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CICC-Regulated Immigration Consultants · Canada
PR Card Renewal in Canada
Your Complete Guide
Your Permanent Resident (PR) card is your proof of status in Canada, and it usually needs to be renewed every five years. Whether your card is expiring soon, has already expired, or you're unsure whether you still meet the residency requirement, this guide covers everything you need to know about the PR card renewal process in Canada.
The Way Immigration is a CICC-regulated Calgary firm with Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) who have helped thousands of permanent residents successfully complete their PR Card renewal since 2008, including complex cases involving residency obligation concerns.
- CICC-Regulated RCICs
- Transparent & Upfront Pricing
- Phone & Online Consultations Across Canada & Worldwide
- Complex Residency & Travel History Cases
Start Your PR Card Service Request
Renewing, replacing, or unsure where you stand? Fill out the form below — we'll contact you to confirm the details.
PR Card Service Request
18+ Years
Helping Permanent Residents
6+
Licensed & Experienced RCICs
730 Days
Required in 5 Years
$950 CAD
Professional Fee (not the Govt. Fee)
The Basics
What Is a PR Card & Why Does It Need to Be Renewed?
A Permanent Resident (PR) card is the official document that proves you have the right to live and work in Canada as a permanent resident. It is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is usually valid for five years from the date of issue. In some cases, it is valid for only one year.
An important distinction: your PR card expires, but your permanent resident status does not. When your card expires, you do not lose your status, but you do lose the ability to board commercial flights back to Canada from abroad. You'll also face challenges using it as a primary piece of government-issued photo ID.
This is why completing your PR card renewal on time matters. It keeps your travel options open and your status documented.
📋 Remember: Expired PR card ≠ lost status. But without a valid card, you cannot board a commercial flight back to Canada from abroad.


Eligibility
Who Can Apply for PR Card Renewal?
You are eligible to apply for PR card renewal if you meet all of the following:
What If I Don't Meet the 2-Year Residency Requirement?
Applying for a PR card renewal without meeting the residency requirement can lead IRCC to examine whether you have kept your permanent residence status. If you have not spent 730 days in Canada in the past five years, you may still have options. In some situations, days spent outside Canada count toward the 730 days:
If you are unsure whether you qualify, please speak with one of our consultants before submitting anything.
Not sure you Qualify?
Talk to an experienced RCIC before applying. One wrong move can put your permanent resident status at risk.
Email:
info@thewayimmigration.ca

Document Checklist
Documents Required for PR Card Renewal
You are eligible to apply for PR card renewal if you meet all of the following:
Want the full checklist as a PDF?
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Photo Specifications
PR Card Renewal Photo Requirements
IRCC has specific photo specifications for PR card renewal. Using non-compliant photos is a common reason for application rejections.
💡 Local tip: Many pharmacies and photo studios in Calgary offer IRCC-compliant passport photo services. We recommend obtaining both a digital photo file and a paper photo that you can scan. Upload the digital image of your face, and scan the paper back of the photo
Step-by-Step Process
How to
Renew Your PR Card Online: Step by Step
The PR card renewal process is completed online through the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal. Here are the eight steps:

💡
Note:
The only time you would expect to receive communication from IRCC about your PR Card Renewal is if there is a problem with the file you submitted or if more information is needed to process your application. The standard process is:
Form Guidance
How to Complete the IMM 5444 Form
Form IMM 5444 is an online form included in the PR Card portal where you will prepare your renewal application.
💡Having an RCIC prepare your completed PR Card renewal application form before submission is one of the most effective ways to prevent processing delays and returned applications.
Online vs. Paper
Applying Online vs. Paper Application
Online applications through the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal are now the standard and recommended method for PR Card renewal online. They are processed faster, and eliminate the risk of lost mail.
You can apply on paper only if you can't apply online and need accommodations. Unless you have a specific reason to apply by paper, use the online portal.
Fee Information
PR Card Renewal Fee
The Government of Canada charges a $50 CAD PR Card renewal fee to renew your Permanent Resident Card. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application. Payment is made online through the IRCC secure payment portal at the time of submission.
This covers the IRCC administrative and card production costs only. If you choose to work with the The Way Immigration to prepare and review your application, our professional service fee is in addition to this government fee. Use the service request form at the top of this page — we'll follow up to discuss the full cost for your specific situation.
💡Note: The $50 IRCC PR card renewal fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused. A professionally reviewed application reduces this risk.

