Overview
A Permanent Resident (PR) Card is the official travel document that permanent residents typically use to return to Canada on a commercial carrier (airline, bus, train, boat).
Who this is for
This page is for permanent residents who:
- Need their first PR card (usually issued automatically after landing)
- Need to replace a lost, stolen, damaged, or not-received PR card
- Need to update information on a PR card (error or personal details change)
Key points
- You generally don’t apply for your first PR card—IRCC issues it automatically after you become a PR (with exceptions if address/photo weren’t provided as required).
- You must meet the PR residency obligation to keep PR status: at least 730 days in Canada in the last 5 years (some time abroad may count in specific situations).
- If you are outside Canada without a valid PR card, you usually need a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return.
Typical supporting documents (examples)
- Passport and identity documents
- Photos meeting IRCC specifications
- PR status evidence (where applicable)
- Travel history and residency evidence (if requested)
- Explanation and documents for replacement/update (lost/damaged/incorrect details)
How we support you
We confirm the correct PR card request type, review your residency obligation position, and prepare a clean, complete submission to reduce delays.