What documents do I need to renew my PR card?

If your PR card has or will soon expire, you will need to begin the renewal process. There are a number of documents that you will need to provide the IRCC whether you are applying for your first card, renewing an expired card or getting a replacement due to damage or loss. You may also go through the same application process if you want to change the sex designation on your PR card.

Canada PR renewal requirements – Are you eligible for a PR card?

Before you even begin the application process, find out if you are eligible for a permanent resident card. You are a candidate for a PR card if you are a permanent resident, physically present in Canada and you meet certain residency requirements. If you are under a removal order, you are not eligible for this card. Canadian citizens and those who are convicted for misusing a PR card cannot be issued with this card.

Can you start the application while outside Canada?

You can apply for a PR card while outside Canada but the immigration authorities will require you to return to Canada in order to receive it. If you are outside Canada and your card has expired, you can get a Permanent Resident Travel Document in order to enter Canada. Make sure you are meeting the residency requirement before you apply for a Travel Document because the application can be refused even if your PR card application has been approved.

Can you apply for Canadian citizenship?

Once your PR card expires, you may want to find out if you are eligible to become a citizen of Canada. You should meet various conditions in order to be eligible for Canadian citizenship. For instance, the IRCC requires you to have lived in Canada for at least 1460 days in the past 6 years before the day you apply for citizenship. Note that permanent resident cards are not issued to those who have Canadian citizenship.

Gathering primary and secondary documents

When filling out forms to get a new PR card, make sure the documents required for PR card renewal are not missing or the copies are clear. The IRCC will return your application if this is the case. Primary documents required to process your PR card application include:

• A copy of a valid passport or travel document (either current or the one you had when applying to become a permanent resident)
• A copy of the certificate of identity or travel document that was issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada
• Any identity document that was issued outside of Canada before returning to Canada
• A statutory declaration that attests the applicant’s identity and is either signed by a person who knew the applicant before coming to Canada or an official of an organization that represents people from the applicant’s country of nationality or previous residence

You may also be required to present any of the following secondary documents:

• A copy of the record landing or confirmation of permanent residence
• A copy of a valid provincial driver’s license, student ID card or photo-identity card
• A copy of a recent income tax assessment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency
• For applicants who are under the age of 18, a birth certificate is required