a general all-encompassing solution. It depends on many factors, such as where you currently are, what your country of origin is etc. If your card has expired and you are not in Canada, you may be required to acquire what is called a travel document. There is always a solution however, just because your card has expired does not mean your status has expired.

Can I travel to Canada with an expired PR Card?

It depends. If you are travelling by plane and come from a country that is not visa exempt, you will not be allowed to board a plane to Canada without a valid PR card. If you come from a country that is visa exempt, you most likely will not have to show proof of status in Canada to travel to Canada. Therefore, you will be able to travel to Canada with an expired PR Card.

If my PR Card has expired, can’t I just get a visitor visa?

When your PR Card expires, your status does not. This means that you are still considered a permanent resident of Canada despite your card being expired. This is a permanent status. A visitor visa or Temporary Resident Visa is a temporary status. In order to obtain temporary status in Canada, you will need first to surrender your permanent status – meaning you are no longer a permanent resident of Canada. In most cases, this is not a wise decision unless you have no issues with giving up this status and do not have long-term goals for Canada.

What is a travel document? How do I obtain a travel document?

A travel document is for permanent residents of Canada who are abroad. Typically this is for situations when a PR card has been lost or expired while you are abroad. Obtaining a travel document is similar to obtaining a PR Card, as the documentation is predominantly the same for both.

How long does it take to process my PR card renewal?

Processing times for a PR card renewal can take up to 100 calendar days, which is why it is recommended that you apply in advance for a near-expiring card. If there are urgent travel needs, you may apply for expedited processing; however, this is at the discretion of Citizenship and Immigration Canada to determine whether or not your situation justifies expedited processing.

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For further information with respect to your Canadian immigration, we invite you to contact our experienced immigration representatives.