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Permanent resident (PR) card – Departmental policy

This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.

A permanent resident (PR) card is a status document automatically issued upon permanent residence being granted, provided that all required information is available, including a photograph and a valid Canadian address, and following the necessary examination and confirmation of status in IRCC systems through the Global Case Management System (GCMS).

The main purpose of the PR card is for PRs to have a document that demonstrates PR status to facilitate a return to Canada by commercial carrier (aircraft, train, bus or boat), as required by law.

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) does not require PRs in Canada to hold a PR card or to have one when they present themselves at a port of entry (POE).

Applications from clients are commonly placed into categories: Phase 1 for new PRs being issued a new card (automatically issued at the time of confirming permanent residence and having provided a photograph and valid Canadian address), and Phase 2 for existing PRs being issued a renewal or replacement card, as well as existing PRs who are applying for their first PR card by submitting an application for a permanent resident card.

On occasion, a client with a renewal or replacement PR card application will be required to pick up their PR card in person. This occurs in circumstances such as IRCC requesting original copies of supporting documents, and also as part of measuring program integrity.

There is no separate fee for a new PR card (Phase 1) as it is included in the fee for processing an application for permanent residence. Fees are charged for renewal or replacement PR cards due to loss, theft or damage. There is no fee for replacement cards due to an administrative error by IRCC.

Applications from clients deemed ineligible will be cancelled. These circumstances include the client already holding a valid PR card or loss of PR status.

If ordered to do so, a PR must surrender their PR card. The PR card remains the property of the Crown at all times and must be returned to the Department [subsection R53(2)]. However, an officer cannot arbitrarily seize the PR card until a determination of status is completed and applicable provisions are exercised.

See also

On this page

PR card program objectives and rules

The PR card was introduced in response to provisions in IRPA, which require the issuance of a status document to permanent residents. Implementation of a secure and reliable status identification document is a key element in IRCC’s strategic plan to combat the organized trafficking and smuggling of people, protect Canada’s borders, and promote public safety.

The IRPA mandates that PRs be provided with a document indicating their status [subsection A31(1)].

The PR card is designed to:

The PR card is provided only in Canada. Clients who are outside of Canada without a valid PR card must obtain a PR travel document (PRTD) in order to enter Canada. The PRTD is issued on a counterfoil using specific category coding and is attached to the clients passport or travel document.

All PR card applications must be made in Canada and can be submitted by mail. The application package includes:

Applications are accepted as complete with:

A client who is outside of Canada and does not present a valid document indicating PR status is presumed not to be a PR of Canada unless an officer determines otherwise [paragraph A31(2)(b)].

PR status and the PR card program

The PR card was developed to provide PRs with a secure, durable document that allows the holder to easily prove their status to transportation companies for the purposes of travel to Canada.

Once the client has acquired PR status, they must provide a valid Canadian address within 180 days of the date on which PR status was acquired. Should they fail to do so, the client will have to apply and pay the processing fee to obtain a PR card.

A PR is permitted to have only one valid PR card at a time. Clients who are in possession of an old PR card should destroy and dispose of the card upon receiving their new one or provide it back to IRCC upon obtaining citizenship.

Persons who present a valid PR card at a port of entry (POE) are presumed to have the status indicated [paragraph A31(2)(a)], unless an officer determines otherwise. Officers at ports of entry may allow entry into Canada of permanent residents whose status can be established through a variety of other means; however, it is highly recommended that clients present a PR card (or a PRTD) to prevent significant delays.

While the PR card is not issued outside Canada, the IRPA nevertheless provides for PRs who do not have a PR card to return to Canada. Assuming that they are otherwise able to comply with the residency obligation and hold a travel document, an accompanying visa counterfoil (PRTD) may be issued [subsection A31(3)].

In exceptional cases, humanitarian and compassionate considerations may overcome a breach of residency requirements. Other exceptions exist, see below for more information.

