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How to Renew a PR Card?
- Admin
- Express Entry
- November 25, 2023
Permanent Residency Cards in Canada are only valid up-to 5 years. To continue enjoying the PR status in Canada you have to frequently renew it until you become a Canadian citizen.
However, the PR renewal process can seem intimidating, especially with the multitude of documents and steps involved.
We have created a guide to help you renew your PR card successfully. The guide will ensure you don’t miss any documents or eligibility requirements. It is clear and easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions.
At Sambhav Immigration, we are a team of highly experienced Immigration Consultants In Mississauga. We can help you get your PR Card for the first time or renew your old PR Card.
We will ensure that the application is accurate and complete. This will help avoid any delays in the process. Feel free to contact us to renew you PR Card with ease!
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before proceeding with the renewal process, it’s essential to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- You must be a current permanent resident of Canada.
- Your PR card must be either expiring soon or already expired.
- You must meet the Residency Obligation, which entails spending a minimum of 730 days in Canada within the last 5 years.
- Ensure your time spent outside of Canada meets the residency requirements.
- There should be no removal orders or legal issues affecting your status as a permanent resident.
- Your legal name and identity should match the information provided on your PR card and other official documents.
Follow all procedures and guidelines outlined by IRCC for renewing your PR card accurately and on time and fulfill any financial obligations related to the renewal process, including payment of renewal fees.
Step 2: Prepare The Required Documents
To renew your PR card, you’ll typically need the following documents:
- Copy of your current Permanent Resident (PR) Card
- Government-issued identity documents for verification
- Copy of your current valid driving license
- Travel documents used to re-enter Canada upon expiration of PR card, if applicable
- Copy of your foreign passport or travel document if you don't have a passport
- Two application photographs meeting PR card photo specifications (50mm x 70 mm)
- Proof of meeting residency requirements (i.e., two years of residence in Canada in the last five years)
If not meeting residency requirements, provide documents showing:
- Accompaniment of a Canadian citizen spouse/partner abroad, with proof of relationship
- Employment with a Canadian company or business abroad, with proof of relationship and company head office location
Alternatively, use Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) grounds for the renewal application, if applicable. Ensure that all non-English or French documents are accompanied by certified translations.
Step 3: Complete The PR Renewal Application
The next step involves completing the PR renewal application form (IMM 5444). This form collects essential information about your personal details, immigration history, and residency obligations.
Section A - Personal Details:
- Complete Name: Enter your complete name as it appears on your Landing Record, Permanent Residence Confirmation, or most recent Permanent Resident Card.
- Current Name (if different): If you have changed your name for any reason, provide your current name.
- Gender: Please provide your sex as listed on your prior PR Card.
- Birth Date: Input your birth date in the format YYYY-MM-DD, as shown on your previous PR Card.
- Country or Territory of Birth: State the country where you were born.
- Country or Countries of Citizenship: List all countries of which you are a citizen.
- Colour of Eyes: Indicate the colour of your eyes as shown on your current or previous PR Card.
- Height: Provide your current height in centimetres or inches and feet.
- Current Residential Address in Canada: Include your permanent residential address in Canada, including apartment number, street number, street name, city, province, and postal code.
- Mailing Address in Canada (if different): If you want your PR card mailed to a different address, provide that information here.
- Telephone Numbers and Email Address: Include your cell, home, or work numbers, and email address for correspondence with IRCC.
- Current Marital Status: Select the appropriate marital status from the provided options.
Section B - Immigration History:
- Place of Becoming a Permanent Resident: Specify the port of entry or city where you first landed in Canada as a permanent resident.
- Removal Orders: Indicate if you have ever been issued a removal order in Canada and specify the type if applicable.
- Residency Obligations: Confirm if an Immigration Officer has ever issued a Report Under subsection 44(1) or found you not to have met residency obligations.
Section C - Personal History:
- Address History Inside and Outside Canada: List all addresses where you have lived in Canada and abroad for the past five years.
- Work and Educational History: Provide details of your work, educational, or other activities for the past five years.
- Travel History: Include all absences from Canada, including trips, vacations, and employment-related travel, in the last five years.
Section D - Residency Obligation:
- If you have been outside of Canada for 1095 days or more in the past five years, please enumerate all instances of your absence from the country.
- Provide details according to specific situations, such as accompanying a family member who is a Canadian citizen or being employed by a Canadian business outside Canada.