Processing Time
PR Card Renewal Processing Time
Processing time: allow approximately 2 months for a complete online application. IRCC's processing times change often, so check the IRCC processing times tool for the latest figure.
Want to make sure your
application is complete?
Submit a service request and we will be happy to prepare your application. A single missing document can add weeks to your PR card renewal time.
🔒Licensed RCIC Consultants
📊 PR card renewal processing time changes frequently, visit the IRCC processing times tool for the latest data.
Timing
When to
Renew Your PR Card
You can apply to renew once your PR card will expire in less than 9 months, or after it has expired. Apply as soon as you enter that window. Allow approximately 2 months for processing, plus time for any IRCC requests for additional documents.
Applying early means you receive your new card before your current one expires, keeping your travel options open and your documentation current without any gap.
If your card has already expired, do not panic. You can still apply for PR card renewal with an expired card. If you are inside of Canada, and meet the residency requirement, your status is intact. However, if you need to travel internationally before your new card arrives, contact us immediately to discuss your options.

Alberta Permanent Residents
Alberta Permanent Residents: Don't Wait Until Your Driver's Licence Expires
Alberta registries require valid proof of your status in Canada to renew your driver's licence. If your PR card has expired, or is expiring soon, that requirement can stop your renewal in its tracks. You need to resolve this as soon as possible, to avoid it becoming a problem in your everyday life: getting to work, picking up your kids, making it to appointments. None of that should have to wait on an immigration delay.
The good news: this is one of the most straightforward situations to avoid. You just need to check the dates before they converge.
Your life in Alberta depends on being able to move through it freely. Your PR Card is the document that makes that possible. Renewing it on time, or taking the step toward citizenship if you're eligible, means you never have to stand at a registry counter wondering what comes next.
Picture the moment. You've driven to a registry office to renew your Alberta driver's licence. A routine errand, something you've done before. The agent asks for proof of your immigration status. You hand over your PR card. They look at it. It's expired.
You leave with nothing resolved. Two problems now. And the one that matters most, your ability to drive legally in Alberta, is now tied to an immigration timeline you weren't expecting to deal with today.
This scenario is more common than most people realize. And it is completely, easily preventable.

Renewing your PR card or starting your citizenship application?
Submit a service request.
We'll contact you within one business day.
High-Anxiety Scenario
PR Card Expired? What to Do Inside or Outside Canada
What Happens If My PR Card Expires? There are two distinct situations to understand:
Scenario 1 — Inside Canada
Your card expired and you're still in Canada
Your permanent resident status is completely intact, as long as you meet the residency requirement. You can still live and work in Canada normally. Simply apply for PR Card renewal through the IRCC portal. You just cannot board a commercial international flight to return to Canada with an expired card, so apply before you travel.
Scenario 2 — Outside Canada
Your card expired and you're currently outside Canada
You cannot board a commercial flight back to Canada with an expired PR card. In this situation, you must apply for a
Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) at the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy. The PRTD allows you to travel back to Canada, after which you can apply for your PR card renewal normally.
In certain situations, you may be able to fly back to the US and then use a land border to cross back into Canada without your PR Card. Contact our office, The Way Immigration, for assistance if this situation applies to you.
URGENT? Call us Immediately OR Book a Same-Day Consultation
Stranded outside Canada with an expired PR card? We can help you understand your next steps today.
Lost & Stolen Replacement
Lost or Stolen PR Card: How to Get a Replacement
If your PR card has been lost or stolen, you can still get it replaced — the process is very similar to a standard renewal. You will use the same application form (IMM 5444) and pay the same $50 IRCC government fee. There is one key additional requirement: a Statutory Declaration (also called a solemn declaration), which is a sworn statement explaining what happened to your card.
If your card was lost or stolen, include a copy of a police report or incident number with your application, if you have one. If your card is damaged and you apply online, destroy the card and upload a photo of it as proof.