See also

Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) for PR status and the PR card program

IRPA and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) include provisions that:

Summary of PR card program provisions in the IRPA and IRPR:

Subsection A31(1) – Authority for PR card

Paragraph A32(f) – Authority of the regulations

Paragraphs A31(2)(a) and A31(2)(b) – General presumptions

Paragraphs A31(3)(a) to (b) – Examination of persons without a PR card abroad

Section A200 – Exclusion

Section R11 – PR card applications must be made to the card processing centre (CPC) in Canada

Paragraphs R53(1)(a) and (b) – Document indicating status

Subsection R53(2) – PR card remains the property of the government

Subsection R54(1) and paragraphs R54(2)(a) to (d) – Validity of the PR card and exceptions resulting in validity of one year

Section R55 – PR card is provided and issued only in Canada

Subsection R56(2) and paragraph R10(1)(d) – Application for a card

Subsections R57(1) to (3) – Signatures

Subsections R58(1) and R58(2) – Information required of all new PRs to issue a PR card

Subsection R58(3) – PR cards must be collected within 180 days of notification

Subsection R58(4) – PRs must produce original documentation of copies previously submitted with application

Paragraphs R59(1)(a) to (d) – Issuance of new permanent resident card

Subsection R59(2) – Effect of new PR card issuance

Paragraphs R60(a) to (c) – Revocation

PR card and other prescribed documents for travel on commercial carrier

While the PR card is not a mandatory document for travel within Canada, Canadian permanent residents are required to have either a PR card or a PRTD to return to Canada aboard a commercial carrier. Prospective travellers are strongly encouraged to obtain a valid PR card prior to leaving Canada.

Note: In cases where travel plans do not allow for the processing of a PR card on an expedited basis, clients have the alternative of applying for a PRTD at a visa application centre (VAC) or online through the Permanent Residence Portal (PR Portal) [issued under A31(3), counterfoil with applicable category], prior to their return. This application requires a fee payment, as well as a permanent resident status determination under A28. Visa offices manage the issuance of PRTDs and seek to facilitate the return travel of legitimate PRs to Canada wherever possible. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, once a final negative determination is complete, a permanent resident without a valid PR card outside Canada is deemed to be a foreign national unless the client appeals the decision within 60 days after they receive the written reasons for the decision to file a notice of appeal.

Transportation companies screening individuals boarding Canada-bound carriers require all passengers to be in possession of one of the documents prescribed in R259. See below for further details.

Obligations of commercial transportation companies

Commercial transporters are legally required to ensure passengers are properly documented for travel to Canada.

Reference:

Section A148 – Transportation companies – Obligation of operators of vehicles and facilities

Section R259 – Transportation – Prescribed documents

Note: In accordance with the instructions in section 7.1 of ENF 15 (PDF, 315 KB), “a transporter is prohibited from carrying to Canada a person who is prescribed or does not hold a prescribed document. Therefore, a transporter must ensure that their passengers are properly documented for travel to Canada”.

Note: The effect of this section’s coming into force prohibited the use of the IMM 1000 as a travel document after December 30, 2003.

PR card and other prescribed documents for travel with a private vehicle

A PR travelling in a private vehicle such as a car, truck, motorcycle or recreational vehicle that they own, borrowed or rented does not need a PR card or a PRTD when crossing the land border. While not mandatory, it is preferable that they use their PR card or a PRTD to allow an officer to easily assess the individual’s identity. However, permanent residents can use other documents to return to Canada in this case, if they do not have their PR card on hand.

Note: the following documents are not valid for travel to Canada:

  • Record of Landing (IMM 1000)
  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)

General conditions for applying for a PR card (Phase 2)

The requirement in IRPA and IRPR is to provide a document indicating status. The PR card is presented as a status document for clients who became PRs after the IRPA came into force. Clients who obtained their status under previous immigration legislation may obtain a PR card upon submission of an application including supporting documentation as required.

IRPR allows for various types of identity documents to be submitted in support of an application for a PR card. If the client cannot obtain one of the documents listed, then they may submit alternative documents as per the PR card application document checklist.

Each person, including all family members, must apply for a PR card individually, in accordance with the following instructions:

General conditions for issuance of a PR card

Subsection A31(1) specifies all PRs shall be provided with a document indicating their status, and subsection R53(1) specifies that the PR card is the status document for the purposes of A31(1).

