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Extension & Renewal
Renew Your PR Card in Canada
Keep your permanent resident status valid with a timely PR card renewal. Ensure you meet the residency obligation before applying.
Processing Time
25 months (750 days) - Apply early if you plan to travel internationally
Government Fee
$50 CAD
Biometrics Fee
Not required for PR card renewal
Total Cost
$50 CAD
Extension Overview
About PR Card Renewal
PR card renewal allows Canadian permanent residents to obtain a new permanent resident card when their current card is expiring, has expired, or has been lost or stolen. The PR card serves as proof of your permanent resident status and is required for permanent residents to re-enter Canada by commercial vehicle (plane, train, bus, or boat).
It's important to understand that your PR card expiring does not mean you've lost your permanent resident status. Your status as a permanent resident does not expire, but the card itself is valid for five years. However, to renew your PR card, you must meet the residency obligation - you must have been physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) out of the last five years.
Current processing times for PR card renewal are approximately 25 months, significantly longer than in previous years. Because of this extended timeline, it's crucial to apply well before your card expires if you plan to travel internationally, as you'll need a valid PR card to return to Canada by commercial vehicle. If your card has already expired, you can still apply for renewal and continue living in Canada, but international travel becomes complicated without a valid card.
Important Deadlines
- Apply at least 9-12 months before your current PR card expires if you plan to travel internationally
- Respond to IRCC requests for additional documentation within 30-60 days to avoid processing delays
- If your card has expired and you need to travel, apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) from outside Canada
- Residency obligation is calculated based on the five years immediately before IRCC assesses your application
- Keep your address updated with IRCC throughout the processing period to receive your new card
Free Extension Assessment
Not sure if you qualify for an extension? Our RCIC-licensed consultants will review your situation and guide you through the process.
Book Free ConsultationCheck Processing TimesOriginal Application InfoRCIC License: R515110
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet these requirements to qualify for PR Card Renewal.
Hold valid permanent resident status in Canada (status does not expire even if card does)
Meet the residency obligation: physically present in Canada for at least 730 days in the last 5 years
Have not lost your PR status through a formal determination or removal order
Are currently in Canada when applying (must apply from within Canada)
Have not become a Canadian citizen
Can provide two pieces of identification and photos meeting IRCC specifications
Documentation
Required Documents
Gather these documents before starting your extension application.
Current or expired PR card (if available) or Record of Landing/Confirmation of Permanent Residence
All passports and travel documents from the last five years (including expired ones)
Two pieces of personal identification (driver's license, health card, etc.)
Two identical PR card photos meeting strict IRCC specifications (taken within last 6 months)
Detailed residency calculator showing all absences from Canada in the last five years
Supporting documents for time spent in Canada (leases, employment records, tax returns, utility bills)
If applicable: documents proving time abroad counts toward residency (employment with Canadian business abroad, accompanying Canadian citizen spouse)
Payment receipt for $50 PR card renewal fee
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to successfully extend your status in Canada.
1
Calculate Your Residency Obligation Compliance
Use IRCC's residency calculator or create a detailed spreadsheet documenting every day of the last five years. List all trips outside Canada with exact dates, destinations, and purposes. Ensure you have at least 730 days of physical presence in Canada. Gather evidence of your time in Canada.
2
Collect All Travel Documents
Gather all passports (current and expired) from the last five years, including those from any citizenship you hold. Collect boarding passes, travel itineraries, hotel bookings, or other evidence of your travel history. These prove your absences from and returns to Canada.
3
Obtain Compliant PR Card Photos
Visit a professional photographer who understands IRCC PR card photo requirements. You need two identical photos taken within the last six months, meeting specific size, background, and quality standards. Non-compliant photos will delay your application.
4
Complete the Application Form
Download and complete form IMM 5444 (Application for a Permanent Resident Card). Fill it out accurately and completely, answering all questions about your residency, travel history, and current status. Sign and date the form.
5
Prepare Supporting Documentation
Photocopy all required documents including your PR card, passports, identification, and residency evidence. Organize documents clearly with a checklist. Include explanations for any gaps in your residency or unusual circumstances.
6
Pay the Government Fee
Pay the $50 PR card renewal fee online through IRCC's payment portal or in person at designated locations. Print your receipt and include it with your application package as proof of payment.
7
Submit Your Application by Mail
Mail your complete application package to the PR Card Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Use a trackable mail service to confirm delivery. Keep copies of everything you submitted. Monitor for any requests from IRCC for additional documentation.