What You Need to Replace a Lost or Stolen PR Card
The $50 IRCC fee applies to replacements the same as renewals. Processing time is the same as a standard renewal.
Our RCICs can help you prepare your Statutory Declaration, gather the correct supporting documents, and submit a complete replacement application. A missing or incorrectly prepared declaration is the most common reason these applications are returned.
Lost or stolen PR card?
Submit a service request. Use the form at
the top of this page or call (403) 265-6641.
The $50 IRCC fee applies to replacements the same as renewals. Processing time is the same as a standard renewal.
Honest Guidance
Should I Use an Immigration Consultant for My PR Card Renewal?
PR card renewal is a process many permanent residents complete on their own, and that is completely fine for straightforward cases. However, working with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is strongly recommended if any of the following apply to you. You do not like uncertainty or worry; You are not comfortable with online application processes

Work with an RCIC you can trust
CICC-regulated. In-person in Calgary.
Serving Alberta since 2008.
A single missing document or error on the form can add months to your PR card renewal processing time and, in serious cases, trigger a residency determination that puts your status at risk. The cost of professional service is a fraction of the cost of reapplying or resolving a refused application.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose The Way Immigration
🏆
18+ Years Serving
Permanent Residents & Newcomers (established 2008)
📋
CICC-Regulated Firm
All Consultants are
Licensed and Experienced RCICs
🔍
Thousands of Successful
PR Applications, Renewals, and Complex Cases
📍
In-Person Consultations
In Calgary
(2004 14 St NW, Suite 201)
📞
Phone & Online
Consultations Available
Across Canada & Worldwide
💬
Specialists
Residency Obligation Concerns, &
Complex Travel Histories
Frequently Asked Questions About PR Card Renewal
PR Card Renewal Commonly Asked Questions
How do I renew my PR card in Canada?
Apply online through the IRCC Permanent Residence Portal with completed form IMM 5444, your supporting documents, and the $50 IRCC PR card renewal fee. The process involves gathering documents, completing the PR card renewal application form, paying the fee, submitting through the IRCC portal, and allowing approximately 2 months for your new card to arrive.
How long does PR card renewal take in 2026?
Allow approximately 2 months for a complete online application. Incomplete applications and IRCC requests for additional documents can extend this timeline significantly. Check current processing times at IRCC's online tool, as they change frequently.
What documents do I need for PR card renewal?
You need: (1) the IMM 5444 application, signed online by typing your full name exactly as shown on your passport, (2) a copy of both sides of your current or expired PR card, (3) a photo meeting IRCC specifications (1 digital photo online, or 2 identical photos on paper), (4) a copy of your passport including all entry and exit stamp pages, (5) copies of 2 pieces of evidence showing you met the residency obligation, and (6) your travel history for the past 5 years (or since you became a PR, if sooner).
What is the PR card renewal fee?
The IRCC PR card renewal fee is $50 CAD, paid online and non-refundable regardless of outcome. This is separate from any professional service fee if you choose to work with an immigration consultant.
Can I renew my PR card if it has already expired?
Yes. An expired card does not affect your permanent resident status. You can apply for PR card renewal with an expired card. However, you cannot board a commercial flight to Canada from abroad with an expired PR card, so apply before you travel internationally.
What if I do not meet the 2-year residency requirement?
The most important thing is do not apply until you meet the 2 year residency requirement. If you submit an application and you do not qualify, you will lose your PR status. There are certain limited exceptions, including time accompanying a Canadian Citizen abroad, working for a Canadian employer abroad, and limited Humanitarian & Compassionate grounds to request a renewal without meeting the residency requirements. Do not apply without professional guidance - a refused application creates a permanent IRCC record. Contact us to assess your specific situation before submitting.
Can I do PR card renewal outside Canada?
No. PR card renewal requires you to be physically inside Canada at the time of application. If you are outside Canada with an expired or expiring PR card, you must first apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) at the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy to return to Canada.
