Permanent resident card - Applying, renewing, replacing
Returning to Canada without a permanent resident (PR) card
You need a valid PR card to return to Canada by plane, train, bus or boat.
What to do if you don’t have a valid PR card or your card is about to expire
- If youre outside Canada: apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return to Canada
- If you want to leave Canada: renew your PR card before you leave.
- If you don’t get your card in time, apply for a PRTD from outside Canada.
Status of changes to the first-generation limit on citizenship Updated
The Citizenship Act includes a first-generation limit to citizenship by descent. This limit generally means someone isn't automatically a Canadian citizen if
- they were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent, and
- their Canadian parent was also born outside Canada to a Canadian parent
In December 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice declared that the first-generation limit for many individuals is unconstitutional.
However, the Court has suspended the declaration until December 19, 2024. This means that the current rules still apply until further notice.
Find out
- how the first-generation limit affects you
- what you can apply for (including urgent application, if applicable)
Special measures for Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Iran
If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident currently in Iran, you can apply for the following documents for free:
- Canadian passport
- Canadian citizenship certificate
- permanent resident travel document
- How do I renew my permanent resident card?
- How long will it take to process my PR card?
- How can I get a permanent resident card?
- What should I do if my PR card has been lost, stolen or destroyed?
- What happens if my PR card expires?
- I am a new permanent resident of Canada. Do I need to apply for a permanent resident card?
- How do I pay the fee for my permanent resident card?
- What should I do if my new permanent resident card has a mistake or something is missing?
- Will I get my permanent resident card by mail?
- How much does a permanent resident card cost?
- Should I submit photos with my PR card application?
- If I am granted citizenship, what happens to my permanent resident card?
- When should I apply for a permanent resident card?
- How can I avoid delays or refusals in processing my permanent resident card application?
- Who can apply for 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?
- I legally changed my name. How do I update my PR card?
- I have reclaimed my Indigenous name. How do I update my PR card?
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