Common Pitfalls
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes and avoid these common errors when applying for an extension.
Not meeting the residency obligation - Carefully calculate all days and ensure you have 730+ days in Canada
Non-compliant photos - Follow photo specifications exactly; incorrect photos are the #1 cause of delays
Missing or incomplete travel history - Account for every single trip outside Canada with exact dates
Applying from outside Canada - You must be physically in Canada when you apply for PR card renewal
Not updating address - If you move during the 25-month processing time, update your address immediately or your card will be sent to the wrong location
Pro Tip
Work with an RCIC to avoid these common mistakes. Our consultants have helped thousands successfully extend their status. We review your application before submission to catch errors and maximize approval chances.
Costs
Extension Fees
Government fees for PR Card Renewal applications.
Government Fee
$50 CADBiometrics
Not required for PR card renewalTotal
$50 CADFees are subject to change. Check IRCC website for current rates.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about PR Card Renewal
What is the residency obligation and how is it calculated?
The residency obligation requires permanent residents to be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) within every five-year period. This is calculated by looking back five years from the date IRCC assesses your PR card application. You count every day you were physically in Canada, including partial days. Time spent outside Canada can count toward residency in specific situations: if you're accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse/partner, working for a Canadian business abroad, or accompanying a permanent resident spouse who is also working for a Canadian business abroad. Keep detailed records of all travel to prove compliance.
Can I travel with an expired PR card?
Your permanent resident status doesn't expire even if your card does, so you can remain in Canada with an expired card. However, traveling internationally becomes complicated. If you're returning to Canada by private vehicle (driving across the US border), you can enter with an expired PR card plus other identification. But if you're traveling by commercial vehicle (plane, train, bus, ferry), you need a valid PR card to board. If you're outside Canada with an expired PR card, you must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) from a visa office abroad to return. Given 25-month processing times, apply for renewal well before any planned international travel.
Why does PR card renewal take 25 months?
PR card renewal processing times have increased dramatically in recent years due to high application volumes, increased security screening, and IRCC resource allocation. The 25-month (approximately 2-year) timeline reflects current processing realities. IRCC must verify residency obligations, conduct security screenings, and process massive backlogs. While the fee is only $50, the process is thorough. This extended timeline means strategic planning is essential - apply as early as possible, especially if you travel internationally. Some urgent cases may be processed faster, but most applicants should expect to wait the full processing time.
What happens if I don't meet the residency obligation?
If you don't meet the 730-day residency obligation when you apply for PR card renewal, your application will likely be refused and you may lose your permanent resident status. IRCC will assess whether you meet the residency requirement and may issue a removal order if you don't. However, there are some exceptions: if you can show humanitarian and compassionate grounds for not meeting the obligation, or if your time outside Canada counts toward residency (accompanying Canadian citizen spouse, working abroad for Canadian business). If you're close to not meeting the requirement, consult an immigration lawyer before applying. You have appeal rights if your PR status is revoked.
Do I need a PR card if I become a Canadian citizen?
No, once you become a Canadian citizen, you no longer need a PR card and your permanent resident status ends. Canadian citizens travel with a Canadian passport, not a PR card. If you're eligible for citizenship (generally after 3 years of presence as a PR), you might consider applying for citizenship instead of renewing your PR card, especially given the long PR card renewal times. Citizenship processing currently takes about 12-18 months. However, citizenship has stricter presence requirements and other criteria. Many people renew their PR card while simultaneously applying for citizenship, ensuring they have valid documentation during the citizenship process.
Other Extension Types
Study Permit Extension
4 months (120 days) - Apply at least 3-4 months before expiry
Continue your educational journey with a seamless study permit extension. Apply at least 3 months before your current permit expires.
Learn More
Visitor Visa Extension
18 months (540 days) for online applications - Apply well in advance
Stay longer in Canada with a visitor record extension. Apply at least 30 days before your authorized stay expires.
Learn More
Work Permit Extension
15 months (450 days) - Apply at least 4 months before expiry
Continue your Canadian employment with a work permit extension. Apply at least 4 months before your current permit expires.
Learn More
Ready to Extend Your Stay in Canada?
Don't risk losing your status. Book a consultation with our RCIC-licensed consultants today. We'll help you prepare a complete application and maximize your chances of approval.
RCIC License: R515110 | Member of CICC