Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)

Who can apply

• New permanent residents who recently landed in Canada
• Those who did not receive their PR Card automatically after landing
• Permanent residents who need to apply for their initial PR Card
• Applicants who confirmed their Canadian address with IRCC after arrival

How R-Way prepares your application

• We confirm you have provided IRCC with your correct Canadian mailing address
• We verify your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document details
• We ensure your PR Card photo meets all technical specifications
• We prepare all required identity documents and supporting materials
• We review forms for accuracy and completeness before submission
• We advise on processing timelines and what to do if your card doesn't arrive

What to expect

• New permanent residents generally receive their first PR card automatically if they provided an eligible Canadian address and photograph
• You must provide a valid Canadian mailing address to receive your card
• If you don't receive your card, you can check application status online or apply for a new one
• Your first PR Card is typically valid for 5 years from the date you became a permanent resident
• For return to Canada on a commercial carrier, a permanent resident generally needs a valid PR card or permanent resident travel document

Who can apply

• Permanent residents whose PR Card is expired or will expire within 9 months
• Those who have met the residency obligation (730 days in Canada in the last 5 years)
• Applicants who are currently in Canada at the time of application
• Permanent residents who have not lost their PR status

How R-Way prepares your application

• We calculate your physical presence in Canada to confirm you meet residency obligations
• We prepare detailed travel history and residence information for the past 5 years
• We organize supporting documents such as passports, travel stamps, and entry/exit records
• We ensure your PR Card photo meets current specifications
• We review all forms for accuracy, consistency, and completeness
• We prepare explanations for any extended absences from Canada if needed
• We verify your current address and contact information

What to expect

• You must apply from within Canada; you cannot apply from outside Canada
• Processing times vary but typically take several weeks to a few months
• IRCC will verify your residency obligation and may request additional documents
• If you do not meet residency requirements, your application may be refused
• Your renewed PR Card will be valid for 5 years from the date of issue
• You can continue to live in Canada while waiting for your renewal, but cannot travel internationally without a valid PR Card

Who can apply

• Permanent residents whose PR Card was lost, stolen, or destroyed
• Those whose PR Card is damaged and no longer usable
• Applicants who are currently in Canada
• Permanent residents who meet residency obligations

How R-Way prepares your application

• We prepare a statutory declaration explaining the circumstances of loss, theft, or damage
• We advise on reporting theft to local police if your card was stolen
• We calculate your residency obligation to ensure you are eligible
• We organize travel history, residence information, and supporting documents
• We ensure your replacement PR Card photo meets specifications
• We complete all forms accurately with proper explanations

What to expect

• You must apply from within Canada for a replacement card
• Processing times are similar to renewal applications
• You will need to provide details about when and how your card was lost, stolen, or damaged
• IRCC may verify your residency obligation before issuing a replacement
• The replacement card will have the same expiry date as your original card unless it has less than 9 months validity remaining
• You cannot travel outside Canada without a valid PR Card or travel document

Who can apply

• Permanent residents who have legally changed their name
• Those whose personal information on their PR Card is incorrect
• Applicants who have changed their gender designation
• Permanent residents who need to update their date of birth or other biographical information
• Those who are currently in Canada

How R-Way prepares your application

• We gather legal documents supporting your name change or information update
• We organize marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or official name change documents
• We prepare identity documents showing your updated information
• We ensure your new PR Card photo meets specifications
• We calculate residency obligation to confirm eligibility
• We complete all forms with accurate updated information and supporting explanations

What to expect

• You must provide official documentation supporting the information change
• Processing is similar to a renewal application
• You will receive a new PR Card with your updated information
• The new card will have the same expiry date as your previous card unless it has less than 9 months validity
• You must return your old PR Card or explain why you cannot return it

Who can apply

• Permanent residents who are outside Canada without a valid PR Card
• Those whose PR Card expired while they were abroad
• Permanent residents whose PR Card was lost, stolen, or damaged while outside Canada
• Applicants who meet residency obligations or have humanitarian and compassionate reasons for not meeting them

How R-Way prepares your application

• We calculate your physical presence in Canada to assess residency obligation compliance
• We prepare detailed travel history and residence documentation for the past 5 years
• We organize supporting documents such as passports, travel records, and entry/exit stamps
• We develop humanitarian and compassionate explanations if you do not meet residency requirements
• We gather evidence of ties to Canada such as employment, family, property, and financial records
• We prepare explanations for extended absences from Canada with supporting evidence
• We ensure all forms are accurately completed with proper documentation

What to expect

• You must apply from outside Canada at a visa office or online
• Processing times vary depending on the visa office and complexity of your case
• IRCC will assess whether you meet the residency obligation (730 days in Canada in the last 5 years)
• If you do not meet residency requirements, you can provide humanitarian and compassionate reasons
• A PRTD is typically valid for one entry to Canada and limited duration
• Once in Canada, you should apply to renew your PR Card
• If your application is refused, you may lose your permanent resident status

What is the residency obligation

• To maintain permanent resident status, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) in every 5-year period
• This requirement applies when you apply for a PR Card renewal or PRTD
• IRCC counts the days you are physically in Canada, not just years of residence
• Certain days outside Canada may count toward your obligation in specific circumstances

What counts toward your residency obligation

• Days you are physically present in Canada
• Days you are outside Canada accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse or common-law partner
• Days you are outside Canada working full-time for a Canadian business or government
• Days you are accompanying a permanent resident spouse or common-law partner who is outside Canada working for a Canadian business or government

How we help you meet and prove your residency obligation

• We calculate your physical presence in Canada using your travel history
• We identify which days count toward your residency obligation
• We organize travel documents, passport stamps, boarding passes, and other evidence
• We prepare explanations and supporting documents for time spent outside Canada
• We assess whether humanitarian and compassionate considerations apply if you don't meet requirements
• We develop strong evidence packages to demonstrate compliance or special circumstances

What to expect

• IRCC reviews your residency obligation when you apply for PR Card renewal or PRTD
• You must provide detailed travel history and residence information for 5 years
• If you do not meet the requirement, you may lose your permanent resident status
• Humanitarian and compassionate considerations may be accepted in some cases
• It's your responsibility to track and prove your time in Canada