A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Renew a Permanent Resident Card in Canada

Wondering how to renew a Permanent Resident Card in Canada? Then you are in the right place.

Permanent Residency in Canada allows individuals to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada and provides access to a range of social programs, including the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Additionally, it grants access to free public education for children, and a pathway to becoming a Canadian citizen.

The permanent resident card has a validity period of five years. However, in some cases, it can be one year, and it should be renewed at least nine months before the expiry date. It is important to note that the expiration of the permanent resident card does not mean the loss of permanent resident status. You can still be a permanent resident even when your card has expired.

It does not take too long for the PR card to be renewed. If the candidate meets all renewal requirements, you can extend pr card Canada or apply for the  Permanent Resident card renewal. Keep Reading this blog to find out how to renew a permanent resident card in Canada, we have simplified the process in this step-by-step guide.

Steps on How to Renew a Permanent Resident Card in Canada

The following is the complete guide on how to renew a permanent resident card in Canada. To make things even easier, let’s schedule a meeting.

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Step1: Eligibility and Requirements for PR Card renewal

In order to apply for the PR card renewal you must meet the following requirements:

• You must have the status of a permanent resident.
• You must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days out of a period of five years.
• You have no record of conviction for any offense.
• You must submit your application form within Canada.

However, there can be exceptions if:

• You have been traveling with a Canadian citizen who is your spouse, common-law partner, or parent. You must also provide proof of your relationship with that person.

• You have been working full-time for a Canadian business, the federal public administration, or the public service of a province.

• You were accompanying a permanent resident of Canada (your spouse, common-law partner, or parent) who is employed full-time by a Canadian business, the federal public administration, or the public service of a province. You must also provide proof of your relationship with the person you were accompanying.

For more details and information, you can check the Government of Canada’s website.

Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds for Permanent Residence in Canada

In some cases, when you do not meet the criteria and wonder how to renew a permanent Permanent Resident Card in Canada, you can apply on Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds (H&C) for permanent resident card renewal.

This allows for flexibility for those who may face hardship or have strong ties to Canada that make it difficult to return to their home country. It’s not a route to obtain permanent residence for the first time, but rather an exception for those already with PR status. 

In this case 

• You need to clearly indicate the reasons to get exemptions from the usual requirements.
• Provide all the necessary details to convince the Canadian Government about why your application should be considered on H&C grounds.

For complete details and information, you can check the Humanitarian & Compassionate section of the official IRCC website.

 Step 2: Documents you need to Renew your PR Card

Renewing your Permanent Resident Card in Canada requires a set of documents. Providing these documents will save you from unnecessary delays.

• Your expired card.
• Confirmation of permanent residence
• A valid passport
• Documents showing the 730-day residency obligation
• 2 Photographs that meet IRCC PR Card photo specification
• Proof of payment
• Other additional documents ( If needed)

 Step 3: How to Complete the Application

You can download the form IMM 5444 from the IRCC website to renew your permanent resident card.

Here is the form link: Click

• Provide your basic identity information
• Your current residential and mailing address
• Your telephone number and email address.
• Provide your immigration history.
• You must confirm your 730 days of residency obligation in Canada.
• Double-check before mailing.
• You must submit an IM5476 form if you are using a representative.
• A request for the change of gender identifier IRM0002 (If needed)

Step 4: Pay your fee online and submit the fee receipt

The next step in the process of how to renew your permanent resident card in Canada involves fee submission. Fees can not be submitted through the permanent residence portal for PR card renewal. You have to pay your fees online through the IRCC website.

After you have submitted the fees, you can upload your receipt to the fee payment section in the permanent residence portal to show that you have cleared the PR card renewal fees. If you are thinking about refunds, the answer is “No.” Refunds are not possible if the application is in progress.

Here is the link you can follow to pay your fees. Click

Step 5: How to Submit Your Application for PR Card Renewal

Application submission is the crucial process in PR Card renewal. Before submitting the application and documents, double-check that

• You have answered all the questions.
• Your application and all forms are signed. ( The name on the document should be similar to your passport name)
• Include the fee receipt.
• Upload your documents.

Step 6: What Happens After You Submit Your Application

The processing time for the PR card renewal is around 45 days. Once you have submitted the complete documents and application, you must keep track of your application. One of the reasons for the delay can be the lack of information specified by IRCC. As a result, the Government can ask for additional documents, which may slow down the process.

However, it can vary depending on a variety of factors. Renewal of your permanent resident card sometimes requires some patience. It also depends on the number of applications received by the IRCC.

