How to apply
Get a PR card for the first time (within 180 days of receiving your PR status)
Most people don’t need to apply for their first PR card. We automatically send you your first PR card if you give us your Canadian mailing address and photo within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident.
Give us your address within the first 180 days of becoming a permanent resident
The way to give us your information depends on how you confirm your permanent resident status.
If you confirm your status at a port of entry
You can give your address to a Canada Border Services Agency officer at the port of entry. If you don’t give your address when you land in Canada, you can give us your address online within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident.
We’ll use the photo attached to the confirmation of permanent residence for your PR card. If your photo does not meet specifications, we’ll contact you and let you know how to provide a new photo.
If you’re in Canada and confirm your status virtually
You need to give your Canadian address and upload a digital photo when you confirm your permanent residence in the Permanent Residence Portal.
If your address changes before you get your PR card
Change your address if you’re moving within 3 weeks or have already moved.
Get a PR card for the first time (more than 180 days after receiving your PR status)
Most people don’t need to apply for their first PR card. We automatically send you your first PR card if you give us your Canadian mailing address and photo within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident.
If you were not able to get us your photo and address within 180 days, you need to apply for a PR card.
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Start your application in the Permanent Residence Portal
In the portal, begin your application by filling out the application for a permanent resident card (IMM 5444).
Need help? Our instruction guide has detailed information on how to prepare, complete and submit your application.
Sign in to the Permanent Residence portal
Special circumstances
There are different processes for certain situations.
Apply for urgent processing
Urgent processing is available in some circumstances. However, the minimum processing time is 3 weeks.
Even if you qualify for urgent processing, we can’t guarantee you’ll get your card on time.
Apply on paper if you can’t apply online
If you can’t apply online and need accommodations, including for accessibility, you can apply on paper.
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Complete additional forms, and upload them to the portal
Complete the Document checklist (IMM 5644), and upload it to the portal.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to download, complete and upload other forms, or provide other documents to support your application.
You’re using a representative
Fill out the following forms, and include them in your application:
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Pay your fees, then upload the receipt to the portal
Fees are not paid through the Permanent Residence Portal.
Pay your fee to IRCC online, then upload your receipt to the Fee Payment section in the Permanent Residence Portal to show that you have paid.
Refunds are not possible while the application is in progress.
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Review your application, then submit
Before you submit your application, make sure you
- answer all the questions
- sign your application and all forms electronically (typing your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
- include your processing fee receipt
- upload all the supporting documents
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Get updates about your application
Renew an existing PR card
A PR card is usually valid for 5 years. In some cases, it’s valid for only 1 year.
Renew your PR card
- if it will expire in less than 9 months or
- if it has expired
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Start your application in the Permanent Residence Portal
In the portal, begin your application by filling out the application for a permanent resident card (IMM 5444).
Need help? Our instruction guide has detailed information on how to prepare, complete and submit your application.
Sign in to the Permanent Residence portal
Special circumstances
There are different processes for certain situations.
Apply for urgent processing
Urgent processing is available in some circumstances. However, the minimum processing time is 3 weeks.
Even if you qualify for urgent processing, we can’t guarantee you’ll get your card on time.
Apply on paper if you can’t apply online
If you can’t apply online and need accommodations, including for accessibility, you can apply on paper.
-
Complete additional forms, and upload them to the portal
Complete the Document checklist (IMM 5644), and upload it to the portal.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to download, complete and upload other forms, or provide other documents to support your application.
The forms that may be required, depending on your situation:
You’re using a representative
You’re updating the gender identifier on your card
You’re reclaiming an Indigenous name
- Confirmation of eligibility for a reclaimed name change gratis replacement document under Call to Action 17 (IRM 0004)
- Statutory declaration to reclaim an Indigenous name on Canadian citizenship certificates or permanent resident cards (IRM 0005)
- an amended birth certificate or legal change of name document
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Pay your fees, then upload the receipt to the portal
Fees are not paid through the Permanent Residence Portal.
