How to Renew a Canadian Permanent Resident Card

Renewing a Canadian permanent resident card

Permanent residents of Canada require a valid permanent resident card in order to re-enter the country by airplane, boat, train or bus. Permanent resident cards are managed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). They are valid for five years and you can apply for a new one if your current card is about to expire or has been lost or stolen. The CIC charges a fee of CA$50 to issue a new card. Processing times for permanent resident card applications are between three and four months.

Instructions

Regular Renewal

1. Get an application kit. You can download and print this from the CIC website (see Resources) or have an application mailed to you by calling the CIC at 1-888-242-2100.

2. Gather your documents. You need to send certain documents along with your application. They include your expired permanent resident card, a copy of your passport or travel document, a copy of a secondary identity document, such as a driver's license, and two photos of yourself. You can find more detailed document requirements in the Instruction Guide (see References).

3. Fill in the application form. The form asks for a great deal of information, so give yourself ample time to complete it. You must fill in information regarding your address and work history for the past five years, your recent travel history and personal information such as height and eye color.

4. Pay your application fee. You must pay a fee of CA$50. You can do this online through the CIC website (see Resources) or at any Canadian bank.

5. Attach your payment receipt to your application. The CIC must have proof that you have paid your fees.

6. Go through the document checklist (see Resources). Make sure you have all of your required documents in order.

7. Send your application. Gather your application, all of your required documents and your receipt of fees payment and mail it to:
   Case Processing Centre - PR Card
   210 George St., P.O. Box 10020
   Sydney, NS B1P 7C1

Urgent Renewal

1. Attach copies of your travel tickets to your permanent resident card application. If you are leaving the country and need your new card quickly, you must attach copies of your plane, train, bus or boat tickets.

2. Write "Urgent - Proof of Travel Included" on your application envelope.

3. Send your application by courier to:
   Case Processing Centre - PR Card
   210 George St., P.O. Box 10020
   Sydney, NS B1P 7C1

Tips & Warnings

• If you are planning to travel, be sure to apply for your card well before you leave. Processing times for replacement permanent resident cards can be several months.

References

• Citizenship and Immigration Canada: Permanent Resident Card
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada: Instruction Guide

Resources

• Citizenship and Immigration Canada
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada: Application for a Permanent Resident Card
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada: Document Checklist