Canada · Application requirements

Canada PR Card Requirements 2026

Canadian permanent residents who have met the residency obligation — physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within the past 5 years. Renewals can be filed any time before the existing PR Card expires, or any time after if the residency obligation is still met.

Issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) · Last verified May 28, 2026 · Official source ↗

At a glance

Application fee

Renewal / replacement: CAD $50
PRTD (if outside Canada): CAD $50
First-time PR Card: Free (in landing)

as of May 28, 2026 · details

Processing time

Online (routine): ~4 weeks
Paper / mail (routine): 2–3 months
Urgent (with proof): ~3 weeks

details

Issuing authority

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Who needs a Canada PR Card?

Where to apply

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Apply online via the IRCC Secure Account at canada.ca — this is now the standard channel and is significantly faster than paper. Paper applications mailed to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia remain accepted but take longer.

Fees

Renewal / replacement: CAD $50
PRTD (if outside Canada): CAD $50
First-time PR Card: Free (in landing)

CAD $50 for renewal or replacement, paid online to IRCC. The same CAD $50 fee applies to a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) — needed if you are abroad with an expired or no PR card and need to board a flight to Canada. First-time PR Card is included as part of the original PR landing process at no additional fee.

Fees as of May 28, 2026. Confirm current amounts on the official source before paying.

What to bring

Documents and items you'll need at the appointment or with your application.

Form IMM 5444 (Application for a Permanent Resident Card)
Two passport-style photos taken within the last 6 months, with photographer details on the back of one
Photocopy of passport (all pages with information or stamps)
Photocopy of current PR Card (both sides) if renewing
Proof of physical presence in Canada (only requested if IRCC has questions about residency)
CAD $50 fee receipt

Need the photo specs?

Exact size, head height, background, and what gets rejected.

Open photo requirements →

How long does it take?

Online (routine): ~4 weeks
Paper / mail (routine): 2–3 months
Urgent (with proof): ~3 weeks

Online applications are processed much faster than mail — around 4 weeks for routine cases. Paper applications mailed to Sydney are typically 2–3 months. Urgent processing is available with documented urgent travel (severe illness, death of a family member, professional opportunity) and is typically completed within 3 weeks.

Times vary by location, season, and individual case. Always check the official source for the current backlog before you book travel.

Official source

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/pr-card.html

Last verified May 28, 2026

Verify before applying. We compile this from official government sources and re-verify regularly. Fees, processing times, and rules change without notice — always confirm current information on the official site before you apply or pay any fee.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about applying for a canada pr card.

How much does it cost to renew a Canadian PR card? +

CAD $50 for a renewal or replacement, paid online to IRCC. The fee is the same whether your card is expiring, lost, stolen, or damaged. Your initial PR card was free as part of the landing process. PRTD applications (needed if you are abroad without a valid PR card) also cost CAD $50.

How long does it take to renew a Canada PR card? +

Online applications are currently processed in about 4 weeks for routine cases — significantly faster than paper, which takes 2–3 months. If you need to travel sooner, urgent processing is available with documented proof of urgent travel and is typically completed within 3 weeks. Check canada.ca/processing-times for the latest official estimate.

Can I travel without a valid PR card? +

You can be in Canada without a valid PR card, but you need one (or a Permanent Resident Travel Document) to board a commercial flight, train, bus, or boat to enter Canada. If you are abroad with an expired PR card, you must apply for a PRTD at a Canadian visa office before boarding.

How long is a Canadian PR card valid? +

Most PR cards are valid for 5 years. Some are issued with a 1-year validity, usually for specific case-management reasons. Your permanent resident status itself does not expire when the card does — only the card must be renewed.

What is the residency requirement for PR card renewal? +

You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) within the past 5 years. Time spent abroad with a Canadian citizen spouse, working for a Canadian employer abroad, or accompanying a PR spouse working abroad can count toward residency.

Should I apply online or by paper? +

Online via the IRCC Secure Account is faster (about 4 weeks vs 2–3 months for mail) and now the standard channel. Most applicants meet the online eligibility criteria. You will need to scan supporting documents and upload them.

Do I need to renew my PR card before becoming a citizen? +

No — once you become a Canadian citizen, your PR status (and card) is automatically replaced by your citizenship. If your card expires while waiting for your citizenship application to process, you do not need to renew it as long as you stay in Canada during the wait.

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