Step 7: Check Your Application Status

After submitting your application, it’s important to track its status. You can monitor updates by following this link. Stay informed throughout the process.

How will I receive my Permanent Resident Card?

Once the Permanent Resident Card renewal process is complete, the Canadian Government will mail you the card to the address that you provided at the time of application. However, in some cases, you may be asked to pick up your card from the IRCC office in Canada.

In both cases, you should receive your Permanent Resident Card within 180 days of its issuance. If you do not, the Canadian Government will cancel your card, and you will have to re-apply for the procedure.

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Can I renew my PR Card online?

Yes, you can renew your Permanent Resident (PR) Card online.

To begin with, the Government of Canada provides an online portal where you can submit your application to renew your PR Card. This portal offers step-by-step guidance and allows you to upload documents, track your application status, and receive updates.

Here is the portal link you can follow. Click here

However, you must be physically present in Canada at the time you apply for PR Card renewal. This is a critical requirement.

If your PR Card has expired and you are outside Canada, you cannot apply to renew it directly. Instead, you must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD). The PRTD allows you to re-enter Canada by confirming your permanent resident status. Once you are back in Canada, and if you meet the residency requirement (having been in Canada for at least 730 days during the last 5 years), you can then apply to renew your PR Card through the online portal.

Key Points to Remember:

• Online renewal is only for applicants who are inside Canada.

• You need to meet the residency requirement (730 days in Canada over the past 5 years) to be eligible.

• If you’re outside Canada, apply for a PRTD to return before applying for PR Card renewal.

Always make sure your PR Card is valid before making travel plans. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or situation, it’s wise to consult with an immigration professional before proceeding.

Planning a trip and unsure about how to renew permanent resident card  in Canada? Get a FREE Consultation Now.

How long does the permanent resident card renewal take?

Renewing a Permanent Resident (PR) card usually takes 30 to 90 days.

It may take longer—up to 6 months or more—if:

• Your application is incomplete

• There are many applications being processed

• Your case is complex

Tip: Apply at least 6 months before your card expires to avoid travel issues.
For urgent travel, you can ask for faster processing.

Landed Immigrant Canada

A landed Immigrant in Canada is also called a permanent resident of Canada. A landed Immigrant is a person who has been given the right by immigration authorities to live, work, or study in Canada. To renew a landed immigrant card, you have to follow the same process as you do to renew your PR card.

Can I renew my landed Immigrant Card?

Yes, renewing the landed immigrant card involves the same process as renewing the Permanent Resident Card. In case you think that the Landed Immigrant card is a different document, then the answer is “No.” Both terms are used to refer to the same document. In short, both terms mean that you are allowed to work, live, or study in Canada while being a Canadian citizen.

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Conclusion

Renewing your permanent resident card in Canada is important to maintain your residence status and travel smoothly in and out of Canada. It is significant to gather complete knowledge of how to renew a permanent resident card in Canada. Besides, permanent resident status offers a lot of advantages. It gives you the right to live, work, and study just like a Canadian citizen, but within legal limitations.

You can enjoy access to many benefits like health care, quality education for your children, and other social security benefits. Above all, it smoothes your path to Canadian citizenship. You do not require a work permit to work in Canada. As a permanent resident, you can also sponsor your family members to immigrate to Canada. The expiry of a permanent resident card does not mean that you have lost your PR status. You remain a permanent resident even after the expiry of the PR card.

For further information and details on how to get permanent residence card in Canada, you can also Book a Free Consultation with Canada Shaws’ experts.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1-What happens if my Canadian Permanent Resident Card expires?

You do not lose your permanent resident (PR) status when your PR card expires.

You will only lose your PR status if one of the following occurs:

• An immigration officer determines that you are no longer a permanent resident after an inquiry or following a refusal of a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) and an unsuccessful appeal.

• You voluntarily renounce your permanent resident status.

• A removal order issued against you comes into effect.

• You become a Canadian citizen.

Even if you do not meet the residency obligation, you will remain a permanent resident until an official decision is made to revoke your status.

2-How do I renew my PR Card outside of Canada?

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.

3-What is the validity of the Permanent Resident Card in Canada?

The validity of the Permanent Resident Card is five years. However, in some cases, it can be valid only for 1 year. You should apply for the renewal of your permanent resident card nine months prior to its expiration.

4-How long can I stay out of Canada as a permanent resident?

There is no specific time limit for staying out of Canada as a permanent resident. However, as a permanent resident, you should meet residency obligations. This means you have to be present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) within any five-year period.