When should I apply for PR card renewal?
You can apply once your card will expire in less than 9 months, or after it has expired. Apply as soon as you enter that window, and allow approximately 2 months for processing so your new card arrives before the old one expires.
What is the PR card renewal application form and where do I get it?
Form IMM 5444 is available as an online form within the PR Card online application portal. Common errors: a name that does not match your passport, incomplete travel history, and not signing the application correctly.
Does my PR status expire when my PR card expires?
No. Your permanent resident status does not expire. The card is evidence of your status and usually expires every 5 years, but your status continues indefinitely unless revoked or voluntarily renounced. PR Card renewal provides you with up to date evidence that you are officially a Permanent Resident, and gives you the document needed to travel internationally and return to Canada.
Can I travel within Canada with an expired PR card?
Yes. Domestic travel within Canada does not require current immigration documentation. However, you cannot board a commercial international flight to return to Canada without a valid PR card or PRTD.
Do I need an immigration consultant to help with PR card renewal?
It is not mandatory to work with a consultant for PR card renewal, but choosing the right consultant will make the process a lot simpler and more predictable for you. Particularly if your driver's license is about to expire or you have travel plans upcoming, it makes sense not to mess around - just hire a professional and get it done properly.
What are the PR card renewal photo requirements?
Online: 1 digital photo (715 x 1000 to 2000 x 2800 pixels, 4 MB or less). Paper: 2 identical photos, 50 mm x 70 mm. Both must be taken no more than 12 months before you apply, on a plain white background, with a neutral expression and mouth closed. Glasses are allowed if your eyes are clearly visible with no glare. Many pharmacies and photo studios in Calgary provide IRCC-compliant photo services.
What proof of residency documents are required?
Acceptable proof includes: utility bills in your name, lease or mortgage agreements, property tax statements, Canadian tax assessment notices, bank statements, or employer letters - all with your name and Canadian address. IRCC asks for copies of 2 pieces of evidence showing you met the residency obligation.
What happens if my PR card expires while I'm waiting for my renewal?
Your status as a Permanent Resident remains intact while waiting for a decision from IRCC about your renewal application.You still cannot board international flights with an expired card. If you must travel, contact us urgently to discuss PRTD options.
How do I check my PR card renewal status?
You can check your application status online with IRCC's application status tool. If IRCC needs more information or finds an error, they will contact you; otherwise, your new PR card will arrive by mail.
How many times can I do PR card renewal?
There is no limit. Each PR card renewal issues a new card, usually valid for 5 years. You can continue renewing as long as you maintain your permanent resident status by meeting the 730-day residency requirement every 5 years. You may choose to apply for Canadian citizenship in order to avoid making a PR Card renewal application every five years.
Can I travel to the US with an expired PR card?
Land border crossings may be permitted at border officers' discretion with an expired PR card and valid passport. However, you cannot board a commercial flight from the US to Canada without a valid PR card or PRTD. Consult with us before leaving Canada if your PR card renewal is pending.
What is the difference between PR card renewal and replacement?
PR card renewal is for expiring or expired cards. Replacement is for lost, stolen, or damaged cards. Both use the same form (IMM 5444) and the same $50 fee. Replacement requires a Statutory Declaration (a sworn statement before a Commissioner of Oaths or Notary Public) explaining what happened to the card. If the card was stolen, a police report is strongly recommended. An RCIC can help you prepare the declaration correctly; an incorrectly prepared declaration is a common reason replacement applications are returned.
Why should I hire The Way Immigration for my PR card renewal?
The Way Immigration has served Alberta permanent residents since 2008. Our RCICs review every PR Card renewal application before submission, specialize in complex cases including near-miss residency obligations, and offer in-person consultations in Calgary as well as phone and online appointments.

