The Canada Permanent Resident (PR) Card is an official identity document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to individuals who have been granted permanent resident status in Canada. It serves as proof of a person’s legal status and is required for re-entry into Canada by commercial travel, such as by plane, boat, train, or bus.
The PR Card confirms that the holder is authorized to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada and has access to many social benefits, similar to Canadian citizens. Typically valid for five years, the card must be renewed before expiry to maintain travel privileges.
If you are a permanent resident of Canada, you need a valid permanent resident card (PR card) or permanent resident travel document (PRTD) to return to Canada. If you are a new permanent resident, a permanent resident card will be mailed to your Canadian mailing address, which you provided to the immigration department.
You can be eligible to renew your PR card if you are a permanent resident and you submit your application for renewal of your permanent resident card in Canada. You must have been in Canada for at least 730 days during the last five years to maintain your permanent resident status in Canada subject to some very few exceptions.
