Are you in the process of renewing your permanent resident card? If so, you may be wondering what steps you need to take to complete the renewal application.
The good news is that the process is relatively straightforward. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of renewing your PR card, step by step.
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know exactly what you need to do to get your renewal application started.
How to renew your PR card
Canadian PR card holders need to renew their PR cards every 5 years. You can also renew your PR card if it has been lost, stolen, or destroyed. To renew your PR card, you will need to fill out an application and submit it to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
However, before filling out the application, you will need to check your eligibility. To be eligible to renew your PR card, you must:
- Be a permanent resident of Canada.
- Be physically present in Canada.
- Have a valid PR card and meet the residency requirements.
- Not have been convicted of an indictable offense in Canada or any other country.
- Have proof of lost, stolen, or destroyed PR card (if applicable).
If you meet all of the above eligibility requirements, you can proceed with filling out the application. Let’s take a look at the step-by-step process of renewing your PR card.
Step 1: Gather the required documents
The first step is to gather all of the required documents:
- You will need to pay the PR card renewal fee, which is currently $50. Include a copy of the receipt with your application.
- You will need two recent photographs of yourself that meet the IRCC photo requirements.
- You will need to submit proof of your identity. This can be done with a valid passport, birth certificate, or any other government-issued ID.
- If you have your old PR card, include a copy of it with your application. If you do not have your old PR card, IRCC will ask you to visit a local office to have your fingerprints taken.
- If you were outside of Canada for more than 1095 days during the last 5 years, you will need to submit proof of residency.
- English or French translations must be included for any documents that are not in English or French.
Step 2: Fill out the application
The next step is to fill out the application form. You can find the application form, along with detailed instructions, on the IRCC website.
There are two parts to the application: Part A and Part B. Part A is for personal information, such as your name, contact information, and date of birth. Part B is for questions about your residency in Canada, your criminal history, and whether you have ever been refused entry to Canada.
Be sure to answer all of the questions truthfully and accurately. If you make a mistake or provide false information, your application could be delayed or denied. Plus, if any section of the form doesn’t apply to you, simply write “not applicable” in that section.
Step 3: Pay the application fee
The next step is to pay the application fee. The current fee for renewing a PR card is $50. The fee must be paid online through the IRCC website. Include a copy of the receipt with your application.
Keep in mind that the application fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
Step 4: Submit the application
Once you have gathered all of the required documents and filled out the application form, you are ready to submit your application. You need to send your application in a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the following address:
Case Processing Centre — PR card
P.O. Box 10020
SYDNEY, NS B1P 7C1
CANADA
However, if you have an urgent need for a PR card (for example, you need to travel urgently for a family emergency), you are required to submit proof of travel along with your application. IRCC will then process your application within 4-5 weeks.
Step 5: Wait for a decision
After you have submitted your application, all you can do is wait for a decision. The processing time for PR card renewals is typically around 90 business days. However, it can take longer if your application is incomplete or if you need to provide additional information.
If your application is approved, you will receive your new PR card in the mail. If your application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the decision. You can then appeal the decision or reapply at a later date.
Important details to keep in mind
New Permanent residents will automatically receive a PR card
If you are a new permanent resident, you will automatically receive a PR card in the mail once you arrive in Canada and supply a Canadian permanent address. You do not need to apply for one if you submit this information within the 180-day time frame.
If you don’t provide an address within this time frame, you’ll need to pay a $50 fee when you eventually do apply.
You must update and keep your card current
You must update your PR card if any of the information on it, such as your name, address, and gender, changes. This is important because your PR card is proof of your status in Canada.
You should also keep your PR card up to date by renewing it before it expires. If you let your PR card expire, you should apply for a new one before traveling outside of Canada. Otherwise, you may not be able to return to Canada.
Express Entry can help you stay up to date with everything you need to know about Canadian PR!
Applying for your PR card renewal doesn’t have to be daunting, and we hope that by providing you with a step-by-step guide from beginning to end, it will be a little less stressful.
We know that staying up to date on the latest changes and news can be difficult, but thankfully Express Entry PR is here to help make life just a little bit easier.
Visit our website for more information on all things Canadian immigration, or contact us today if you have any questions – we would be happy to help!