Permanent resident card - Applying, renewing, replacing

How long will it take to process my PR card?

You can check current processing times for permanent resident cards (PR cards).

If you need your card sooner, you can apply for urgent processing. If you aren’t eligible, we will process your application normally.

See also processing times questions.

How can I get a permanent resident card?

To apply for a permanent resident (PR) card, you must meet the eligibility requirements.

If you have a PR card that is going to expire soon or your card was lost, stolen or destroyed, you can apply to renew or replace your PR card.

New permanent residents will receive their PR cards by mail. You do not need to apply for one.

What should I do if my PR card has been lost, stolen or destroyed?

It depends on whether you are inside or outside Canada. Either way, you have to tell us what happened so we can prevent your card from being used by someone else.

Follow the instructions in the “Replace a lost, stolen or destroyed PR card” section on the page to apply for a PR card.

What happens if my PR card expires?

When your permanent resident (PR) card expires, you still have your PR status and can stay in Canada. You may still need your valid PR card for some services in your province.

If you leave the country, you’ll need a valid PR card to return to Canada by commercial vehicle. If you want to travel outside Canada and don’t have a valid PR card, you can apply to renew or replace your card.

I am a new permanent resident of Canada. Do I need to apply for a permanent resident card?

No, we will mail your permanent resident (PR) card to you when you arrive in Canada.

If you did not provide your Canadian mailing address when you became a permanent resident, use our online address notification tool to send it to us. You must provide your address within 180 days of the day you become a permanent resident. If you do not send it within 180 days, we will cancel the PR card and you will have to apply for another one and pay the processing fees.

Check current processing times to see how long you will have to wait to get your new card. Please tell us if you did not get your PR card within the processing times.

How do I pay the fee for my permanent resident card?

You must pay for your permanent resident card online. We do not accept other methods of payment. After you pay, print a receipt and include it with your paper application.

Pay your fees online

What should I do if my new permanent resident card has a mistake or something is missing?

If we made the mistake, you can apply for a reissued permanent resident (PR) card.

If either your given name or your surname has more than 28 letters, the name appearing on the PR card will be shortened. This is not a mistake and the card will not be reissued to change the name.

For cards issued before November 21, 2015, names are limited to:

• first name: 15 letters or less
• last name: 20 letters or less

For cards issued on or after November 21, 2015, names are limited to:

• first name: 28 letters or less
• last name: 28 letters or less

Will I get my permanent resident card by mail?

How much does a permanent resident card cost?

It costs $50 per person to apply for a permanent resident (PR) card. You will need to pay the fee each time you renew or replace your PR card.

Should I submit photos with my PR card application?

Yes. Your application must include photos that meet our photo specifications. If your photos are in the wrong format, we will return your application.

If I am granted citizenship, what happens to my permanent resident card?

Once you are granted citizenship, you are no longer a permanent resident (PR) and your PR card will no longer be valid. We will collect your PR card at the citizenship ceremony.

When should I apply for a permanent resident card?

If you are a new immigrant to Canada, you do not need to apply for a permanent resident (PR) card. We will mail your card to you when you get to Canada.

You should apply for a PR card if:

• you plan to travel outside the country and will return to Canada on a commercial vehicle like an airplane, a bus, a train, or a boat;
• you did not get your PR card after you gave us your Canadian mailing address, and it has been more than 180 days since you provided your address;
• you need evidence of your PR status;
• your card was lost, stolen or destroyed and you want a new one;
• your PR card expires in less than nine months; or
• you have legally changed your name and need to update the name on your PR card.

Consult the processing times to see how long it will take to get a PR card.

How can I avoid delays or refusals in processing my permanent resident card application?

To avoid delays or a refusal, ensure that you:

• properly fill out and sign the application form(s);
• fill out Section H (Solemn Declaration) if your card was:
  • lost
  • stolen
  • destroyed, or
  • never received
• include all the documents listed on the document checklist at the end of the form
• pay online with a credit card, and
• include the proof of payment with your application.

See other processing times questions.

Who can apply for a permanent resident card?

To apply for a permanent resident card, you must:

• already be a permanent resident of Canada
• be physically present in Canada
• not have been asked by the Government of Canada to leave the country and
• not be a Canadian citizen

Find how to apply for, renew or replace a permanent resident card.

I was told that my permanent resident card was sent to me but I did not get it yet. What should I do?

If you did not get your PR card before six weeks have passed

If you are waiting for your PR card, but less than six weeks have passed from the time the card was mailed to you, you must wait until this time has passed.

If you did not get your PR card after six weeks have passed

If you are waiting for your PR card and six weeks have passed from the time the card was mailed to you and you did not get it, you must complete a solemn declaration. Mailing instructions are provided at the bottom of the form.

Note: if 180 days have passed since the PR card was mailed, you will have to apply for a PR card, fill in section G (solemn declaration), and include the fee payment.

Find out how long it may take for you to receive your new card.

I legally changed my name. How do I update my PR card?

You need to apply for a new PR card to change the name on your card. Make sure you include documents that support the change.

I have reclaimed my Indigenous name. How do I update my PR card?

If you’ve reclaimed your Indigenous name, you can change the name on your PR card by applying for a new one. There’s no cost for this change until May 31, 2026.

When you apply, include either an eligibility form or a Statutory Declaration, depending on your situation.

We’ll use these forms to find if you’re eligible for a free replacement card.

Apply for, renew or replace a Permanent Resident card