Pay your fee to IRCC online, then upload your receipt to the Fee Payment section in the Permanent Residence Portal to show that you have paid.
Refunds are not possible while the application is in progress.
-
Review your application, then submit
Before you submit your application, make sure you
- answer all the questions
- sign your application and all forms electronically (typing your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
- include your processing fee receipt
- upload all the supporting documents
-
Get updates about your application
We made a mistake on your card (and you received your card in the last 60 days)
When we make a mistake or miss something on your card, you can apply to have your card reissued at no cost.
You need to submit the request within 60 days of receiving your card.
If only part of your name appears on your card
The names on your PR card need to match your foreign passport, but there’s limited space for names on a PR card. We may shorten your name to make it fit on the card.
The card has space for
- 28 letters or less for first names
- 28 letters or less for last names
If we shorten your name, it’s not a mistake. We won’t update your PR card if we had to shorten your name.
Get your card reissue
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Complete the application
Fill out the Request to Reissue a Permanent Resident Card [IMM 5531] (PDF, 1,75 MB).
Need help? Our instruction guide has detailed information on how to prepare, complete and submit your application.
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Complete additional forms, and include supporting documents
Provide the following form and supporting documents with your application:
- the completed Document checklist (IMM 5644)
- your current PR card
- a copy of your Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- a copy of the identity page of your passport
- 2 photos, if your photo is the reason the card needs to be reissued
If you requested a change to one of your permanent resident documents
Be sure to include a copy of the approval of your request. This might be
- a copy of your approved Request to Amend Immigration Record of Landing or Confirmation of Permanent Residence form (IMM 1436) and a copy of the cover letter you received with the approved request or
- a copy of your Verification of Status
If you want to use an immigration representative
Fill out the following forms, and include them in your application:
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Review and mail your application
Before you submit your application, make sure you
- answer all the questions
- include all the required documents
- sign and date the form
Mail your application to the following address:
Regular mail
PR Card Processing Centre
Client Service Unit
P.O. Box 9000
Sydney, NS
B1P 6K7Courier
IRCC Digitization Centre - PRC
3050 Wilson Ave
New Waterford, NS
B1H 5V8On the envelope, print
- “Urgent — Request to Reissue PR Card”
- your name and address at the top left-hand side of the envelope
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Get updates about your application
We made a mistake on your card (and you received your card more than 60 days ago)
You need to apply for a new card.
Get a new card
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Start your application in the Permanent Residence Portal
In the portal, begin your application by filling out the application for a permanent resident card (IMM 5444).
Need help? Our instruction guide has detailed information on how to prepare, complete and submit your application.
Sign in to the Permanent Residence portal
Special circumstances
There are different processes for certain situations.
Apply for urgent processing
Urgent processing is available in some circumstances. However, the minimum processing time is 3 weeks.
Even if you qualify for urgent processing, we can’t guarantee you’ll get your card on time.
Apply on paper if you can’t apply online
If you can’t apply online and need accommodations, including for accessibility, you can apply on paper.
-
Complete additional forms, and upload them to the portal
Complete the Document checklist (IMM 5644), and upload it to the portal.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to download, complete and upload other forms, or provide other documents to support your application.
The forms that may be required, depending on your situation:
You’re using a representative
You’re updating the gender identifier on your card
You’re reclaiming an Indigenous name
- Confirmation of eligibility for a reclaimed name change gratis replacement document under Call to Action 17 (IRM 0004)
- Statutory declaration to reclaim an Indigenous name on Canadian citizenship certificates or permanent resident cards (IRM 0005)
- an amended birth certificate or legal change of name document
-
Pay your fees, then upload the receipt to the portal
Fees are not paid through the Permanent Residence Portal.
Pay your fee to IRCC online, then upload your receipt to the Fee Payment section in the Permanent Residence Portal to show that you have paid.
Refunds are not possible while the application is in progress.
