Renew Your PR Card

The Permanent Resident (PR) card is an identification document and a travel document for permanent residents of Canada. A permanent resident card (PR card) is usually issued for five years but can sometimes be issued for one year instead. It is valid until the expiry date listed on the card. These cards are sent only to addresses within Canada or picked up in person at one of the Canadian offices.

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Permanent residents use a valid permanent resident card (PR card) or Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return to Canada by plane, train, bus or boat. Without one, you may not be able to board. Your PR card needs to be valid when you show it. However, if your card expires, you will have to apply for a new one. You are still a permanent resident even if your card expires.

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If your PR card expires when you’re travelling, make sure to renew before leaving Canada. A PR card can only be renewed in Canada. In case you are already outside Canada without a valid PR card, you need to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document to return to Canada then upon arriving in Canada, you renew it.

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When you are applying to renew for a PR card, keep your current card and include a photocopy of it with your application. Also, a clear copy of your valid passport or travel document, or the passport or travel document you held at the time you became a permanent resident.