Suma Law office has the experience assisting clients with replacing an expired (or due to expire), destroyed, lost or stolen Permanent Resident card (PR card). Depending on your situation, the steps you must take and the documents you must provide to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will vary. Our lawyers will help you navigate the PR card renewal process in accordance with the criteria that apply in your case.
Why Is Renewing PERMANENT RESIDENT CARD Important
Your PR card is official proof that you are a permanent resident of Canada. You need this card to enter and stay in Canada when you return from another. If you are traveling to the United States and plan to return to Canada in a private vehicle (a private car), it may be possible to enter using your Record of Landing or Confirmation of Permanent Residence. However, it is prudent to renew your PR card before you leave Canada if it will expire while you are abroad.
You should submit an application to renew your PR card if it will expire within 6 months. If you are planning a trip abroad and your PR card will expire while you are outside of Canada, you should renew it before leaving. You will need this card to re-enter the country in a commercial vehicle (airplane, boat, train or bus).
If Your PR CARD IS LOST OR STOLEN OR EXPIRES While You Are Outside Canada, what you should do
If your PR card expires or is lost or stolen while you are outside Canada, you need to apply for a travel document to return to Canada. You are expected to return to Canada using that travel document and to renew your PR card when you are back in Canada.
Obtaining a travel document requires completing the relevant application form and submitting several supporting documents to IRCC, including:
- A fee (in an acceptable format);
- The IRCC Document Checklist.
- Photographs (that meet particular IRCC specifications);
- All your passports or travel documents used in the 5 years before the application.
- Evidence of your permanent resident status in Canada.
- Evidence that you meet the PR residency obligation.
- A letter signed by your employer (if applicable); and
- Any documents supporting humanitarian and compassionate grounds to be considered (if applicable).
Suma Law office can assist you with identifying and compiling documents that will facilitate a successful application.
If Your PR CARD IS LOST OR STOLEN OR EXPIRES While You Are in Canada, what you should do
You can replace your PR card by applying for a new one. You must submit several supporting documents with your application for renewal as well as a $50 fee.
Supporting documents include:
- Your PR card (Make sure to keep your expired or damaged PR card so that you can submit it with your application for renewal. When you receive a new PR card, you must destroy the previous card.);
- Primary identity document (such as a valid passport or travel document);
- Secondary identity document.
- Documents demonstrating proof of residence in Canada in the past 5 years.
- Photographs
If your PR card has been lost or stolen, you must let IRCC know as soon as possible. If you are outside Canada, you must go to the nearest Canadian visa office. If you are inside Canada, you will need to tell IRCC about what happened by completing an online form available on the IRCC website. You can then apply to replace your PR card.
Suma Law Office have extensive experience dealing with diverse and complex immigration matters. We strive to provide personalized care to each of our clients and deliver high caliber legal services.
If you would like to discuss a matter and explore your options, please Contact Us today to schedule a Consultation.