A foreign national becomes eligible for a PR card at the same time they are granted PR status.

Persons who are granted PR status under IRPA must provide IRCC with a valid Canadian residential address either at the time they are examined for permanent residence, or within 180 days after the day on which they become a PR.

A PR card request is generated in our system when all file information is received and complete for the purposes of PR card production for Phase 1 PR cards. PR card requests (Phase 1) and applications for PR cards (Phase 2) without a Canadian residential address or a valid photograph meeting specifications will not be processed until all the required information is received from the clients.

Note: IRCC is facilitative with new PRs arriving in Canada by allowing them to provide a third party address as new immigrants may not have a permanent address yet. However, where there are clear indications that the initial entry into Canada was only for a short period of time and the client provided a third party address (for example, the address of a friend, relative, representative or service provider) for the purposes of forwarding their initial PR card outside of Canada, these cases should be flagged with a note indicating that the client is outside Canada. If the client plans to leave Canada prior to receiving their PR card, the officer should counsel the client with respect to the requirements under subsection A31(3) for a travel document issued at a visa office abroad.

Note (refused versus cancelled applications):

PR card application refused:

If the client does not submit a valid Canadian address within 180 days after becoming a PR, the application is closed and refused, and a new application for a PR card must be submitted along with the processing fee [subsection R58(2)].

Applications in process with missing or incomplete information/documentation will be sent a letter with the opportunity to provide the missing/incomplete information. The client has 30 days to provide the requested information. If the client does not submit the information/documentation as requested to complete the application, the application is closed and refused [reference paragraph R59(1)(c) for not complying with section R56].

PR card application cancelled:

Applications are cancelled and returned unprocessed, with fees refunded as applicable, if the client status is deemed ineligible to apply for a PR card. For example, the client already has a valid PR card or the client has lost PR status. See below for more details.

Use of representative and third-party mailing addresses

Clients who use a representative must complete the IMM 5476 Use of a Representative form.

See also:

PR cards issued to new PRs under IRPA

The information required for producing a new PR card (Phase 1) is collected in the course of a client’s application for permanent residence, whether in Canada or abroad.

A PR card production request is generated after permanent residence is confirmed.

Officers conducting the examination either at the POE or inland or through the PR Portal must first ensure that the information required for PR card production is complete and accurate. Any defects in photograph quality or data errors must be corrected prior to confirming PR status and submitting the request for PR card production.

Officers should ensure the information is up-to-date, including the client’s Canadian address, for completion of the profile in GCMS, and production of the PR card and distribution to the client:

Persons who were landed under previous legislation

As per IRPA and IRPR, clients landed under the former Immigration Act do not require a PR card if they do not intend to travel outside of Canada. However, they can still obtain one as set out in paragraph R53(1)(b).

Identity management – Information required for processing PR card applications

According to policy, IRCC will respond to established identities only, and not create new identities. All name variations are to be recorded into the client’s profile in GCMS using AKA.

Officers are to consult identity management instructions for information about:

See also

Rules and guidelines for names on the PR card

The rules and guidelines for names determine the:

Rules for Names Notes / Exceptions / Documentation
Only one name will be printed on the PR card.

GCMS can only record characters found in the Roman alphabet. Names will be printed in Roman alphabetic characters only.

It is not possible to print more than 28 letters for the given name and 28 letters for the last name on the PR card. If the client name is longer than this number of characters, the name appearing on the PR card will be shortened.
The name to appear on the card will normally reflect the name on the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR), which also reflects the name on the client’s passport.

Supporting documentation will include copies of the following documents:

  • A document listed in section R50 currently held by the client or held by the client at the time of becoming a permanent resident.
  • A certificate of identity issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the client.
  • Refugee travel papers issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the client.
  • If the client is unable to obtain any of the above documents, alternate documentation under section R178 may be provided.

