How to Renew a PR Card in Canada

By Michael Niren October 20, 2012 (Updated December 9, 2019) 2 min. read

A permanent resident card, or PR card, is also known as a Canadian green card. It is very similar to the United States green card, which is why it is referred to as such. It will allow someone to live and work in Canada as long as they make sure they maintain their permanent resident status.

Maintaining Your Permanent Resident Status

The three main things a Canadian permanent resident must do to maintain his or her permanent resident status in Canada are:

1. Abide by the law in Canada.
2. Meet the residency requirement for the minimum physical presence in Canada.
3. Renew their PR Card before it expires.

You must maintain your permanent resident status and always have a valid permanent resident card to ensure that you can travel outside of Canada and return to Canada easily.

How to Renew Your PR Card

1. Obtain and fill out all of the necessary application forms to renew a permanent resident card. It is extremely important that you fill out these immigration application forms accurately and completely, leaving zero blank spaces and not making any mistakes. Mistakes on your PR card renewal form will result in the application being returned to you or refused.

2. Collect all of the supporting documentation that is required for a Canadian permanent resident card renewal, including passport photos, proof of identity and proof that you have met the residency requirement for the minimum physical presence in Canada over the last five year period during which your permanent resident card was valid. The documents you need can change depending on your circumstances, such as whether you are a minor or not.

3. Pay the fee to process your application, which can be done online or at a qualifying financial institution. You will have to enclose the receipt for paying this fee in your application package, at which point it can be mailed out.

4. Once the application is processed, you will receive notification from Citizenship and Immigration Canada that your card is ready to be picked up. You must pick it up within 180 days, otherwise you will have to start over.

If you want to ensure that your PR Card renewal application goes smoothly, please have an immigration lawyer review it for you before it is mailed – it could mean the difference between an approval or denial, especially if you have forgotten something. In addition, a lawyer can assist you if you have extenuating circumstances such as not having met the residency requirement or being outside of Canada at the time your permanent resident card expires.

Do You Need Help Renewing Your PR Card?

VisaPlace can help! The renewal process for permanent residence in Canada can be very complex, time consuming and difficult. It is therefore essential that if you are considering renewing your Canadian permanent residence card, you get professional immigration help. The last thing you want is to be told your application is refused after months (or sometimes years) of waiting.

Ljiljana Pavkov Avatar

Ljiljana Pavkov

I have nothing but praise! The entire team was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and kind, especially Mansi Sanghiv. She patiently explained everything I needed to know and resolved all of my concerns. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the entire process. I am extremely satisfied with the service and experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for quality, dedication, and trust.

Lisanne Cholette Avatar

Lisanne Cholette

Mansi has been helping me navigate through a new chapter in my life. It has been a huge comfort to be able to lean on her knowledge and expertise and I would highly recommend her to anyone!

BERLITA COLLADO Avatar

BERLITA COLLADO

I am so very thankful to the VISAPACE team for making it all come true and possible from my Open Work Permit to my Permanent Residence, you make it all happen .Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart , Thank you for being part of my achievements. Now I am now a Permanent Residence through the effort, power and knowledge of VISAPLACE LEGAL TEAM.
Sending you my best appreciation and thank you.

Berlie Collado

Shahrzad Sh Avatar

Shahrzad Sh

“I truly want to thank Mansi. Her patience and thoughtful advices made a big difference for me. Her recommendations were not only helpful but also gave me clearer insight. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for her support.”

kevin geoffrey Avatar

kevin geoffrey

Visa place helped me with my daughter’s sponsorship 3 years ago. Last week I contacted them for some clarification on a different matter. It was about an issue which technically was a problem of CIC’s software glitch and had nothing to do with Visa Place.
Yet Reena Sandu was assigned for my case. she helped me with enthusiasm and showed no hesitation despite me being an ex-client from 3 years ago.
I was very happy that even after 3 years of finishing business, Visa Place were respectful of their clients. Special thanks again to Reena for her enthusiasm and support.

Nessie Leigh Ilarde Avatar

Nessie Leigh Ilarde

Thank you very much for helping me get my new visa! I appreciate Ms. Felicita and her colleagues for guiding us through the process making sure that everything is precise. Highly recommend your firm. Thanks again 🙂

parker ellis Avatar

parker ellis

Mansi Sanghvi has been nothing for of remarkable for me. I have been dealing with a visa, immigration issues , and any time I have to call her, she has been there to answer any questions. Has answers to every question and is there to HELP YOU. Truly could not recommend her more.