PR Card Renewal

Your PR card is the document that proves your status when you travel back to Canada by commercial transport. We help permanent residents renew their cards, document residency, and respond to residency obligation reviews.

What's included

First PR card and renewal applications
Urgent processing for unexpected travel
Residency obligation reviews (730-day rule)
PRTD (Permanent Resident Travel Document) abroad

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Overview

What this means for you.

All permanent residents must meet a residency obligation of at least 730 days of physical presence in Canada in every rolling 5-year period. Time abroad with a Canadian citizen spouse, with a Canadian employer, or accompanying a parent can also count in specific cases.

Your PR card is usually valid for 5 years. If it has expired, you can stay in Canada legally, but you cannot board a commercial flight back to Canada without a valid card or a PRTD issued abroad.

We prepare clean renewals that document your days in Canada, your absences and any exemptions — so the card is issued without a long Secondary Review.

Eligibility

Who can apply?

A quick checklist to see if this is the right pathway for you.

You are a permanent resident of Canada
You meet the 730-day residency obligation in the last 5 years (or qualify for an exemption)
You are physically present in Canada when you apply for renewal
You have not been convicted of an offence that affects PR status
You hold a valid passport or travel document

Process

How we move your file forward.

Step 01

Residency audit

We map every entry and exit and confirm you meet the 730-day rule before you file.

Step 02

Build the renewal file

Photos that meet IRCC specs, proof of address, travel history and supporting documents.

Step 03

File and track

We submit online or by mail, monitor the file, and respond to any Secondary Review request.

Step 04

Travel safely

If you are stuck abroad with an expired card, we apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document so you can fly home.

FAQ

Questions we hear every week.

Still wondering about your specific case? A 30-minute consultation is the fastest way to get a real answer.

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You keep your status — PR status does not expire just because the card does. You only need a valid card to board a commercial flight or train back to Canada from abroad.

Standard renewals are usually processed in about 2 to 3 months. Urgent processing is available with proof of imminent travel (death in the family, medical emergency, work travel).

You must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) in every rolling 5-year period. Some time abroad with a Canadian citizen spouse or working for a Canadian business can count.

Yes. If you do not meet the 730-day rule and cannot show an exemption, an officer can issue a Departure Order. We can help you appeal on humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds.

A Permanent Resident Travel Document is issued by a visa office abroad to a PR whose card has expired. You need it to board a flight back to Canada. We can apply on your behalf from inside or outside Canada.

Talk to a licensed RCIC.