What Is A Canada Permanent Resident Card?
The Canada permanent resident card is a card carried by permanent residents of Canada for identification and for travel.
New permanent residents do not need to apply for a permanent resident card. The Canadian federal government sends the card when the candidate immigrates and provides a mailing address.
Candidates have 180 days after immigrating to provide an address, otherwise they must apply for a permanent resident card.
Candidates may need a valid permanent resident card to access some provincial services.
How Much Is A Permanent Resident Card?
There is a $50 processing fee for permanent resident card applications.
Who Is Eligible For A Permanent Resident Card?
To be eligible for a permanent resident card, candidates must be permanent resident and submit an application.
Candidates should only apply for a permanent resident card if:
- Their card has expired or will expire in less than 9 months.
- Their card is lost, stolen, or destroyed.
- They didn’t receive a card within 180 days of immigrating.
Candidates must update their card to:
- Legally change their name.
- Change their citizenship.
- Change their gender designation.
- Correct their date of birth.
If a candidate’s permanent resident card expires, they can renew the card. Even with an expired card, a candidate does not lose their permanent resident status.
Canadian citizens do not need a permanent resident card. Candidates can give in their permanent resident card at their citizenship ceremony.
Read More
Benefits of Being a Permanent Resident of Canada
How to Confirm Your Canadian Permanent Residence Online
Canada Launches Portal For Confirming Permanent Residence
Permanent Resident Card And Travel
When travelling, candidates need a permanent resident card to prove their status when they return to Canada.
Candidates need a valid permanent resident card to return to Canada by plane, train, bus or boat.
If a candidate does not have a valid permanent resident card or it is about to expire:
- If the candidate is outside Canada, they must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return to Canada.
- If the candidate wants to leave Canada, they should renew their permanent resident card before they leave.
- If the candidates do not get their card in time, they must apply for a PRTD from outside Canada.
