How to Renew Your Permanent Resident Card in Canada (IMM 5444)

What Is the PR Card and Why Does It Matter?

Your permanent resident (PR) card is the official proof that you have permanent resident status in Canada. You need it every time you re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier such as an airplane, train, bus, or boat. Without a valid PR card, you may not be able to board your flight back to Canada. It is important to understand that your PR status and your PR card are two different things. Your status as a permanent resident does not expire when your card does. However, you still need a valid card to travel back into Canada.

Most PR cards are valid for 5 years from the date they are issued. Some cards are issued for only 1 year if you did not fully meet the residency obligation at the time of your last application. Either way, you should plan to renew your card before it expires, especially if you travel outside Canada regularly.

Understanding the Residency Obligation

Before you apply to renew your PR card, you need to understand the residency obligation. To keep your permanent resident status, you must have been physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) during the last 5 years. This does not need to be continuous. The 730 days can be spread across the 5-year period.

What Counts Toward the 730 Days?

Time spent inside Canada as a permanent resident counts toward the obligation. In some cases, time spent outside Canada can also count. For example, if you were outside Canada accompanying a Canadian citizen who is your spouse, common-law partner, or parent (if you are a child), that time may count. Time spent outside Canada while employed by a Canadian business or the Canadian government on a full-time basis may also count. You will need to provide proof of any time outside Canada that you want counted toward the obligation.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

The application process for renewing your PR card uses form IMM 5444. You must be physically present in Canada when you submit your application and when you pick up your new card. Here is how the process works step by step.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

You will need the following documents to complete your application:

• A completed IMM 5444 application form
• Two permanent resident card photos that meet the IRCC photo specifications
• A photocopy of your current or most recent PR card (both sides)
• A photocopy of your valid passport or travel document
• A photocopy of two pieces of identity documents (one government-issued with photo)
• Supporting documents to prove you meet the residency obligation (such as tax returns, pay stubs, school transcripts, or lease agreements)
• The applicable processing fee

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Download the IMM 5444 form from the IRCC website. Fill it out carefully and make sure every field is completed. Missing information will delay your application. Double-check your name, date of birth, and unique client identifier (UCI) number.

Step 3: Get Your Photos

Your photos must meet specific requirements set by IRCC. They must be 50 mm x 70 mm, taken within the last 6 months, and show a neutral facial expression with a plain white or light-colored background. Many photo studios in Canada are familiar with PR card photo requirements. Make sure the photographer writes your name and date of birth on the back of the photos.

Step 4: Pay the Fee and Submit

The processing fee for a PR card renewal is $50 CAD. You can pay online through the IRCC online portal and include the receipt with your application. Mail your complete application package to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The mailing address is listed on the instruction guide that accompanies the IMM 5444 form.

Processing Times and What to Expect

As of early 2026, the processing time for a PR card renewal is approximately 45 to 105 business days. Processing times vary and can change, so check the IRCC processing times page for the most current information. After your application is processed, you will receive a letter telling you to pick up your new card at an IRCC office near you. You must pick it up in person. Someone else cannot pick it up for you.

Checking Your Application Status

You can check the status of your application by signing in to your IRCC online account. If you applied on paper and do not have an online account, you can link your application to a new account using your UCI number and the application number from your receipt.

What If Your PR Card Has Already Expired?

If your PR card has expired but you are still in Canada, you can still apply to renew it. An expired card does not mean you have lost your PR status. As long as you meet the residency obligation, you can submit a renewal application using the same IMM 5444 form. Just make sure you do not travel outside Canada until you receive your new card, because you will not be able to board a flight back without a valid PR card or a PRTD.

The Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)

If you are outside Canada and your PR card is expired, lost, or stolen, you cannot apply for a new card from abroad. Instead, you need to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) at a Canadian visa office outside Canada. The PRTD is a one-time use document that allows you to travel back to Canada. Once you are back in Canada, you can then apply for a new PR card. Keep in mind that to get a PRTD, you still need to show that you meet the residency obligation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants run into delays because of simple errors. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:

• Submitting photos that do not meet the specifications
• Forgetting to sign the application form
• Not including the fee payment receipt
• Providing insufficient proof of meeting the residency obligation
• Sending the application to the wrong address

Take your time and review everything before you send your application. A complete and accurate application is the fastest way to get your new card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my expired PR card as identification?

An expired PR card is not a valid travel document, but it may still be accepted as identification for some domestic purposes. However, it is always best to carry a valid piece of government-issued photo ID.

Can I apply online?

As of early 2026, the PR card renewal application is primarily a paper-based process. You download the form, fill it out, and mail it in. Check the IRCC website for any updates on online application options.

What if I am about to lose my PR status?

If you are concerned that you may not meet the residency obligation, it is important to seek legal advice from an immigration lawyer or a regulated Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC). You may also want to explore options such as applying for Canadian citizenship if you are eligible, or making a humanitarian and compassionate application to keep your status.

Helpful Resources

Here are some additional resources to help you through the PR card renewal process:

• IRCC: Permanent Resident Card
• Guide to Your First Weeks in Canada
• How to Open a Bank Account as a Newcomer
• Applying for the GST/HST Credit
• Applying for EI Benefits in Canada

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