How to Renew an Expiring or Expired Permanent Resident Card in Canada

When should you renew your Canadian PR card?

IRCC says you should renew your permanent resident card if it has expired or will expire in less than 9 months.

A PR card is usually valid for 5 years, although some cards are issued for only 1 year.

Do not normally submit a renewal application while the card still has more than 9 months, or 270 days, of validity remaining. IRCC states that an early application can be returned unless an exception applies, such as certain legal name changes.

Does an expired PR card mean you lose permanent resident status?

No. The expiry of the physical PR card does not by itself mean that your permanent resident status has expired.

Permanent resident status continues until it is formally lost under Canadian immigration law, for example through a final determination that you no longer meet the residency obligation, a removal order that becomes enforceable, voluntary renunciation or becoming a Canadian citizen.

The card is evidence of your status and is particularly important for returning to Canada on commercial transportation.

Who can renew a permanent resident card?

To apply for a PR card, IRCC requires you to:

• already have permanent resident status;
• be physically present in Canada;
• not have lost your PR status; and
• not be a Canadian citizen.

If you are outside Canada, IRCC does not mail a PR card overseas. If you do not have a valid card, you normally need to apply for a permanent resident travel document to return to Canada on a commercial carrier.

What is the 730-day residency requirement for PR card renewal?

Renewing a PR card requires you to meet the permanent residence residency obligation.

If you have been a permanent resident for 5 years or more

You normally must have accumulated at least 730 days of qualifying presence in Canada during the previous 5 years.

The 730 days do not have to be continuous.

If you have been a permanent resident for less than 5 years

You must be able to show that you will be able to accumulate at least 730 qualifying days within 5 years from the date you became a permanent resident.

Specific periods spent outside Canada may count toward the residency obligation under immigration law, including certain situations involving accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse or common-law partner or qualifying employment abroad. If you rely on time outside Canada, provide the evidence requested by IRCC for that situation.

How should you calculate your days outside Canada?

PR card renewal asks for information about absences from Canada during your permanent resident period, generally covering up to the previous 5 years.

IRCC provides a travel journal to help permanent residents record:

• the date they left Canada;
• the date they returned;
• the destination;
• the reason for travel.

Check passports, travel records and other evidence carefully before submitting because your travel history can affect the residency assessment.

What form is used to renew a PR card?

The application is IMM 5444, Application for a Permanent Resident Card or Permanent Resident Travel Document.

For a PR card renewal from inside Canada, you complete IMM 5444 through the Permanent Residence Portal.

You must also complete and upload IMM 5644, Document Checklist.

What documents do you need to renew a PR card?

IRCC's document checklist controls the final requirements for your application. For a standard renewal, you generally need:

• proof that you paid the PR card fee;
• a professional PR card photo meeting IRCC specifications;
• proof showing that you meet the residency obligation;
• a copy of an accepted primary identity document;
• a copy of your existing PR card;
• additional forms or documents if your personal circumstances require them.

What identity document should you upload?

IRCC requires a copy of one of the following primary identity documents:

• your valid passport or travel document;
• the passport or travel document you held when you became a permanent resident, including the relevant arrival-stamp page where applicable; or
• a certificate of identity or travel document issued by IRCC or a foreign country.

The copy should clearly show the document type and number, issue and expiry dates, your name, photograph and date of birth.

Do you need to send your old PR card?

For an online renewal application, upload a copy of your current PR card.

IRCC instructs you to destroy the old card immediately once you receive the new one.

If IRCC later asks you to attend an office to collect the new card, bring your old card and the original versions of documents for which you previously submitted copies.

What photo is required for PR card renewal?

For an online PR card application, provide one professional photo taken within 12 months of the application date.

The portal accepts:

• a professional digital photo in JPEG or PNG format; or
• a scanned professional photograph.

Do not photograph a paper photo using your phone or digital camera.

IRCC's portal currently requires uploaded photos to fall within its technical dimensions and size limits. The portal photo validation tool lets you position and crop the image before submission.

You must also provide the information that would normally appear on the back of a professional photograph. For a digital photo, this can be uploaded separately using confirmation from the photo studio, such as a receipt.

Why can IRCC reject or return a PR card photo?

IRCC lists common problems including:

• a photo that is too dark;
• a background that is not white;
• facial features that are not clearly visible;
• glare;
• incorrect digital dimensions;
• a file larger than the permitted size;
• failure to meet other PR card photo specifications.

If IRCC returns the photo, you can submit a new compliant photo through the portal.

How much does it cost to renew a PR card in 2026?

The federal processing fee is $50 per person.

IRCC requires the payment to be made online. The payment is not made directly inside the Permanent Residence Portal. After paying, upload the receipt to the Fee Payment section of your application.

IRCC can return the application if the correct fee is not paid.

Can the $50 PR card fee be refunded?

IRCC states that the processing fee is not refunded once processing has started or if the application is refused.

If you overpay, IRCC normally issues the applicable refund automatically.

