When and how to apply for a Canada PR card?

Highlights: Everything you need to know about Canada PR Card Application

• A Canada PR card is an official document issued to individuals recognized as permanent residents of Canada.
• The PR card proves that you have permanent residence status in the country.
• The Canada PR card includes the individual's name, photograph, and expiration date.
• You can apply for the PR card by filling out the application package and other forms on the official Canadian PR portal.

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When should you apply for a Canada PR card?

For new immigrants entering the country, the PR card will be directly mailed to them. The officials at the POE (Canadian Port of Entry) will collect the Canadian mailing address during the landing interview. The PR card will be sent via email within 18 days of submitting the details.

Some of the reasons when you should apply for a PR card are listed below:

• You have travel plans outside Canada and intend to return to the country on a commercial vehicle such as a bus, a train, an airplane, or a boat.
• You did not receive your PR card even after submitting the mailing address, and if it has been over 180 days since giving your address.  
• You require proof of your permanent residence status in Canada.
• Your previous PR card was lost, damaged, or stolen, and you need a new one.
• Your PR card is about to expire in under nine months.
• Your name has been legally changed and must be updated on the card.

 

How to apply for a Canada PR card?

You can follow the steps given below to apply for a Canada PR card:

Step 1: Arrange the documents

You must gather the following list of documents:

• Fee payment receipt
• Photographs as per the specifications
• Signed and completed IMM 544 application form
• Evidence that you fulfill the residency requirement of five years
• Identity documents
• Form IMM 5475 or Form IMM 5476

If you are below 18 years of age:

• Copy of birth certificate
• Legal documentation granted by the court in Canada as proof of guardianship
• Copies of education (Attendance, transcripts, report cards)

Step 2: Fill out Form IMM 5444

You must digitally sign and complete the Form IMM 5444

Step 3: Pay the application fees

Complete the required processing fee payment at the time of applying. You can refer the table given below for a detailed breakdown of fees:

Application (per person)	$CAN
Permanent Resident Card	50
Biometrics (per person)	85
Biometrics (per family) (2 or more people)	170
Maximum fee for a family of 2 or more people applying at the same time and place

 

Step 4: Submit the application

Apply for the Canada PR card along with all the documents required. You can complete this step via the official PR portal, or you can send your application offline via courier or email.

Step 5: Wait for a decision

After applying, you must wait for a decision from the IRCC. Once the application is reviewed or finalized, you can expect to hear back from the officials.

 

How to check the status of your PR card application?

You can check the status of your Canada PR card application in two different ways.

Way 1: IRCC Account creation

• To check the status of your application, you must first create an online account.
• The account must then be linked to your application. You can then receive updates about the status and messages related to your application.

Way 2: Client application status tool

To be able to access the status of your application via the client application tool, you must fulfill the below requirements:

• Arrange the documents that were received for the application
• Keep the identification numbers ready

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