Sections E and F - Consent to Disclose Information:
- Grant permission to IRCC to cross-check your data with CBSA and CRA by choosing "Yes" and supplying the required information.
Section G - Declaration of Applicant:
- Confirm the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
- Agree to the terms and conditions stated on the form.
- Sign and date the declaration.
Section H - Formal Affirmation Regarding a Lost, Stolen, or Unreceived PR Card (if relevant):
- Only fill out this portion if you are seeking to replace a PR Card that has been lost, stolen, destroyed, or never received.
- Provide details of the circumstances and efforts made to locate the card.
- Sign and date the declaration.
- Enter your complete name exactly as it appears on your Record of Landing, Confirmation of Permanent Residence, or most recent Permanent Resident Card.
Additional Documents:
When renewing your PR Card, alongside the completed application form, you’ll need to gather some essential documentation. Here’s what you’ll require:
- A copy of your current valid or most recently expired PR Card.
- A copy of the ID page of your most recent passport. If you don't have your current passport, provide a copy of the ID page of the passport you had when you first landed in Canada, along with a copy of the landing stamp.
During the application process, you might be asked to provide additional documents, such as:
- Notices of assessment
- Copies of your Record of Landing or Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- Copy of your Driver’s license or other accepted photo ID card
- Copies of all pages of your passports held in the last five years
- Copy of a recent Notice of Assessment, university transcript, or school record if applicable
- Copy of name change documents if applicable
Furthermore, if you completed Section D of the application form, you’ll need to provide proof of your spouse or partner’s or parent’s status, and/or your employment by an eligible Canadian organization. It’s crucial to ensure that all documentation is accurate and up to date to avoid delays in processing your application.
Step 4: Pay The PR Renewal Fees
Once you’ve completed your PR renewal application, it’s time to pay the renewal fees. Here’s how:
- The fees for PR Renewal is $50 according to the official IRCC Website.
- There are different ways to pay your renewal fees. You can usually pay online using a credit card, through electronic funds transfer, or by mailing a certified cheque or money order.
- After making the payment, keep a record of the transaction. This includes any confirmation numbers or receipts you receive.
- If you're mailing your application, include proof of payment along with your application package. If you're applying online, follow the instructions on how to submit proof of payment electronically.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
After you’ve filled out all the forms and gathered your documents, it’s time to send in your application. Here’s what you need to do:
- Before sending your application, go over everything carefully. Make sure all the forms are filled out correctly and you have all the necessary documents.
- Find out where you need to send your application. This information is usually provided on the official government website or in the application instructions.
- Depending on the instructions, you can either mail your application package to the designated address or submit it online through the official portal.
- If there are any fees associated with your application, make sure to include payment according to the instructions provided.
- Before sending your application, make copies of everything for your records. This includes the application forms, supporting documents, and proof of payment.
- After submitting your application, keep track of its progress. You may be able to check the status online or contact the immigration office for updates.
By following these steps, you ensure that your application is submitted correctly and has the best chance of being processed smoothly.
Step 6: Wait For Processing
Typically, it takes around 49 days to process a PR card renewal application. However, the processing time can vary depending on various factors such as the volume of applications and your individual circumstances.
Be patient during this period and refrain from making unnecessary inquiries that could further delay the process. You can check the status of your application online through the IRCC website or by calling the IRCC helpline.
Step 7: Receive Your New PR Card
Upon approval of your application, you’ll receive your new PR card by mail at the address provided in your application. Verify the accuracy of the information on the card, including your name, photo, and expiry date.
Keep your new PR card safe and remember to update your information if it changes in the future. Your renewed PR card signifies your continued status as a permanent resident of Canada, allowing you to enjoy the rights and benefits associated with it.
Final Thoughts
Renewing your PR card is a straightforward process if you follow these steps carefully and make sure that you meet all the eligibility requirements.
However, immigration procedures can be complex for some, and any misstep could lead to delays or even complications in the application. That’s why it’s advisable to seek professional assistance from an experienced immigration consultant.
At Sambhav Immigration our team of Immigration Consultants are dedicated to guide you through every step of the PR renewal process, and make sure that your PR Renewal application is complete and submitted on time.
We’ll help you gather the necessary documents, fill out the application forms correctly, and fix any problems that may show up during the process.
With our support, you can have peace of mind knowing that your PR Renewal application is in capable hands. Contact Us Today!
