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Frequently Asked Questions
Application Process1. What is the process for applying for a card? CIC began issuing PR cards to new permanent residents on June 28, 2002, as part of the immigration process. Personal data and a photo are confirmed at the point of entry into Canada and a card is issued automatically. Existing permanent residents need to apply for the PR card if they intend to travel internationally. An existing permanent resident is someone who arrived in Canada before June 28, 2002. Application and information kits are available on this site. The kit explains how to fill out the application and where you should send it for processing. For existing permanent residents:
For new permanent residents:
CIC is committed to processing applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. Due to the large number of applicants, we ask for your patience and understanding should your application be delayed. If you must use a commercial carrier to return to Canada and do not have a PR Card, we may be able to assist you by processing your application on an urgent basis. See Information for Urgent Cases. Existing permanent residents must pick-up their cards in person. The CIC office closest to your area will send you a notice in the mail when the card is ready. Your permanent resident card will be cancelled if you do not pick it up within 180 days of receiving your first notice. You will then need to submit a new application. New permanent residents will receive their permanent resident card by mail. For existing permanent residents
For new permanent residents:
The card became mandatory for permanent residents returning to Canada by commercial carrier as of December 31, 2003. Since that date, permanent residents returning to Canada by airplane, boat, train or bus must show their PR card to carrier personnel when boarding to prove their permanent resident status in Canada. Yes. Children of permanent residents who were born in Canada are Canadian citizens and need a Canadian passport to travel, not a PR card. Normally, CIC mails PR cards to new immigrants because their permanent residence status is confirmed as part of the immigration process. Existing permanent residents must pick up their cards in person so that CIC can confirm their identity. However, if you are unable to go to your appointment, you should contact the PR Card Call Centre in advance to request alternate arrangements. If you are a permanent resident and are returning to Canada by commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus), you will require a PR card to board the carrier. If you do not have a PR card, you will need to contact the nearest Canadian visa office to obtain a temporary travel document to re-enter Canada, at a cost of $50 each. The PR card is for people who have been granted permanent residence status in Canada. It is not for refugee claimants. Card Security11. How will the permanent resident card improve the Department of Citizenship and Immigration’s ability to combat illegal entry into Canada? The card gives holders reliable proof of their permanent residence status in Canada. The high-tech security features make the card extremely resistant to tampering or duplication. The card simplifies document screening for transportation officials because all permanent residents must produce the card when boarding a commercial carrier en-route to Canada. Other government agencies may ask to see the PR card to verify residency status in Canada because this relates to eligibility for various programs and services. General13. Why did Citizenship and Immigration Canada introduce the PR card? Citizenship and Immigration Canada introduced the PR card:
The card helps ensure that Canada has the tools it needs to protect against the fraudulent use of its immigration documents. All permanent residents returning to Canada by commercial carrier need to show their PR card. In emergency situations, permanent residents may obtain a temporary travel document at a Canadian visa office at a cost of $50 each. Permanent residents may mail a completed application for a temporary travel document to a Canadian visa office at the location to which they will be travelling. They may also submit an application in person at any Canadian visa office around the world, including the United States. Before issuing a temporary travel document, visa officers must be satisfied that the applicant is now outside of Canada. They will normally require that applicants pick up the travel document in person at the visa office. The temporary travel document is not intended to replace the PR card. Applications for temporary travel documents are available on this site or at Canadian visa offices overseas. Permanent Residents You should apply for a Travel Document no earlier than six months prior to returning to Canada. The PR card is required to re-enter Canada by commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus) only. This requirement does not apply if you are travelling by private vehicle. If your card has been lost, stolen, destroyed or was never received, you should contact the PR Card Call Centre immediately. |
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| Last Updated: 2004-12-20 |  |
Important Notices | |
