PR Card Renewal Checklist: IMM 5644 (2026)
By Narek Mirzoyan, RCIC # R1005184, LSO # P12490. | Last reviewed by Narek Mirzoyan, RCIC # R1005184, LSO # P12490, on 2026-07-29.
This PR Card Renewal Checklist: IMM 5644 (2026) separates routine uploads from documents needed only for your situation.
A PR card proves your permanent-resident status. An expired card does not automatically end that status.
Most renewal applicants use the Permanent Residence Portal. The broader PR card renewal in Canada guide explains the full process.
TL;DR
• Complete the digital IMM 5444 in the Permanent Residence Portal.
• Complete and upload the current IMM 5644 checklist.
• Upload the required identity, card, residency, photo, and payment records.
• A routine online application uses one professional photo taken within twelve months.
• Add change, translation, replacement, representative, residency, or urgent evidence only when applicable.
• Reconcile every travel date before submitting.
• A pending renewal application does not replace a valid PR card or PRTD for commercial travel.
Table of Contents
1. When to Renew Your PR Card
2. Essential Documents for PR Card Renewal
3. Mandatory Versus Conditional Documents
4. Step-by-Step Application Process
5. Digital Photo Checklist
6. Additional Considerations
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
8. Final Before-Submit Checklist
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. How Mirzoyan Immigration Services Can Help
When to Renew Your PR Card
IRCC says to renew when your card has expired or will expire in less than nine months.
Do not confuse the card's expiry with your status. IRCC states that PR status does not end when the card expires.
Travel creates the practical deadline. A commercial carrier generally requires a valid PR card or PRTD for your return to Canada.
Check your card and travel dates before booking. Current processing time belongs in that planning decision, not in a fixed promise.
Essential Documents for PR Card Renewal
Start with the current IMM 5644 and Guide 5445. The checklist controls which documents apply to your filing.
Use this checklist to separate routine renewal material from evidence triggered by your history or request.
Required for a routine renewal
Digital IMM 5444 — Complete every portal field and type your passport name for the electronic signature.
IMM 5644 — Use the current PDF, complete it, and upload it.
Identity document — Upload a clear copy showing the required identity details.
Current PR card — Upload a clear copy when renewing an existing card.
Fee receipt — Pay through IRCC and upload the official receipt.
Professional photo and studio details — Upload one current professional photo and the required studio information.
Only when it applies
Residency evidence — Follow IMM 5644 and Guide 5445 when the checklist, travel history, or claimed time abroad calls for it.
Change, minor, representative, or translation records — Include the specified form, legal record, translation, and affidavit.
Lost, stolen, or damaged-card evidence — Follow the current incident or destruction instructions for a replacement.
Urgent-processing proof — Match the current criteria and provide dated proof.
| Item | Routine renewal | Required when | Format and check |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMM 5444 | Required | Every portal application | Complete digitally and type your passport name for the signature |
| IMM 5644 | Required | Every renewal application | Use the current PDF, complete it, and upload it |
| Primary identity document | Required | Every application | Upload a clear copy showing the required identity details |
| Current PR card copy | Required | Renewing an existing card | Upload a clear copy of the current card |
| Fee receipt | Required | Every paid application | Pay outside the portal and upload the official receipt |
| Photo and studio details | Required | Every online renewal | Upload one current professional photo plus the back-photo information |
| Residency evidence | Follow IMM 5644 and Guide 5445 | The checklist, travel history, or claimed time abroad requires it | Match every document to the correct five-year period |
| Change, minor, representative, or translation records | Conditional | Those facts apply | Use the specified form, legal record, translation, and affidavit |
| Lost, stolen, or damaged-card evidence | Conditional | Replacing the card | Use the current incident or destruction instructions |
| Urgent-processing proof | Conditional | Requesting urgent handling | Match the current criteria and provide dated proof |
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Open the Permanent Residence Portal and select the PR card application.
2. Complete every field in the digital IMM 5444.
3. Download, complete, and upload the current IMM 5644.
4. Gather the routine and conditional documents identified by the checklist.
5. Pay the current fee through IRCC's payment service.
6. Upload the official receipt and each supporting document.
7. Review every answer, travel date, name, and file before signing.
8. Type your full passport name to sign electronically.
9. Submit and retain a complete copy of the filing.
Most applicants use this online route. If you need an alternate format or accommodation, follow IRCC's request process before preparing paper forms.
Digital Photo Checklist for an Online PR Card Application
• Use one professional digital photo.
• Make sure it was taken within twelve months.
• Use a plain, untextured, white background.
• Keep a neutral expression, closed mouth, and open eyes.