And one of the following supporting documents:

  • Record of Landing [IMM 1000]
  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence [IMM 5688 or former IMM 5292]
  • Any official document from the holder issued by the Government of Canada prior to the IMM 1000 form and that indicates establishment in Canada.
  • A provincial/territorial driver’s licence held by the client.
  • A photograph identity card held by the client and issued by a province/territory.
  • A student card held by the client and issued by a provincially/territorially accredited college or university.
  • The most recent notice of assessment within the meaning of the Income Tax Act received in relation to the client’s income tax return.
If the client requests a name which differs from the name at the time of establishment in Canada (landing) in any respect, the officer must be able to ascertain that the client and the person named in the document are one and the same. Additional documentation will be requested in support of a name change.

See also

Requesting a correction for an error on a CoPR

If there is an administrative error on the CoPR after the client becomes a PR that was done by IRCC, the client must submit a Request to Amend Valid Temporary Resident Documents or Information Contained in the Confirmation of Permanent Residence [IMM 1436] (see the Instruction Guide IMM 5218) to have their information corrected. A new document with the correct information will then be issued to the client.

In some circumstances, additional documentary evidence may be required [section A16].

For any changes in name, sex or other information, the CoPR itself will not be modified. Instead, a Verification of Status (VoS) document will be issued indicating the changes. If the PR card contained errors as well, the client must make an application to request to re-issue their PR card after they receive their VOS with the corrections made in order to have a new PR card issued with the corrections.

Sex or gender identifier

The officer processing the request may change a client’s sex or gender identifier based only on a completed request form for a change of sex or gender identifier. The officer must ensure that the client’s identity is recorded as accurately as possible.

See also

Name changes from marriage or adoption

Initial PR cards are issued in the name that appears on the CoPR [IMM 5688 or IMM 5292], which is based on passport information.

Clients who wish to have a new PR card with a name that differs from the name on the original issued card, must apply for a new PR card and submit the appropriate supporting documentation.

Some situations arise where the future adoptive or married name differs from the one used by the visa office. Some visa officers may also indicate a preferred or alternative name in the “Remarks” box, although this practice is not consistently followed and has no legal sanction.

Adoptive parents or other persons who wish to have a PR card in a different name, must apply for a PR card and submit the appropriate supporting documentation.

Officers at the POE correcting client information on the CoPR to bring the form into agreement with passport information should be limited to obvious clerical errors and these corrections must be done before the client becomes a PR. Copies of marriage and adoption certificates should be mailed to PRC-Sydney, and not be attached to the CoPR form.

See also: Naming procedures: Managing existing records – Change of name request

Photographs

Two identical photographs are to be provided with the application for a PR card [paragraph R56(2)(e)]. The photograph provided will be used to issue the clients PR card. It is essential that photographs meet the photo specifications or there will be delays with issuance.

Note: Photographs are not required for the PTRD application.

Period of validity

Standard issue: Five-year validity period

All PRs are issued a five-year card upon confirmation of PR status (Phase 1 cards) or an approved application for PR card renewal/replacement (Phase 2 cards).

Subsection R54(1) states a PR card is valid for a period of five years from the date of issue, subject to subsection R54(2).

Exceptions: One-year validity period

Occasionally, a PR card is issued with a one-year validity period. PR cards with a one-year validity period may only be issued for renewal or replacement PR cards.

Corrections to data on PR cards issued

One of the primary goals of the PR card initiative is to enhance the quality and reliability of status identification documents issued by IRCC. In order to achieve this goal, it is imperative that client information recorded on the PR card is accurate.

Height and eye colour are no longer verified by PRC-Sydney. The final verification and updating of these fields are the responsibility of the client, the local IRCC offices and/or officers at the POE.

Data correction must follow procedures in identity management.

Replacement PR card due to IRCC administrative error

Clients may request reissue of PR cards issued by IRCC containing administrative errors. No fees are charged.

Errors on the CoPR that were not corrected upon becoming a PR, will not be deemed as an administrative error. Thus, the client will be required to complete a new PR card application, provide supporting documentation to correct the error, and pay the required fees.

Renewal of PR card – Phase 2 application

The standard PR card application [IMM 5444] is completed to renew a PR card. A processing fee is charged for renewing a PR card.

Given that a PR card is not a mandatory document, as per IRPA and IRPR, a PR can remain in Canada with an expired PR card.

