Permanent Resident Card Renewal

You should only apply for a PR card if:

your card has expired or will expire in less than 9 months

• your card is lost, stolen, or destroyed

• you didn’t receive your card within 180 days of immigrating to Canada

• you need to update your card to:

  • legally change your name

  • change your citizenship

  • change your gender designation

  • correct your date of birth

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Otherwise, we may not process your application.

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You aren’t eligible for a PR card if you were asked by the Government of Canada to leave the country. If you are a Canadian citizen, you can’t have (and don’t need) a PR card. If you become a Canadian citizen, give us your PR card at your citizenship ceremony.

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Time Lived in Canada

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To keep your permanent resident status, you must have been in Canada for at least 730 days during the last five years. These 730 days don’t need to be continuous. Some of your time abroad may count towards the 730 days.

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To help you track your time in Canada, use a travel journal. Other ways to know how long you’ve been in Canada:

• Ask a Canadian border officer when you enter Canada.

• Apply for or renew your PR card. We will tell you if you’re eligible.