IMM 5445 Guide: Applying for a Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) – First application, replacement, renewal or to change gender identifier
Canada’s entry rules have changed
Permanent residents (PR) of Canada must carry and show their valid PR Card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD) when boarding a flight to Canada, or travelling to Canada on any other commercial carrier.
If you do not carry your PR Card or PRTD, you may not be able to board your flight, train, bus or boat to Canada.
It is your responsibility to make sure your PR Card is still valid when you return from travel outside Canada and to apply for a new PR Card before your current card expires.
Table of Contents
This is not a legal document. The explanations and definitions are not legal definitions. In case of a discrepancy between the language in this document and the relevant legislation or regulations, the legal text in the legislation and regulations prevails.
For legal information, see the:
This information will help you complete the forms and guide you through the application process.
Overview
Application package
This application package has:
- an instruction guide, and
- the forms you need to fill out.
The instruction guide:
- has information you must know before you submit your application, and
- explains how to fill out the forms and gather your supporting documents.
Read the instruction guide completely and then fill out each of the applicable forms.
The forms are designed with questions that will help the processing of your application.
Before you apply
Permanent Resident Card
The permanent resident card (PR Card) is the official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada.
You need a PR Card if:
- you are a permanent resident (including a child);
- you plan on travelling outside of Canada; and
- you plan on returning to Canada by any commercial transporter, such as a plane, train, boat or bus.
Who may use this application
Use this application if you are a permanent resident in Canada who wants to apply for:
- your first PR Card;
- a renewal of your PR Card that has or will soon expire;
- you legally changed your name and need to update your PR card;
- a replacement of your PR Card that has been lost, stolen or damaged; or
- to change the gender designation on your PR Card.
Important information: If your PR Card is still valid for more than nine (9) months (270 days), do not apply for a renewal, unless your legal name has changed. Otherwise, your application will be returned.
I am a new permanent resident. Do I need to apply for a PR Card?
If you are a new permanent resident, you will automatically receive your new card by mail when you first arrive in Canada. This is part of the immigration process and you do not need to apply for a PR Card.
Are you eligible?
To be eligible for a PR Card, you must:
- be a permanent resident of Canada;
- be physically present in Canada;
- meet the residency requirement (see Appendix A – Residency obligation);
- not be under an effective removal order;
- not be a Canadian citizen; and
- not be convicted of an offense related to the misuse of a PR Card
Permanent Residents outside of Canada
If you are outside Canada and do not have a valid PR Card to return, you must get a Permanent Resident Travel Document from a Visa Application Centre or a Canadian visa office.
Important information: When you return to Canada, you should apply for a PR Card right away.
Biometrics
Most PR card applicants do not need to give biometrics.
However, you’ll need to give your biometrics and pay the biometrics fee if
- you were less than 14 years old when we received your application for permanent residence and you applied for permanent residence on or after July 31, 2018, AND
- you’re now older than 14 years old and are applying for a new permanent resident card, a replacement or a renewal
Once you’ve paid the application and biometrics fees, you’ll get a biometric instructions letter (BIL) which will direct you to a list of biometric collection service points you may choose from. You must bring the BIL with you to the biometric collection service point. You can’t give your biometrics without this letter.
We encourage you to give your biometrics as soon as possible after you get the BIL. We’ll start processing your application after we get your biometrics.
Where to give your biometrics
You need to book an appointment to give your biometrics at one of these official biometric collection service points. As of December 3, 2019, you can go to a designated Service Canada location to give your biometrics in Canada.
You may be eligible for Canadian citizenship
You may be eligible for Canadian citizenship if:
- you are a permanent resident of Canada; and
- regardless of your age, you have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the five years right before the date you sign your application and meet all other conditions.
You may be able to use some of your time spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person towards your physical presence calculation. Each day spent physically in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before becoming a permanent resident within the last five years will count as one half day, with a maximum of 365 days, towards your physical presence.