PRs are advised to renew their PR card before the expiry date if they plan to travel outside Canada. Should a PR need to travel and time does not allow for a renewal application, they can exit Canada and apply for a PRTD abroad in order to facilitate their return to Canada. A complete PRTD application should be made as soon as possible through the appropriate channel for PRTD application submission to avoid delays.

Reporting lost or stolen PR card

Clients must report their lost or stolen PR card through official channels by completing a new Application for a Permanent Resident Card [IMM 5444] form, including completion of section 6.

Clients who do not wish to apply for a replacement PR card are required to complete the Solemn Declaration Concerning a Permanent Resident Card that was Lost, Stolen, Destroyed or Never Received [IMM 5451].

Clients outside Canada who report a lost or stolen card need to apply for a PRTD in order to return to Canada by commercial carrier. Any relevant information from the file that may assist in the investigation by IRCC and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) into the loss or theft should also be recorded in GCMS and forwarded via email to PRCC-Sydney-Urgent.

Clients must provide an explanation of the circumstances of loss and indicate what steps have been taken to recover the PR card. The CPC is responsible for updating the client’s PR card status to “Cancelled,” with the reason “Lost or Stolen” as applicable. The CPC will update GCMS upon receipt of a completed Solemn Declaration [IMM 5451] or Application for a Permanent Resident Card or Permanent Resident Travel Document [IMM 5444]. Clients are reminded that the PR card has been cancelled and is no longer valid.

A police report may be submitted along with the Solemn Declaration if the PR card was reported lost or stolen.

CBSA will update records in the Lost, Stolen or Fraudulent Document (LSFD) database.

Once a PR card is reported lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use, it is revoked in GCMS and the card is no longer valid. If the PR card is subsequently recovered by the client, IRCC officers must inform the client the PR card has already been revoked and that they must apply for a new PR card. Agents at the Client Support Centre (CSC) will instruct the client to cut their card in half, ensuring that there is not a privacy breach with personal information still visible on the old card, and dispose of the pieces. Overseas offices in possession of PR cards that were collected for deconstruction may dispose of these cards according to their local control forms destruction method and include a note in the client’s UCI in GCMS confirming that the card has been destroyed.

Replacement PR card due to loss, theft or damage

A replacement PR card may be issued for PR cards no longer valid for use due to loss, theft or damage.

A PR card that has been damaged beyond use is considered destroyed.

A complete application and all relevant evidence are required together with the processing fee [subsection A16(1)].

Damaged cards are to be returned to IRCC with the PR card application for a replacement card.

Anyone reporting a second or subsequent lost or stolen PR card may be referred to a local office for any additional clarifications that may be required.

See below: Revoked PR cards

Cancellation of PR card application – Phase 2 application

Phase 2 applications are cancelled and returned unprocessed, with fees refunded as applicable, if the client is ineligible to apply for a PR card.

An application is cancelled when it is determined that one of the following situations applies:

When an application is cancelled for any of the reasons identified above, PRC-Sydney or the local office notifies the client immediately of the cancellation of the application.

Note: Previously, applications from clients who had lost PR status were referred to as “refused” with determinations completed. As seen above, these files are now called “cancelled”. Applications that are deemed “closed and refused” when the application is missing information and the client has not provided information within the deadline.

Retrieval and surrender of old PR cards

Instructions are in place for PRs to surrender or destroy their PR card upon citizenship being granted, or when receiving a renewed or replacement PR card.

GCMS will be updated with the issuance of a new PR card or with the granting of citizenship.

The client is instructed to cut their card in half, ensuring that there is not a breach of privacy with personal information still visible on the old card, and dispose of the pieces.

Paragraph R59(1)(d) stipulates that in order to be issued a new PR card, a client must return their previous PR card. However, effective April 21, 2008, IRCC revised its policy to allow permanent residents to hold on to their valid PR card instead of returning it with the completed application form and destroy the PR card themselves.

Unclaimed and undelivered PR cards

Where a client does not respond to the two reminders from a local IRCC office to pick up their PR card within the 180-day time frame, the PR card must be returned to CPC-Sydney for destruction [subsection R58(3)]. Officers are to follow the process for the disposition of undelivered and undeliverable PR cards.

