Canadian PR Card Renewal in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide to Requirements, Processing Times & Application Tips
Table of Contents
What Is a PR Card?
PR Card Renewal Eligibility Requirements
Understanding the 730-Day Residency Obligation
How Can I Renew My PR Card: Step-by-Step Guide
Required Documents to Renew PR Card Canada
PR Card Renewal Fee and Canada PR Renewal Processing Time
Common Mistakes That Delay PR Card Processing Time
What to Do If Your PR Card Expires
Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
How Mirzoyan Immigration Can Help
Key Takeaways
Apply early: Submit your PR card renewal application around the 9-month mark before your current card expires to account for Canada PR renewal processing time
Track your days: Maintain accurate records of your physical presence in Canada to meet the 730-day residency obligation within every 5-year period
PR status vs. PR card: Your permanent resident status does not expire when your card expires, but you need a valid card to travel to Canada by commercial transportation
Budget for the PR card renewal fee: The fee is $50 CAD for each application, payable online through the IRCC website
Work with a licensed professional: A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant like myself can help ensure your application is complete, accurate, and submitted correctly the first time, every time
I often get asked by clients during my consultations, how can I renew my PR card? If you are in this situation, you're not alone. PR cards need to be renewed every 5 years and each year thousands of permanent residents are scrambling last minute trying to figure out how to renew their Canadian PR cards. By understanding the process, the fees, and processing time, you will put your best foot forward ensuring a smooth experience.
In this comprehensive guide, I will share with you everything you need to know to successfully renew your PR card, including eligibility requirements, the 730-day residency obligation, required documents, current Canada PR renewal processing time, and finally my expert tips for 2026.
What is a PR Card?
A Permanent Resident (PR) card is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that proves your status as a permanent resident of Canada. According to IRCC's official guidelines, the PR card is required when you board commercial vehicles (planes, trains, buses, boats) to arrive to Canada.
**Before you renew your Canadian PR card, it's important to understand what this document represents and why it matters.
Most PR cards are valid for 5 years, though some may be issued with a 1-year validity in certain circumstances. It is important to understand that your PR card and your permanent resident status are two separate things. Your PR status never expires when your card expires. However, without a valid PR card, you cannot board commercial transportation to return to Canada.
Key Functions of the PR Card
Proof of status: Demonstrates your permanent resident status when entering Canada
Travel document: Required to board commercial vehicles (planes, trains, buses, boats) destined for Canada
Identity verification: Employers may require it to verify your eligibility to work in Canada
Access to services: Required for accessing certain government programs and services
Eligibility Requirements
Before asking yourself "how can I renew my PR card," you must first confirm you meet the eligibility requirements. According to the official eligibility criteria, applicants must satisfy the following conditions to renew PR card Canada:
Have permanent residence status in Canada: You must currently hold valid PR status
Be physically present in Canada: You must submit your application from within Canada, as IRCC does not mail PR cards to addresses outside the country
Not have lost your PR status: You must not have been issued a removal order, become a Canadian citizen, or failed to meet your residency obligation
Residency obligation: You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within the past 5 years. In certain circumstances, you may still be eligible to renew your PR card even if you spent significant time abroad. To be discussed later in this blog.
If you are outside Canada and your PR card has expired, you cannot apply for a renewal until you return. Instead, you must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) at a Canadian visa office abroad to return to Canada first.
Understanding the 730-Day Residency Obligation
The residency obligation is the most critical requirement for PR card renewal. Under Section 28 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), permanent residents must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) within any 5-year period. According to IRCC's Help Centre, these 730 days do not need to be continuous. Meeting this requirement is essential before you can successfully renew your PR card.
How the 730-Day Calculation Works
IRCC uses a rolling 5-year window when assessing your residency obligation. This means they look backward from the date they assess your application to determine if you have spent at least 730 days in Canada during that period. Each full or partial day you spend in Canada counts as one full day toward your requirement. It is essential to keep accurate records of your travel history, including all trips outside Canada, no matter how brief.
Exceptions to the Physical Presence Requirement
In certain circumstances, time spent outside Canada may count toward your 730-day requirement:
Accompanying a Canadian citizen: If you are outside Canada accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse, common-law partner, or parent (if you are a dependent child), those days may count toward your residency obligation
Working for a Canadian business abroad: If you are employed full-time by a Canadian business or in the federal public administration or public service of a province on an assignment outside Canada
Accompanying a PR employed abroad: If you are accompanying a permanent resident spouse, common-law partner, or parent who is employed full-time by a Canadian business abroad
These exceptions require significant documentation and are subject to interpretation by immigration officers. If you rely on any of these exceptions, you should gather comprehensive supporting documents before applying for your PR card renewal. I have helped hundreds of my clients to prepare a complete PR card renewal submission to ensure their case is represented by its fullest merit.