How to renew a PR card online

1. Sign in to the Permanent Residence Portal.
2. Start an application for a permanent resident card using IMM 5444.
3. Select the option showing that you are renewing your current PR card.
4. Complete all required personal, immigration, residence and travel information.
5. Complete IMM 5644, Document Checklist, and upload it.
6. Upload your professional photograph and the required photo studio information.
7. Upload your passport or other accepted primary identity document.
8. Upload evidence supporting the residency obligation.
9. Upload a copy of your current PR card.
10. Complete any additional forms that apply, such as representative or personal-information authorization forms.
11. Pay the $50 fee through IRCC's online payment service and upload the receipt.
12. Review every answer and supporting document.
13. Electronically sign by typing your full name exactly as it appears on your passport.
14. Submit the application.

Can someone submit the online PR card application for you?

A representative can provide advice, help prepare forms and assist with documents, but IRCC states that a representative cannot open the Permanent Residence Portal account for you, sign in using your credentials, electronically sign the application or click the final submit button for you.

The applicant must complete the electronic signature and final submission requirements personally.

How long does PR card renewal take?

PR card renewal processing times change. IRCC publishes the current estimate through its processing-time tool rather than guaranteeing one permanent processing period.

Processing can depend on:

• whether the application is complete;
• how many applications IRCC already has;
• how easily IRCC can verify your information;
• how quickly you answer requests;
• whether the case requires additional residence or status review.

After approval, mailing can also take additional time.

Can you request urgent PR card processing?

Yes, but urgent processing is limited to specific circumstances.

You must show that you need the PR card to travel within the next 3 months because of:

• your own serious illness;
• the serious illness or death of a family member;
• work connected to your current job or a job opportunity; or
• a crisis, emergency or vulnerable situation.

For an online application, select the option stating that your request is urgent.

What documents are required for urgent processing?

IRCC requires:

• proof of travel, such as tickets or an itinerary showing destination and travel dates;
• proof that the travel was paid for, showing the date, amount and method of payment;
• a letter explaining why the application is urgent;
• evidence supporting the urgency, such as a doctor's note, death certificate or employer letter.

Documents that are not in English or French must be translated according to IRCC requirements.

IRCC states that PR cards cannot be processed in less than 3 weeks, even for urgent cases, and approval for urgent processing does not guarantee that the card will arrive before you travel.

Can you travel while your PR card renewal is being processed?

You can leave Canada, but you should understand the return requirements before travelling.

Permanent residents travelling back to Canada on a commercial flight, train, bus or boat must generally present a valid PR card or permanent resident travel document.

If you leave Canada and your card expires before you return, the pending renewal application does not replace the travel document requirement.

What if your PR card expires while you are outside Canada?

You cannot have a new PR card mailed to you outside Canada.

If you are outside Canada without a valid PR card and need to return on a commercial carrier, apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document.

After returning to Canada, continue or complete the PR card renewal process as required.

Can you use an expired PR card to board a flight to Canada?

Normally no. IRCC states that permanent residents must show a valid PR card or PRTD when boarding a commercial flight or other commercial carrier to Canada.

An expired PR card does not satisfy that normal commercial travel requirement.

What happens after you submit the renewal application?

IRCC reviews the application for completeness and eligibility.

If the application is properly completed and you meet the requirements, IRCC may send an acknowledgement of receipt and continue processing.

IRCC may request more documents at any time, particularly if additional residence or identity evidence is needed.

If the application is incomplete, it can be returned. If it is refused, IRCC sends a letter explaining the reasons.

How do you check PR card renewal status?

You can use IRCC's application status services to follow a PR card renewal after submission.

IRCC also allows eligible applications to be linked to an IRCC secure account for status updates and electronic messages.

Monitor your email and account regularly because delays can occur if IRCC requests information and does not receive it promptly.

How will you receive the new PR card?

If approved, IRCC usually mails the card to your Canadian address.

IRCC does not mail PR cards outside Canada and does not normally mail a card to a third party.

In some cases, IRCC asks you to collect the card in person from an office.

If you are asked to pick it up, bring your passport or travel document and the original versions of the documents for which you submitted copies.

What if you do not pick up a PR card from IRCC?

If IRCC requires an in-person pickup and you do not collect the card within 180 days, IRCC destroys the card. You then need to submit a new application and pay the fee again.

What if the new PR card never arrives?

IRCC states that mailing can take up to 6 weeks beyond normal processing.

If a card has not arrived within the applicable period, follow IRCC's procedure for a card that was never received. Depending on how much time has passed, this may involve a solemn declaration or a new application.

Do translations need special certification?

Any document that is not in English or French must include an English or French translation.

If the translation is not completed by a Canadian certified translator, the translator must also provide an affidavit confirming their language proficiency and the accuracy of the translation.

The applicant or a family member cannot translate the documents for this purpose.

PR card renewal checklist

• Check that your card has expired or will expire within 9 months.
• Confirm that you are physically in Canada.
• Confirm that you still have permanent resident status.
• Review your travel history for the previous 5 years.
• Confirm that you meet or can meet the 730-day residency obligation.
• Prepare your passport or other accepted primary identity document.
• Get a professional PR card photo taken within 12 months.
• Prepare proof supporting your residency obligation.
• Make a copy of your current PR card.
• Complete IMM 5444 in the Permanent Residence Portal.
• Complete and upload IMM 5644.
• Pay the $50 fee online and upload the receipt.
• Upload all required supporting documents.
• Electronically sign and submit the application.
• Track the application and answer IRCC requests promptly.
• Do not rely on a pending renewal application as a travel document.
• If travelling urgently, review the urgent processing criteria before submitting.