PR Card Renewal & PRTD
PR Card Renewal
A Permanent Resident (PR) card is the official proof of PR status in Canada and is typically needed to return to Canada on a commercial carrier. If your PR card is expired, expiring soon, lost, stolen, damaged, or contains an error, you can apply to renew or replace it from inside Canada. An expired PR card does not mean you have lost PR status.
Permanent residents in Canada who need to renew or replace their PR card and can meet the residency obligation.
PR status is separate from the PR card. You can lose PR status if you do not meet the residency obligation (generally 730 days in Canada within the last 5 years), or if you become a Canadian citizen, renounce your PR status, or become inadmissible to Canada. Some time spent abroad may count in specific situations.
Permanent residents outside Canada who do not have a valid PR card and need to travel back to Canada by commercial carrier.
PRTD applications are assessed against the residency obligation. If you do not meet the residency obligation, you may request consideration on humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds by explaining exceptional circumstances and providing supporting evidence.
Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)
A Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) is a temporary document that allows a permanent resident who is outside Canada and does not have a valid PR card to return to Canada by commercial travel (such as a plane, train, bus, or boat). A PRTD is not a replacement for a PR card. After returning to Canada, you should apply for a PR card renewal or replacement from inside Canada.