What you need to know about Canada's 'Permanent Resident Card'

The Permanent Resident (PR) Card is the official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada.  This wallet-sized plastic card is required for all permanent residents of Canada seeking to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus).  There have been some changes to the look of the PR Card, as well as some of its security features. The new cards began circulating August 24, 2009.  If you are a current permanent resident, you will only receive a new card when your existing card expires. If you are a new permanent resident, you will automatically receive your new card as part of the immigration process.  You can apply for a PR Card if:

• you received permanent resident status before June 28, 2002;
• you became a permanent resident after June 28, 2002 but did not receive a PR Card at that time; or
• you need to replace an expired, lost or stolen PR Card. 

If you received permanent resident status before June 28, 2002, you were issued an Immigrant Visa and Record of Landing (IMM 1000). You may need this document to apply for your first, or replacement, PR Card.  Since June 2002, all new permanent residents automatically receive their first PR Card as part of the immigration process.  Check the expiry date before you plan to travel outside Canada. Current processing times for a PR Card application are on this website.  You can also view the service standard for an initial PR Card. This details the specific level of service you can expect to receive under normal circumstances.


For more information go to: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/pr-card/index.asp


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