PR Card Renewal

Home PR Card Renewal

What is a PR Card and PR Travel Document and why are they required?

A PR Card is simply an ID card that lets the government know that you have valid PR status in Canada. Its main purpose is to allow a PR to board a plane and travel back to Canada. Since a PR is not eligible for a visitor visa, a PR Card is required for travel authorization back to Canada. If your PR card expires, that does not mean that your PR status expires.

If you find yourself outside Canada and do not have a valid PR Card, you will require a PR Travel Document (PRTD) to travel back to Canada. The main reason for this, is if you apply for a PR Card, you will have to pick it up in person, in Canada. Therefore, the only option would be to apply for a PRTD.

What to do if my PR Card expired?

If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic. When your PR Card expires, this does not mean your status as a PR (permanent resident) expires. You will have PR until the formal process of revoking your PR is initiated. Depending on your situation, there are different options available to remedy the problem. The choice in strategy will be dependent on several factors:

  • If your PR Card has already expired

  • Where you are currently located: inside Canada or outside Canada

  • If you have been present at least 730 days in Canada in the last 5 years

Many people are confused when dealing with issues surrounding the PR Card and PR status. To simplify things, we have categorized into common questions our firm is often asked.

What happens when my PR Card expires?

If your PR card expires, then you need to apply for a new one. If you are outside of Canada when it expires, then you need to apply for a PR Travel Document. If you do not meet the Residency Requirement, DO NOT apply for a PR Card or Travel document! If you do, the IRCC will start the process of revoking your PR Status, and you will have to file a Residency Appeal. Too many people are misinformed about this issue, and lose their PR status as a result.

In order to apply for either a PR Card or PR Travel Document, you need to show proof of meeting the residency requirement: At the time your application is assessed (submitted), you must show the government that you have lived in Canada for at least 2 years (730 days) in the last 5 years. These 730 days are not consecutive, but cumulative. If you are a PR and your spouse is a Canadian citizen, then each day you accompanied your spouse overseas, these days will count towards the residency requirement, as if you were physically present in Canada.

If you have not been in Canada for a cumulative period of at least 2 years (or 730 days) over the last 5 years, DO NOT apply for a PR Card, or else the government will begin the process of revoking (ending) your PR status.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *