Helping permanent residents maintain status, renew cards, and travel to Canada confidently.
To prove your status as a permanent resident when returning to Canada, you must carry a valid Permanent Resident (PR) Card while travelling. You may request urgent processing, apply for a PR card, request a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD), or check the status of your application.
If your PR card has expired, you do not lose your PR status. You may still renew or replace your PR card with proper documentation.
As a permanent resident of Canada, you are entitled to the following benefits:
Access to social benefits available to Canadian citizens, including health care
The right to live, work, or study anywhere in Canada
Eligibility to apply for Canadian citizenship
Protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Permanent residents must follow all federal, provincial, and local laws and are required to pay applicable taxes.
Permanent residents are issued a PR card once their permanent residence application is approved. Each time you re-enter Canada, you must show proof of your permanent resident status.
If your PR card has expired and you need to travel urgently, you may be eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD). Without a valid PR card or PRTD, you cannot return to Canada by airplane, train, bus, or boat.
Before travelling outside Canada, it is important to check whether your PR card is still valid.
A PR card is generally valid for five years. Even if your PR card expires, you remain a permanent resident of Canada.
You may qualify to renew or replace your PR card if:
Your PR card is lost, damaged, or expired
You were granted permanent residence before June 28, 2002
You became a permanent resident before or on June 28, 2002 and never received a PR card
If you do not have a valid PR card and need to travel back to Canada, you must apply for a PRTD. To qualify, you must meet the residency obligations of a permanent resident.
If you cannot meet the residency requirement due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control, you may still be able to retain your permanent resident status by providing supporting evidence.
A person who has been granted permanent residence must maintain that status. Spending extended periods outside Canada does not automatically result in loss of permanent resident status. Unless a formal decision is made to revoke it, the individual continues to be considered a permanent resident.
Permanent resident status may be revoked under certain circumstances, depending on compliance with residency and legal obligations.
In some cases, it may be possible to expedite PR card processing. To qualify for urgent processing, you must be travelling within the next three months for specific reasons.
Whether you need to renew, replace, or urgently process your Permanent Resident Card, our experts can guide you through the requirements and help ensure a smooth application process.
