News Release

Canada’s new government urges permanent residents to renew vital document for travel

Ottawa, April 23, 2007 — In July 2007, five-year Canadian permanent resident (PR) cards will begin expiring. The cards are a vital document for Canadian permanent residents who travel internationally because they are necessary to re-enter Canada. Canada’s new government is advising Canadian permanent residents to check the expiry date on their card if they plan to travel outside Canada after July 1, and to apply for a new card before it is too late.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada is launching a comprehensive web, media and poster campaign to remind Canadian permanent residents that they must have a valid PR card to return to the country if travelling internationally.

“We want to help Canadian permanent residents who are planning to travel outside the country,” said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “That’s why we are taking the initiative through this campaign to help inform Canadian permanent residents of the need to renew their cards before travelling outside Canada.”

The PR card confirms the holder’s permanent resident status in Canada. Permanent residents who travel outside Canada must show the card before boarding commercial transportation (plane, train, boat or bus) when returning to Canada. Without a valid PR card, permanent residents will not be allowed to board, and will need to make alternative travel arrangements at their own expense and inconvenience. Permanent residents who have obtained Canadian citizenship no longer need a PR card.

“We’re encouraging people to plan ahead,” said Minister Finley. “Permanent residents should check the expiry date on their cards and apply for a new one well before they travel.”

The PR card was introduced on June 28, 2002, for new immigrants to Canada with the implementation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The cards are valid for a five-year period. In exceptional circumstances, some cards expire after one year.

The PR card increases Canada’s border security by improving the integrity of the immigration process. It also provides cardholders with secure, convenient proof of their permanent resident status when re-entering Canada.

Permanent residents can obtain a new card by completing the application kit available online or by calling 1-888-242-2100. Applications are currently being processed within 6 to 8 weeks of receipt at the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

To view a graphic of the campaign, please click here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/pr-card.pdf

For more information (media enquiries only), please contact:

Philippe Mailhot
Press Secretary 
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064

Melanie Carkner
Spokesperson, Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650