Canada PR Card: How to Get, Renew or Replace It, and Travelling Without One
In this guide
Quick answer: A Canadian permanent resident (PR) card shows that you are a permanent resident, and IRCC says you need a valid one, with a valid passport or travel document, to return to Canada on a commercial carrier such as a plane. You can apply for a first card, to renew an expired or expiring card, to replace a lost card or to update information like your name. Your first card is free if you send your photo and address within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident. If you are abroad without a valid card, you apply for a PR travel document from outside Canada.
For new permanent residents, the PR card is easy to forget until a flight is booked. An expired or missing card can stop you from boarding a plane home, so it pays to understand the rules before you travel. This guide explains what IRCC says about getting, renewing and replacing the card, and what to do if you are abroad without one.
What is a PR card for?
IRCC says the PR card shows that you are a permanent resident of Canada, and you need it to return to Canada after travelling. If you plan to become a citizen later, see our guide on how to apply for Canadian citizenship. Note that IRCC says a valid PR card is not required for the citizenship application itself.
What can you apply for?
- A first PR card.
- Renewal of an expired or expiring card.
- Replacement of a lost, stolen or damaged card.
- An update to the information on your card, such as your name.
Is the first card free?
Yes, with a condition. IRCC says your first PR card will not cost anything if you send your photo and address within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident. This does not apply to renewals, which have a fee. The amount is on the IRCC fee list, so check it before you apply.
How long does it take?
IRCC says processing times vary depending on the type of application, whether it is complete, current workload, how easily your information can be verified, how quickly you respond to requests, and other factors. Check the current estimate on the IRCC website instead of relying on an old figure from a forum.
Travelling: which documents do you need?
| How you return to Canada | What IRCC says you need |
|---|---|
| Commercial carrier | A valid PR card and a valid passport or travel document |
| Private vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle or recreational vehicle, whether you own, borrow or rent it) | Your PR card or other documents |
| Outside Canada without a valid PR card (expired, lost, stolen or damaged) | A PR travel document (PRTD) |
What if you are abroad without a valid card?
IRCC says you must apply for a permanent resident travel document, and that you can apply for a PRTD only from outside Canada. If you applied for or renewed your card but did not get it before you left, note that the card can only be picked up in Canada. IRCC will not mail it to a third party or to an address outside Canada, so you would need to apply for a PRTD once you are abroad.
How to avoid problems
- Check your card’s expiry date well before any trip.
- Apply for renewal before you leave if the card expires soon, and plan to be in Canada to collect it.
- Send your photo and address on time if you are a new permanent resident, so the first card is free.
- Carry the card and your passport together when you fly.
- Keep scans of your documents. See our guide to the documents you need when moving abroad. If your passport goes missing abroad, read what to do if your passport is lost or stolen.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking a flight before checking the card’s expiry date.
- Leaving Canada while the new card is still being processed and expecting it to be mailed overseas.
- Paying an unofficial website for “fast” PR card service. Read how to avoid visa and job offer scams.
- Forgetting that you also need a valid passport or travel document when you travel.
FAQ
Do I need a PR card to fly back to Canada?
Yes. IRCC says you need a valid PR card, along with a valid passport or travel document, to return on a commercial carrier.
Is the first PR card free?
Yes, if you send your photo and address within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident.
Can I apply for a PR travel document from inside Canada?
No. IRCC says you can apply for a PRTD only from outside Canada.
Can IRCC mail my card to another country?
No. IRCC says the card can only be picked up in Canada and will not be mailed to a third party or outside Canada.
Do I need a valid PR card to apply for citizenship?
No. An expired card is acceptable for the citizenship application, according to IRCC.
Key takeaways
- The PR card shows your permanent resident status, and you need a valid one to fly back to Canada.
- Your first card is free if you send your photo and address within 180 days.
- If you are abroad without a valid card, apply for a PR travel document from outside Canada.
- Renew before you travel, and plan to be in Canada to collect the card.
Related guides
- Your first 90 days in a new country
- How to apply for Canadian citizenship
- How to get a SIN in Canada as a newcomer
- How to open a Canadian bank account as a newcomer
- What to do if your passport is lost or stolen abroad
- Documents you need before moving abroad
This article is general information, not legal advice. Fees and processing times change, so confirm on the IRCC website before you apply or travel. Last updated: October 2026.
Sources
- Government of Canada (IRCC): Permanent resident card
- Government of Canada (IRCC): Travelling outside Canada as a permanent resident