Apply for, renew or replace a PR card: How to apply
You can now apply online
As of January 15, 2024, you can apply online for a PR card.
You don’t need to apply for your first PR card. If we have your Canadian address and photo that meets IRCC photo specifications, we’ll mail your PR card to the address provided.
Make sure you’re eligible before applying. If you are, follow these steps to apply for a permanent resident (PR) card.
If your PR card isn’t ready before you leave Canada or if you’re outside Canada without a valid PR card, you must apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD). Once you return to Canada, apply for a PR card.
1. Get the application package
To apply for a permanent resident card, you must submit a complete application package including all required forms.
Use the guide to help you fill out the forms properly, pay your fees and submit your application. If your application is incomplete or missing information or documents, we’ll return it to you.
You must submit a separate application with the correct fees for each person in your family who needs a PR card, regardless of their age.
Instruction guide
- Our Instruction Guide [IMM 5445] (opens in a new tab) has detailed information on how to prepare, complete and submit your application.
Document checklist
- Document Checklist [IMM 5644] (opens in a new tab)
- Use your checklist to make sure you include all the forms and documents you need.
Application form
Fill out the digital application form in the online portal.
- Application for a Permanent Resident Card (IMM 5444)
If you can’t apply online
You can apply on paper if you can’t apply online and require accommodations, including for accessibility reasons. You must download the IMM 5444 form (opens in a new tab) and fill it out electronically. You must also validate the form before printing and signing it.
Additional forms, if they apply
- Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) (opens in a new tab)
- Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475) (opens in a new tab)
- Request form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier (IRM 0002) (opens in a new tab)
- Confirmation of Eligibility for a Reclaimed Name Change Gratis Replacement Document Under Call to Action 17 (IRM 0004) (opens in a new tab)
- Statutory Declaration to Reclaim an Indigenous Name on Canadian Citizenship Certificates or Permanent Resident Cards (IRM 0005) (opens in a new tab)
- an amended birth certificate or legal change of name document
2. Pay your application fees online
You must pay a processing fee of CAN$50 when you apply for a PR card and include your payment receipt with either your paper or online application.
We cannot refund the fee once the application is in process.
3. Submit your application
Before you submit your application, make sure you
- answer all questions
- sign your application and all forms
- include the receipt for your payment, and
- include all the supporting documents
If you apply online
Submit your application and all the required documents mentioned in the document checklist through the Permanent Residence Portal.
To apply online, sign in or create a Permanent Residence Portal account.
If you submit a paper application
While most applications will be online, you can submit a paper application in certain cases. If you submit a paper application, send your application and all the required documents mentioned in the document checklist to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada.
By mail:
Case Processing Centre — PR Card
P.O. Box 10020
Sydney, NS B1P 7C1
Canada
By courier:
Case Processing Centre – PR Card
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, NS B1P 5Z2
Canada
Top questions about the permanent resident card
- What happens if my PR card expires while I am outside Canada?
- I’m a new permanent resident of Canada. Do I need to apply for a PR card?
- How long will it take to process my PR card?
- I need to leave Canada and I do not have a PR card. Can I later re-enter Canada?
- How do I renew my permanent resident card?
- I have reclaimed my Indigenous name. How do I update my PR card?
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