A Canadian permanent resident card must be renewed every five years because it expires in the fifth year of its use. The best time to start processing a renewal is nine months before the expiration date, as it takes up to two months to be processed. You need to pay $50 for the card to be renewed, and the payment will be made online. Make sure you attach pictures based on the standard size during the application to avoid rejection of the renewal.
To be eligible for this PR card renewal, you need to have the following:
The application for PR renewal involves filling the IMM 544e form online and attaching the following documents.
The expired or almost expired PR card that needs to be replaced
Proof that your card is stolen or lost (If you are in that situation)
Well photographed pictures according to the size specified
Clear copies of your travel documents
Identification documents requested
Police and criminal records that prove you are not convicted
Other Mandatory Documents
You will also come with the following supporting documents for the PR renewal:
Copies of valid IDs
Copies or Permanent residence confirmation record
Certificate of birth if the applicant isn’t an adult yet
Tax documents records
Sometimes you might think the next line of action is to renew your PR card when you are already eligible for Canadian citizenship. We at Pendulum immigration can help you figure out what to do in such situations. But if you still have to renew your PR card, you need to provide the following document:
Copies of valid IDs
Travel documents needed for Canada re-entry once the PR expires
Copy of passport
Proof of living with a Canadian citizen outside Canada
Proof of you or your spouse (provide the marriage certificate or common-law relationship proof) working for a Canadian company that has a head office in Canada.
Use the humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) route if the above doesn’t apply to you.
Note also that you should always include a translation of any foreign language to either English or French.
There are two addresses to use as they both depend on how you want to apply, but all the applications will be processed in the Case Processing Center in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
The processing of the PR card doesn’t take more than 90 days for it to be completed. In fact, you can get it delivered in 45 days. However, if there are so many applicants at the time of application, the processing time may extend to about six months.
Note that the PR renewal fee is not refundable, so you need to be extra sure you are eligible to apply. A sum of 50 CAD is needed to process the PR card.
You can pay the PR fee yourself using the CIC pay services. Once you search using popular PR keywords like ‘Permanent residence documents online payment.’ When you reach the website, you can pay for as many applicants as you want. Note that you must create a profile with your email at the CIC website to pay for the PR renewal.
You can either receive your PR card by mail or by physically going to the IRCC office. If you change your mailing address before the PR card is sent, ensure the IRCC is aware of it. Also, note that failure to pick up your card before a deadline of 180 days will be destroyed. But if you are not in the country when it is ready, it will not be sent to your mail but you will get it once you return to Canada. So, it is best to come in to get it before it expires, and you have to go through the process again.
Since the process typically takes six weeks, you should contact the IRCC if that time frame has passed and you don’t still get it. You should also note that the processing might take more time if you don’t meet the requirement. If you don’t know whether you are eligible, then you can contact our team at Pendulum immigration, and we will help you get it right from the start.
