Apply for, renew or replace a PR card: After you apply

Application processing times start from when we get a complete application with supporting documents and photos in the right format. You can see the average processing times for permanent resident card (PR card) applications or check the status of your application.

If we approve your application, we’ll mail you a PR card. We can’t mail your card to a third-party or non-Canadian address. In some cases, we may ask you to pick it up at one of our offices. If we do, bring your passport, or other travel document, and the original documents you sent when you applied. If you don’t pick your card up within 180 days, we will destroy it and you will have to apply for a new one.

Tell us if you’ve been waiting for longer than six weeks since we mailed your card.

If you changed addresses or phone numbers after you submitted your application, contact us so we can change this for you.

When you receive your new PR card, destroy your old one (if you have it) by cutting it in half. Destroy your old card even if:

• it’s expired,
• it has a name you used before, or
• it’s damaged.

When you travel, you need a valid PR card to return to Canada by commercial vehicle, like an airplane, train, bus or boat. If your card isn’t ready before you leave Canada or if you’re travelling without a valid PR card, you need to apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) from outside Canada. You can only apply for a PRTD from outside Canada.