Permanent Resident Card

Get, Renew, or Replace Your PR Card

Your PR card proves your status as a permanent resident of Canada. You need it to travel abroad and re-enter Canada by commercial carrier (plane, train, boat, bus). Learn how to apply for your first card, renew an expiring card, or replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card.

First Card

$50 CAD

Renewal

$50 CAD

Replacement

$50 CAD

Processing

60–90 days

How to Apply – Step by Step

Gather your documents: proof of PR status, passport, current PR card (if renewing), address history, and photos

Complete the application package — form IMM 5444 (first card) or IMM 5445 (renewal/replacement)

Pay the $50 fee online through the Canada Immigration payment portal and attach the receipt

Submit your application by mail to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia

Wait for processing — check your application status online using your unique client identifier (UCI)

Receive your new PR card by mail at your Canadian mailing address

First PR Card

You become a PR through inland or outland processing

Canada Immigration automatically starts the first card process if you provided a Canadian address

If you didn't provide an address, use the web form to submit it within 180 days

You must pay the $50 fee before the card is issued

Processing begins after you confirm your address and pay the fee

Renewal

Apply for renewal before your card expires — no need to wait until expiry

You must renew if your card is expired and you plan to travel

You need a valid PR card to re-enter Canada by commercial carrier

Submit form IMM 5445 with new photos and the $50 fee

Your residency obligation must be met (730 days in 5 years)

Replacement

Lost card: submit form IMM 5445 and report it lost

Stolen card: report to local police, include police report with application

Damaged card: return the damaged card with your application

Change of name: submit legal name change documents (marriage certificate, court order)

Card with incorrect info: send the card back with correction documents

Photo Requirements

Taken within the last 12 months

Size: 50 mm x 70 mm (2 in x 2.75 in)

White or light-coloured background

Neutral facial expression, eyes open, mouth closed

No glasses, head coverings only for religious or medical reasons

Photographer must include date stamp and studio name on back

Check Your Application Status

You can check the status of your PR card application online through your Canada Immigration account. You need your UCI (Unique Client Identifier), application number, and the date you submitted the application. Processing is generally 60–90 calendar days. If processing takes longer, ensure all documents were submitted correctly and your photos meet the specifications.

While your PR card application is in process, you cannot travel outside Canada. If you need to travel urgently, you may apply for urgent processing or a PR Travel Document from outside Canada.

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