PR Card Applications & Renewals

A permanent resident’s proof of status in Canada is determined by a permanent resident card (PR card). For maintaining the permanent resident status, an individual must have been in Canada for at least 730 days during the last five years. These 730 days don’t need to be continuous. Some of your time abroad may count towards the 730 days. For the purpose of PR card renewals, a permanent resident is also deemed to be physically in Canada if they are:

• Outside Canada accompanying a Canadian spouse, common-law partner, or parent (in the case of a minor);
• Outside Canada and employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business or in the public service of a province or the federal public administration; or
• Outside Canada accompanying a permanent resident who is their spouse, common-law partner, or parent (in the case of a minor), and who is employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business or in the public service of a province of the federal public administration.

Permanent residents are required to provide proof that they have met their residency obligations. Such evidence may include proof of that they filed taxes in Canada, school records, identity documents with Canadian addresses, employment letters, etc.

Permanent residents who travel outside of Canada must present their valid PR cards or must apply for and obtain a Permanent Resident Travel Document before boarding a flight, bus, train, or boat to Canada. Failure to do so may prevent re-entry to Canada. This is especially important for permanent residents from visa-exempt countries who are not eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

A permanent resident does not lose permanent resident status when his or her PR card expires. However, permanent resident status may be lost if he or she:

• Does not meet the residency obligations;
• Is convicted of a serious crime and ordered to leave Canada;
• Becomes a Canadian citizen; or
• If following an inquiry, it is determined that he or she is not a permanent resident.

For further information regarding how to maintain permanent resident status, or to renew a permanent resident card, please contact our office for assistance.