See also

Revoked PR cards

PR cards are revoked when a new PR card is issued that replaces the card previously issued [subsection R59(2)].

PR cards must be revoked [section R60] when:

  1. the PR has become a Canadian citizen or otherwise has lost PR status;
  2. the PR card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed; or
  3. the PR is deceased.

PR cards are also revoked under the following conditions:

If the PR card has been lost, or is otherwise unavailable when an officer receives confirmation that a client is no longer eligible for a PR card, then the file is reported to PRC-Sydney so that the PR card may be revoked in GCMS.

Seizure and recall of PR cards

In rare cases, the PR card may be seized or recalled, and subsequently revoked.

Subsection R53(2) states: A permanent resident card remains the property of His Majesty in right of Canada at all times and must be returned to the Department on the Department’s request.

A CBSA officer may seize a PR card, following proper identification of the documents to be seized and following recommendation from an IRCC officer, if the client is no longer a permanent resident of Canada, even if the PR card is still valid [IDD #246, #248].

After seizing the PR card, the CBSA or IRCC officer must change the status of the PR card in GCMS, as applicable in the investigation. At the conclusion of the investigation, disposition of the PR card will be guided by regulations regarding seizure: Sections R253, R254, R255, R256 and R257.

The PR card is sent to PRC-Sydney for destruction.

Situations involving seizure usually occur in the course of interdiction of improperly documented passengers abroad or other law enforcement activity in Canada.

It is anticipated that some individuals will try to obtain a PR card in an irregular manner, and that others will make fraudulent use of PR cards.

Investigations and removal activities are the responsibility of CBSA.

See also

Withdrawal request of PR card application

Clients may submit a request to withdraw an application for a PR card. Officers must examine where the application is in the process and complete an assessment as to whether the circumstances allow for accepting a withdrawal request. Communication with PRC-Sydney is required.

See also:

Responsible offices and role description

Multiple offices are involved in processing applications for PR cards and in the production and distribution of the PR card itself.

The respective instructions in support of the PR card as they relate to visa offices, ports of entry, inland IRCC offices, PRC-Sydney, and the card production facility are summarized below.

Responsible office Function
Visa office
(International Network)
  • Processes the application for permanent residence.
  • Data entry into GCMS – height and eye colour.
  • Verifies client identity and integrity of travel document for purposes of CoPR.
  • Verifies identity with documents and photograph, and signatures.
  • Affixes photo onto CoPR for processing new card once landed.
POE/Inland IRCC
(CBSA and Domestic Network)
  • Verifies identity, photograph, and signature of witness (not applicable for virtual landings).
  • Ensures photograph meets specifications.
  • Validates passport, counterfoil, and holder’s copy of the CoPR, makes any necessary changes in GCMS.
  • Verifies or obtains client mailing address and counsels accordingly to provide it within 180 days if unavailable.
  • Processes the PR card request and sends request to Card Production Facility through GCMS.
PRC-Sydney
(Centralized Network)
  • Receives and processes copies of CoPRs to initiate card production.
  • Scans and records the photograph for Phase 1 clients received at POE.
  • Performs data verification and alias search to create dominant UCI for PR card creation.
  • Processes Phase 2 application for renewal or replacement.
  • Transmits information to the Card Production Facility together with GCMS Client Record.
Card Production Facility
(Immigration Program Guidance)
  • Canadian Bank Note Company Ltd. (CBN):
    (1) produces the blank card; (2) personalizes the PR card for Phase 1 and 2 applications; and (3) distributes completed cards by mail directly to client.
  • On occasion, CBN forwards the PR card to the applicable IRCC local office for in-person distribution.

Quality assurance program for the PR card

The administration of quality assurance in the PR program is an ongoing initiative involving advancements in digitization, online portals and security measures on the PR card itself.

IRCC continues to modernize the quality assurance program by transitioning towards the digital processing of applications (automation) involving the portal and GCMS integration (including Entry-Exit).

Measurement of PR card program integrity is the responsibility of the PR status team in Immigration Program Guidance (IPG).

The PR card production facility leads its own quality assurance program on the physical card.

IRCC also performs a monthly quality audit on a limited number of cards with the assistance of the CBSA.

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