• Keep your face and shoulders centred and square to the camera.
• Use an original, unaltered image.
• Use JPEG or JPG format.
• Keep the file at 4 MB or less.
• Use dimensions between 715 by 1000 and 2000 by 2800 pixels.
• Upload the required subject, date, studio, and photographer details separately.
• Add studio confirmation when IRCC requires it for a digital photo.
• Do not upload a phone photograph of a printed photo.
• Use the portal editor rather than changing the source image.
Paper photo instructions are different. Use the paper specifications only if IRCC authorized your alternate-format route.
Additional Considerations
Expired card: Your card can expire without ending your PR status. Status and card validity are separate.
First PR card: Most new permanent residents receive the first card automatically after providing their Canadian address and photo within 180 days.
Lost card: Include a police report or incident number if you have one. Do not state that every loss requires a report.
Damaged card: Follow the current destruction and image-upload instructions for an online replacement.
Time abroad: The 730 days need not be continuous. Defined time outside Canada may count when every legal condition is met.
Under five years as a PR: Show that you can still reach 730 days by your fifth anniversary.
Outside Canada: A PR card application requires you to be in Canada. A PRTD is the usual return document when you lack a valid card.
Urgent request: Use the current IRCC criteria and proof list. Urgent handling is not guaranteed.
Personal changes: Use the specified legal records and forms for a name, birth-date, or gender-identifier change.
Non-English or non-French documents: Provide the required translation and translator affidavit when the translator is not certified.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using an old IMM 5644 or an old downloadable guide.
• Treating card expiry as loss of PR status.
• Uploading two six-month-old paper photos for a routine online application.
• Taking a phone photograph of a printed professional photo.
• Editing the source image before the portal upload.
• Omitting the photographer or studio information.
• Leaving an IMM 5444 field unanswered.
• Using dates that conflict with passport stamps or travel records.
• Treating every day abroad as a day that counts.
• Omitting a translation or required translator affidavit.
• Uploading an unreadable card, identity document, or receipt.
• Assuming a pending renewal application authorizes commercial return travel.
Final Before-Submit Checklist
• Confirm you are using the current IMM 5644 and Guide 5445.
• Confirm the correct applicant situation in IMM 5444.
• Reconcile every absence with passports, tickets, and available movement records.
• Check the five-year period used for each address and travel entry.
• Confirm names, birth dates, and document numbers match.
• Confirm each primary identity page is readable.
• Confirm the existing PR card copy is readable.
• Confirm the digital photo meets the current online specifications.
• Confirm the back-photo upload contains every required detail.
• Add every applicable change, minor, representative, translation, replacement, or urgent record.
• Confirm the current fee and upload the official receipt.
• Open every uploaded file before submitting.
• Retain the complete application and payment records.
• Review travel plans against your card's actual expiry date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are required for PR card renewal?
A routine online renewal uses the digital IMM 5444 and completed IMM 5644. It also needs primary identity, current card, payment, and professional photo records. Residency evidence and other forms depend on your history. Add records required for changes, translations, representation, time abroad, replacement, or an urgent request.
Does PR renew automatically?
Your PR card does not renew automatically. Most new permanent residents receive their first card after giving IRCC a Canadian address and photo within 180 days. Later renewal requires an application. Your permanent-resident status is different from the card and does not automatically end when the card expires.
Do you lose your permanent residency if your card expires?
No. IRCC states that PR status does not end when the card expires. A status change requires a formal process, voluntary renunciation, an enforceable removal order, or Canadian citizenship. However, you must still meet the residency obligation. Card expiry can also create a serious commercial-travel problem.
Can my time abroad count toward my permanent resident status in Canada?
Sometimes. Defined time outside Canada may count when you meet the specific accompanying-family or qualifying-employment conditions. The evidence depends on the category claimed. Do not count an absence only because you worked remotely or travelled with family. Review Guide 5445 and the current IRCC time-abroad guidance.
What if my PR card expires while waiting for renewal?
You remain a permanent resident unless a formal status decision says otherwise. Inside Canada, the expired card does not itself end your status. For commercial return travel, you generally need a valid PR card or PRTD. A renewal receipt or pending portal application does not replace either document.
How Mirzoyan Immigration Services Can Help
Mirzoyan Immigration Services can review the applicable checklist, travel history, identity records, photo package, translations, and portal uploads.
The One on One Advisory process focuses on your dates and documents. It does not replace IRCC's decision or guarantee timing.
Book a PR card renewal consultation or call 1-888-636-2122 to discuss your filing.
This article provides general information, not legal advice. IRCC forms, fees, photo specifications, portal steps, and travel rules can change. Review current official instructions before submitting.