-
Review your application, then submit
Before you submit your application, make sure you
- answer all the questions
- sign your application and all forms electronically (typing your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
- include your processing fee receipt
- upload all the supporting documents
-
Get updates about your application
You made a mistake in your application, or your personal information has changed
You can apply for a new card if you made a mistake in your application or if you want to update your information for reasons such as
- a legal name change
- a name change after marriage or divorce
- a change of gender identifier
- an updated signature
Get a new card
-
Start your application in the Permanent Residence Portal
In the portal, begin your application by filling out the application for a permanent resident card (IMM 5444).
Need help? Our instruction guide has detailed information on how to prepare, complete and submit your application.
Sign in to the Permanent Residence portal
Special circumstances
There are different processes for certain situations:
Apply for urgent processing
Urgent processing is available in some circumstances. However, the minimum processing time is 3 weeks.
Even if you qualify for urgent processing, we can’t guarantee you’ll get your card on time.
Apply on paper if you can’t apply online
If you can’t apply online and need accommodations, including for accessibility, you can apply on paper.
-
Complete additional forms, and upload them to the portal
Complete the Document checklist (IMM 5644), and upload it to the portal.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to download, complete and upload other forms, or provide other documents to support your application.
The forms that may be required, depending on your situation:
You’re using a representative
You’re updating the gender identifier on your card
You’re reclaiming an Indigenous name
- Confirmation of eligibility for a reclaimed name change gratis replacement document under Call to Action 17 (IRM 0004)
- Statutory declaration to reclaim an Indigenous name on Canadian citizenship certificates or permanent resident cards (IRM 0005)
- an amended birth certificate or legal change of name document
-
Pay your fees, then upload the receipt to the portal
Fees are not paid through the Permanent Residence Portal.
Pay your fee online with IRCC, then upload your receipt to the Fee Payment section in the Permanent Residence Portal to show that you have paid.
Refunds are not possible while the application is in progress.
-
Review your application, then submit
Before you submit your application, make sure you
- answer all the questions
- sign your application and all forms electronically (typing your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
- include your processing fee receipt
- upload all the supporting documents
-
Get updates about your application
Replace a lost, stolen or damaged PR card
You can apply for a new card.
If you don’t need a new card
If you just want to report your lost or stolen card, and you do not need a new card, you can submit a solemn declaration.
Get a new card
-
Start your application in the Permanent Residence Portal
In the portal, begin your application by filling out the application for a permanent resident card (IMM 5444).
Need help? Our instruction guide has detailed information on how to prepare, complete and submit your application.
Sign in to the Permanent Residence portal
Special circumstances
There are different processes for certain situations:
Apply for urgent processing
Urgent processing is available in some circumstances. However, the minimum processing time is 3 weeks.
Even if you qualify for urgent processing, we can’t guarantee you’ll get your card on time.
Apply on paper if you can’t apply online
If you can’t apply online and need accommodations, including for accessibility, you can apply on paper.
-
Complete additional forms, and upload them to the portal
Complete the Document checklist (IMM 5644), and upload it to the portal.
If you’re applying to replace a damaged card, you should
- destroy your card immediately and
- upload a photo of your destroyed card as proof that you destroyed it
If you lost your PR card, include a copy of a police report or incident number with your application, if you have one.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to download, complete and upload other forms, or provide other documents to support your application.
The forms that may be required, depending on your situation:
You’re using a representative
You’re updating the gender identifier on your card
You’re reclaiming an Indigenous name
- Confirmation of eligibility for a reclaimed name change gratis replacement document under Call to Action 17 (IRM 0004)
- Statutory declaration to reclaim an Indigenous name on Canadian citizenship certificates or permanent resident cards (IRM 0005)
- an amended birth certificate or legal change of name document
-
Pay your fees, then upload the receipt to the portal
Fees are not paid through the Permanent Residence Portal.
Pay your fee online with IRCC, then upload your receipt to the Fee Payment section in the Permanent Residence Portal to show that you have paid.
Refunds are not possible while the application is in progress.
-
Review your application, then submit
Before you submit your application, make sure you
- answer all the questions
- sign your application and all forms electronically (typing your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
- include your processing fee receipt
- upload all the supporting documents
-
Get updates about your application
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