How Can I Renew My PR Card: Step-by-Step Guide
If you're asking "how can I renew my PR card," you'll be pleased to know the process has been streamlined with the introduction of online applications through the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal. Follow the below steps to renew your PR card successfully. Make sure to always double check your answers. All information provided to IRCC must be truthful. Inaccurate information could significantly increase your PR card processing time or be deemed as misrepresentation, which can have serious consequences.
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Before starting your PR card renewal application, confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements. Calculate your physical presence days in Canada over the past 5 years. IRCC recommends applying approximately 9 months before your current card expires to account for the Canada PR renewal processing time while your existing card remains valid for travel.
Step 2: Create or Sign In to Your IRCC Account
Access the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal and sign in using your GCKey or Sign-In Partner credentials. If you do not have an account, create one before proceeding with your application to renew PR card Canada.
Step 3: Complete Form IMM 5444
Fill out the Application for a Permanent Resident Card (IMM 5444) form through the portal. You will provide personal information, complete travel history for the past 5 years, and answer questions about your residency compliance. Ensure all information matches your supporting documents exactly, as discrepancies can significantly increase your PR card processing time.
Step 4: Gather and Upload Required Documents
Complete the Document Checklist (IMM 5644) and gather all required supporting documents. Upload clear, legible copies of all documents to the portal. Ensure photographs meet IRCC specifications exactly to avoid delays in your PR card processing time. Do not forget to upload the completed Document Checklist in the portal as well.
Step 5: Pay the PR Card Renewal Fee and Submit
Pay the PR card renewal fee through the IRCC online payment system, then upload your payment receipt to the portal. Sign your application electronically by typing your full name exactly as shown on your passport, then submit your application.
Required Documents to Renew PR Card Canada
Submitting a complete application with all required documents is essential to minimize your PR card processing time. The following documents are typically required when you renew PR card Canada:
Completed IMM 5444 form: Signed and dated accurately
Document Checklist (IMM 5644): Completed and uploaded
Copy of current or expired PR card: Both front and back
Valid passport or travel document: Copies of all pages with stamps, visas, and identification information
Two identical photographs: Meeting IRCC specifications (50mm x 70mm, taken within the last 6 months)
Proof of residency: At least 2 pieces of evidence showing physical presence in Canada (e.g., CRA Notice of Assessment, employment records, utility bills, lease agreements)
Fee payment receipt: Proof of PR card renewal fee payment
Photo Requirements
PR card photos must meet strict IRCC specifications. Photos must be 50mm wide by 70mm high, with your face measuring between 31mm and 36mm from chin to crown. The background must be plain white with no shadows, and you must have a neutral facial expression with your eyes open and mouth closed. Photos taken more than 6 months before your application will be rejected. This is one of the most common reasons for extended PR card processing time. You can see the full IRCC photo requirements here.
PR Card Renewal Fee and Canada PR Renewal Processing Time
The current PR card renewal fee is $50 CAD. For the most current fees, always verify on the official IRCC fee list. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is incomplete, withdrawn, or refused.
Canada PR Renewal Processing Time
The Canada PR renewal processing time can vary based on application volume and individual circumstances. As of late 2026:
Standard PR card processing time: Approximately 30 to 63 days for renewal applications
First-time PR cards: Approximately 61 days for new permanent residents
Urgent processing: Minimum 3 weeks (available only in exceptional circumstances). I have helped many clients request and be granted urgent processing to ensure their return to Canada without amending their planned trip.
Check the IRCC processing times tool for the most current PR card processing time estimates. Processing times can extend during high-volume periods or if additional verification is required.
Common Mistakes That Delay PR Card Processing Time
Understanding common errors can help you avoid unnecessary delays to your PR card processing time. Here are the most frequent mistakes when people renew their PR card:
Expired or incorrect photos: Photos older than 6 months or not meeting IRCC specifications are the leading cause of delays
Incomplete travel history: Failing to list all trips outside Canada, including short trips to the United States. This can cause discrepancies with the CBSA entry records
Missing signatures: Forgetting to sign the application form or using digital signatures when handwritten signatures are required
Incorrect PR card renewal fee payment: Paying the wrong amount or using unaccepted payment methods
Name discrepancies: Information not matching exactly between forms and supporting documents
Applying from outside Canada: Submitting applications while not physically present in Canada
Insufficient proof of residency: Not providing adequate documentation to demonstrate physical presence in Canada
Taking time to review your application thoroughly before submission can prevent these common errors and significantly reduce your PR card renewal processing time.
