Canada Permanent Resident Card

The permanent resident card (PR card) is the official proof of your status as a permanent resident of Canada. If you are a new permanent resident, you will automatically receive your new card by mail, once you first arrive in Canada, as part of the immigration process.

This wallet-sized plastic card is used by permanent residents of Canada seeking to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus). If you leave the country, you are expected to have this card when returning to Canada. Check the expiry date of your PR card before you plan to travel outside of Canada to ensure that it will not expire before you return. If you do not plan to leave the country, you do not need the card.

Permanent residents may apply for a PR card if they:

• are physically present in Canada; and
• received permanent resident status before June 28, 2002;
• became a permanent resident on or after June 28, 2002, but did not receive a PR card at that time; or
• need to replace an expired, lost or stolen PR card.

Determine your eligibility

Make sure you are eligible to apply for a PR card.

Apply

Find out what you need to do to apply for a PR card. There are certain documents you will need to include with your application.

If you are outside of Canada without a PR card you must apply for a travel document at a Canadian Visa Office if you plan to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier.

You can also apply urgently for a PR card if you need to travel on short notice.

Check processing times

Find out how long it will take CIC to process your application for a PR card.

You can also view the service standard for an initial PR card. This standard provides details on the specific level of service you can expect to receive under normal circumstances.

After you apply: get next steps

Learn what you should do after you apply for your PR card.

Check application status

Find the status of your application online.