The Permanent Resident (PR) Card is the official document that proves you are a permanent resident of Canada. It is required to board commercial flights and ships returning to Canada. Without a valid PR card, you may not be allowed to board a flight back to Canada even if you are legally a permanent resident.
What the PR Card Is (and Is Not)
The PR card is a wallet-sized plastic card (similar to a credit card) that contains your photo, name, and a machine-readable zone. It is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The PR card proves your status as a permanent resident when entering Canada by commercial transportation. It does not replace your passport for international travel — you still need your national passport to travel to other countries. The PR card is also not proof of citizenship — you are a permanent resident, not yet a citizen, until you apply for and receive Canadian citizenship.
How to Get Your First PR Card
When you first become a permanent resident and land in Canada, you are issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document. Your physical PR card is then mailed to the address you provided in your application — usually within 30–60 days of landing.
First PR Card: What to Expect
- COPR issued at the port of entry (border crossing or airport) — keep this safe
- PR card mailed to your Canadian address within 30–60 days
- If your card has not arrived after 60 days, contact IRCC
- Valid for 5 years (in most cases)
- Cost: Included in your permanent residency application fee
PR Card Validity and the Residency Obligation
Your PR card is valid for 5 years. However, having a valid PR card does not guarantee your status as a permanent resident if you have not met the residency obligation.
The residency obligation requires that you be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) out of every 5-year period. Days spent outside Canada generally do not count toward the 730 days, with a few exceptions:
- Days outside Canada accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse or common-law partner
- Days outside Canada employed full-time by a Canadian business or the Canadian government
- Days spent outside Canada by a dependent child accompanying a parent
If you do not meet the residency obligation, your PR status may be revoked, even if your card is still technically valid.
How to Renew Your PR Card
You must renew your PR card before it expires. You should apply for renewal at least 6 months before expiry. Current processing times range from 2–6 months, though IRCC's website shows current estimates.
PR Card Renewal Requirements
- Must be physically present in Canada when submitting the renewal application
- Must have met the 730-day residency obligation in the past 5 years
- Renewal fee: $50 CAD
- Apply online through your IRCC secure account
- Biometrics may be required (fingerprints and photo)
- Current PR card and passport required
Travelling Without a Valid PR Card
If your PR card has expired or you are outside Canada without one, you cannot board a commercial flight or vessel back to Canada. You must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) from a Canadian embassy or consulate in the country where you currently are. This is a one-time document that allows you to return to Canada once.
The PRTD application requires proof that you have met the residency obligation and that you are still a permanent resident in good standing. Processing times vary by embassy.
PR Card vs. COPR
The COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) is the document issued at the port of entry when you first land. It serves as proof of your permanent resident status temporarily. However, airlines typically require a valid PR card for return flights, not a COPR. Always carry your PR card when travelling internationally.
Financial Benefits of Permanent Residency
Holding a valid PR card means you have access to all Canadian financial products and services:
- Open any type of bank account at any Canadian financial institution
- Apply for RRSP and TFSA accounts
- Apply for mortgages (most lenders require 2+ years of Canadian income history)
- Contribute to CPP (mandatory through employment)
- Access Employment Insurance (EI) after required insurable hours
- Apply for provincial and federal benefits
As a newcomer PR, opening a bank account is your first financial step. KOHO accepts newcomers immediately with no credit history required. See our banking guide for newcomers.
Pathway from PR to Citizenship
After holding permanent residency for a sufficient period, you may apply for Canadian citizenship. Since 2017, the requirement is to be physically present in Canada for at least 3 out of 5 years (1,095 days) before applying. Learn more in our Canadian citizenship guide.