July 19, 2024

Guide to Renewing Your Permanent Resident Card in Canada: A Step-by-Step Process

Posted by Legal Team - Bellissimo Law Group PC

In order to renew your Permanent Resident (PR) card, there are a few things you will need to consider before submitting your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You will have to ensure you meet the residency obligations, then gather the required documents, followed by completing the required application forms accurately and answering all the questions in detail. Once that is done, you will be required to pay the required government processing fee, following which you can submit your application for a PR card renewal either online, through the PR Portal, or by regular mail/courier. 

 Step 1: Ensure you are eligible to renew your PR card 

To be eligible for a PR card, you must: 

  • Be a permanent resident of Canada; 
  • Be physically present in Canada; 
  • Meet the residency requirement; 
  • Not be under an effective removal order; 
  • Not be a Canadian citizen; and 
  • Not be convicted of an offense related to the misuse of a PR card. 

Step 2: Gather your documents 

Once you ensure you meet eligibility requirements, you can begin collecting your documents and preparing your application. The following documents will be required: 

  • Documents listed in the IRCC Document Checklist [IMM 5644]; 
  • Proof showing that you meet the residency obligation in the past five (5) years immediately before the Application:  
    • If you have been a PR for five (5) years or more: 
      • You must have been physically present in Canada for a minimum of 730 days within the past five (5) years 
    • If you have been a PR for less than five (5) years: 
      • You must show that you will be able to meet the minimum of 730 days of physical presence in Canada within five (5) years of the date you became a PR 
    • Supporting documents to show that you meet the residency obligation: 
      • Must provide copies of two (2) pieces of evidence to show residency in Canada in five (5) years immediately before the application, such as: 
        • Employment records or pay stubs; 
        • Bank statements; 
        • Canada revenue agency (CRA) notice of assessment for the five (5) years immediately before the application 
        • Evidence that you received benefits from Canadian government programs; 
        • Rental agreements; 
        • Club memberships; 
        • Or any other documents that prove you met your residency obligation. 
  • Photos that meet certain specifications;  
  • Copy of one (1) primary identity document which shows: the document type and number; issue and expiry date; your name; your photo; and your date of birth. The following documents are accepted by IRCC as the primary identity document: 
    • Valid passport or travel document or 
    • The passport or travel document you had when you became a permanent resident (if applicable, include the passport page that was stamped when you arrived in Canada and became a PR) or 
    • The certificate of identity or travel document issued by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or a foreign country  
  • Copy of the PR card you are renewing; 
  • Fees: include a copy of the receipt showing the amount paid. 
  • Note: any documents that are not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation. 

Step 2: Fill out the forms 

  • Fill out the Application for a Permanent Resident Card or Permanent Resident Travel Document [IMM 5444] as well as any other forms applicable to your circumstances. Ensure to accurately list all your absences from Canada. 

Step 3: Pay the Fees 

  • Processing fees must be paid when you apply.  

Step 4: Submit your application 

  • Online Application: if you are completing an online application for a PR card, you will submit your application and all required supporting documentation through the PR Portal. 
  • Paper Application: mail your fully completed PR card application and all required documents to IRCC. 

Once your application is submitted and it passes the completeness check, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter from IRCC informing you that they have received your application and it has been accepted into processing with the file number assigned.  

The current posted processing times for PR card renewal applications is 74 days, although the processing times fluctuate. Also, some applications take longer than others to be processed. Processing times can be checked here. 

Note that the information above is not intended to be legal advice, and while current as of the date of writing, is subject to change. If you would like to discuss your eligibility for renewal of your permanent residence card in Canada, or wish to learn more, feel free to schedule a consultation with our office. 

Ana Martinez

Ana graduated from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom with a Bachelor of Laws (Juris Doctor). During this time, she participated in mooting and negotiation competitions as well as mentorship and human rights initiatives. Prior to law school, Ana graduated from the University of Toronto with a double major in Criminology & Socio-Legal Studies and Italian Studies. Ana is fluent in Spanish.

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