When Should You Renew Your PR Card?
You should apply to renew your PR card if:
- Your card is expired or will expire within the next 9 months
- Your card is lost, stolen, or damaged
- You have legally changed your name and need a new card issued
Note: You do not lose your permanent resident status when your PR card expires. However, a valid PR card is required for re-entry to Canada by commercial carrier (plane, train, bus, or boat).
Who Is Eligible to Renew?
You may apply to renew your PR card if:
- You are a permanent resident of Canada
- You are physically present in Canada at the time of application
- You meet the residency obligation (730 days in Canada in the last 5 years)
- You are not under a removal order or facing inadmissibility
Residency Obligation Exceptions
If you have not met the 730-day rule, you may still apply if:
- You were accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse or parent abroad
- You were employed abroad by a Canadian business
- You have humanitarian reasons for your time outside Canada (rare but possible)
Our team can help you explain and document these exceptional circumstances.
Documents Required
You will generally need:
- Two photos meeting IRCC specifications
- A copy of your valid passport
- Copy of expired or current PR card
- Proof of time in Canada (e.g., travel history, leases, tax returns, employment letters)
- Supporting documents if you are applying under an exception to the 730-day rule
Processing Time & IRCC Fees
- IRCC Fee: $50 CAD
- Processing Time: ~70–120 days (varies)
- Method: Application must be submitted online via PR Portal (as of 2025)
How We Help?
At Sapra Immigration Services Inc., we support you with:
- Determining if you meet the residency obligation
- Reviewing your travel history and time in Canada
- Advising on complex renewals (residency shortfall, humanitarian exception)
- Organizing and formatting documents correctly for IRCC submission
- Assistance with name change applications, lost/stolen PR cards, or reissue
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Step 2: Create Your Express Entry Profile
- Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents
- Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Step 5: Prepare Your Application
- Step 6: Submit Your Complete Application within timeframe
- Step 7: Respond to Additional Information Requests
- Step 8: Receive Your Decision
- Step 9: If Approved, Receive Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) Document
You may leave Canada, but cannot return via plane, train, or bus without a valid PR card or Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD).
No. You must be physically present in Canada to apply and to receive your new PR card.
You can still apply and submit a humanitarian or employment-based explanation. Our RCIC can assess and help prepare your file.
No, but you must be a valid PR. A PR card is not required, though it helps confirm your status.
Need Help Renewing Your PR Card?
Whether your card has expired, you’re short on residency days, or you have been outside Canada — we can help you prepare a strong and complete renewal application.