IMM 5445 Guide: Applying for a Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) – First application, replacement, renewal or to change gender identifier

Find out if you have lived in Canada long enough to apply to become a citizen.

We will not issue PR cards to Canadian citizens. Confirm your status in Canada before you apply.

If we cannot process your PR card application because you are a Canadian citizen, your application fee will be refunded.

Mistake in your name

If your Record of Landing (IMM 1000), Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688) or other permanent residence document has a mistake in your name:

• Fill out and submit a Request to Amend the Immigration Record of Landing, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Valid Temporary Resident Documents (IMM 5218) to correct it before you apply for a PR Card.

We will only correct administrative mistakes made by the department in recording your personal information.

Legal Change of Name

Read the information below to see which supporting documents you need:

If your present name is different from the name printed on your Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688), you must submit:

• supporting legal documents as proof of your name change, and
• supporting identity documents as requested in section 2 of Step 1.

Submit any of these documents issued by a civil authority in a province or territory of Canada:

• a copy of a legal change of name document, court order, adoption order, or
• one of the following documents (unless you were married in Quebec on or after April 2, 1981 and are now a resident of this province). The document must show your new name:
  • a marriage certificate;
  • divorce decree;
  • registration;
  • declaration of union;
  • revocation of declaration or annulment of union.

If you are a permanent resident and changed your name outside of Canada, submit:

• a foreign passport or other national authoritative document that shows your new name; and
• an official document linking the old and new names.

If your name change was already approved in a past PR Card application, include a photocopy of your last PR Card.

Important information: If you have had a legal name change, you must include a copy of your Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688) with this application.

Step 1: Gather documents

What documents do I need?

The instructions below outline the documents that you must include with your application. Use the Document Checklist [IMM 5644] (PDF, 2.19 MB) to gather the necessary documents. Send the completed checklist with your application.

Important information: If any of the required documents are missing, or photocopies are not clear, your application will be returned to you.