Permanent Resident Card

Permanent Resident Card


The Permanent Resident Card is the official proof of a person’s status as a permanent resident in Canada.

This wallet-sized plastic card is required for all permanent residents of Canada seeking to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus).

If you are a current permanent resident, you will only receive a new card when your existing card expires. If you are a new permanent resident, you will automatically receive your new card as part of the immigration process.

You can apply for a PR Card if:

  • you received permanent resident status before June 28, 2002;
  • you became a permanent resident after June 28, 2002 but did not receive a PR Card at that time; or
  • you need to replace an expired, lost or stolen PR Card.

If you received permanent resident status before June 28, 2002, you were issued an Immigrant Visa and Record of Landing (IMM 1000). You may need this document to apply for your first, or replacement, PR Card. Since June 2002, all new permanent residents automatically receive their first PR Card as part of the immigration process.

The PR Card expires every five years. Check the expiry date and apply for a new one at least 90 days before you plan to travel outside Canada. Find out what the current processing times for a PR Card application are at http://www.cic.gc.ca.