What to Do If Your PR Card Expires
If your PR card has expired, do not worry, your permanent resident status remains valid. The card is simply proof of your status, not the status itself. However, you will face specific challenges depending on your situation when you decide to re-enter Canada without a valid PR card. Understanding how you can renew your PR card in these circumstances is crucial.
If You Are in Canada
You can renew your PR card through the normal process. While your application is being processed, you should avoid international travel unless absolutely necessary, as you may face difficulties returning without a valid PR card. If you must travel, consider requesting urgent processing if you qualify, though be aware this still has a minimum PR card processing time of 3 weeks.
If You Are Outside Canada
You cannot apply for PR card renewal from abroad. Instead, you must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) at a Canadian visa office in your current country of residence. The PRTD allows you to return to Canada, where you can then apply for a new PR card. Note that if you are traveling by private vehicle (such as driving from the United States), you may use alternative documents to cross the border. As a licensed immigration consultant I have assisted my clients with the successful crossing of the border from United States to Canada in a private vehicle.
Urgent Processing
IRCC offers urgent processing to reduce PR card processing time in limited circumstances. You may qualify if you need to travel due to:
Death or serious illness of a family member abroad
Job-related travel requirements
Medical emergencies requiring travel
Even with urgent processing, the minimum PR card processing time is 3 weeks, and it is not guaranteed that it will be adjudicated within that specified timeframe.
How I Can Help
If you're asking "how can I renew my PR card," and want professional assistance, I am here to help. Navigating through the PR card renewal process can be complex, especially if you have unique circumstances, travel frequently, or are concerned about meeting the residency obligation. My team and I will provide personalized, one-on-one guidance to secure a successful final outcome.
Unlike large firms where your file may be passed between assistants, when you work with my team and I, you work directly with me and my team throughout the entire process. We offer transparent, flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs and ensure every application is complete, accurate, and positioned for success—helping minimize your PR card processing time. Simply put, we care.
Our services include:
Comprehensive eligibility assessment and residency obligation calculation
Document preparation and thorough review
Application form completion with attention to detail
PR card renewal fee payment guidance
Submission and follow-up with IRCC
Urgent processing requests when applicable
Ongoing support until you receive your renewed PR card
You can verify our RCIC status on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) Public Register.
Ready to renew your PR card Canada? Contact my team and I today for a consultation and take the first step toward renewing your PR card with confidence. Visit mirzoyanimmigration.ca to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I renew my PR card in Canada?
To renew PR card Canada, you must be physically present in Canada and apply through the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal. Complete Form IMM 5444, gather required documents including photos and proof of residency, pay the $50 PR card renewal fee, and submit your application online. You must meet the 730-day residency obligation to be eligible.
What is the current PR card processing time?
The current PR card processing time for renewals is approximately 30 to 63 days. However, the Canada PR renewal processing time can vary based on application volume and individual circumstances. Urgent processing is available in exceptional situations with a minimum processing time of three weeks.
What is the PR card renewal fee for 2026?
The PR card renewal fee is $50 CAD. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused or withdrawn. Payment must be made online through the IRCC website before submitting your application.
Can I renew my PR card from outside Canada?
No, you cannot renew PR card Canada from outside the country. IRCC only mails PR cards to Canadian addresses. If you are abroad with an expired PR card, you must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return to Canada first, then apply for renewal once you arrive.
What happens if I don't meet the 730-day residency requirement?
If you do not meet the 730-day residency requirement, IRCC may refuse your PR card renewal and begin a residency obligation review that could result in loss of your permanent resident status. However, you may be able to apply on humanitarian and compassionate grounds if you have compelling reasons for not meeting the requirement. Please reach out to my office to provide you with a more in depth analysis.
Does my PR status expire when my PR card expires?
No, your permanent resident status does not expire when your PR card expires. The PR card is proof of your status, not the status itself. Your PR status remains valid as long as you continue to meet the residency obligation and have not been issued a removal order or become a Canadian citizen.
How long should I wait before applying to renew my PR card?
IRCC recommends applying approximately 9 months before your PR card expires. This accounts for the PR card renewal processing time while ensuring your current card remains valid for travel during the processing period.
