Get a permanent resident card: How to apply (2025)

Get a PR card for the first time (within 180 days of receiving your PR status)

Most people don’t need to apply for their first PR card. We automatically send you your first PR card if you give us your Canadian mailing address and photo within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident.

Give us your address within the first 180 days of becoming a permanent resident

The way to give us your information depends on how you confirm your permanent resident status.

If you confirm your status at a port of entry

You can give your address to a Canada Border Services Agency officer at the port of entry. If you don’t give your address when you land in Canada, you can give us your address online within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident.

We’ll use the photo attached to the confirmation of permanent residence for your PR card. If your photo does not meet specifications, we’ll contact you and let you know how to provide a new photo.

If you’re in Canada and confirm your status virtually

You need to give your Canadian address and upload a digital photo when you confirm your permanent residence in the Permanent Residence Portal.

• Confirm your permanent residence and give us your address.
• Check the photo specifications.

If your address changes before you get your PR card

Change your address if you’re moving within 3 weeks or have already moved.

Get a PR card for the first time (more than 180 days after receiving your PR status)

Most people don’t need to apply for their first PR card. We automatically send you your first PR card if you give us your Canadian mailing address and photo within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident.

If you were not able to get us your photo and address within 180 days, you need to apply for a PR card.

1. Start your application in the Permanent Residence Portal

   In the portal, begin your application by filling out the application for a permanent resident card (IMM 5444).

   If you need help applying

   You can

   • get help with technical issues (like photo issues)
   • get alternate formats, like braille or large print
   • check our instruction guide (IMM 5445)

   Sign in to the Permanent Residence Portal

   Urgent processing

   Urgent processing is available in some circumstances. However, the minimum processing time is 3 weeks.

   Even if you qualify for urgent processing, we can’t guarantee you’ll get your card on time.

   Apply for urgent processing

2. Complete additional forms, and upload them to the portal

   Complete the Document checklist (IMM 5644), and upload it to the portal.

   Depending on your circumstances, you may need to download, complete and upload other forms, or provide other documents to support your application.

   You’re using a representative

   Fill out the following forms, and include them in your application:

   • Use of a representative (IMM 5476)
   • Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475)

3. Pay your fees, then upload the receipt to the portal

   Fees are not paid through the Permanent Residence Portal.

   Pay your fee to IRCC online, then upload your receipt to the Fee Payment section in the Permanent Residence Portal to show that you have paid.

   Refunds are not possible while the application is in progress.

4. Review your application, then submit

   Before you submit your application, make sure you

   • answer all the questions
   • sign your application and all forms electronically (typing your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
   • include your processing fee receipt
   • upload all the supporting documents

5. Get updates about your application

   Track the status of your application.

Renew an existing PR card

A PR card is usually valid for 5 years. In some cases, it’s valid for only 1 year.

Renew your PR card

• if it will expire in less than 9 months or
• if it has expired

1. Start your application in the Permanent Residence Portal

   In the portal, begin your application by filling out the application for a permanent resident card (IMM 5444).

   If you need help applying

   You can

   • get help with technical issues (like photo issues)
   • get alternate formats, like braille or large print
   • check our instruction guide (IMM 5445)

   Sign in to the Permanent Residence Portal

   Urgent processing

   Urgent processing is available in some circumstances. However, the minimum processing time is 3weeks.

   Even if you qualify for urgent processing, we can’t guarantee you’ll get your card on time.

   Apply for urgent processing

2. Complete additional forms, and upload them to the portal

   Complete theDocument checklist (IMM 5644),and upload it to the portal.

   Depending on your circumstances, you may need to download, complete and upload other forms, or provide other documents to support your application.

   The forms that may be required, depending on your situation:

   You’re using a representative

   • Use of a representative (IMM 5476)
   • Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475)
   You’re updating the gender identifier on your card

   • Request for a change of sex or gender identifier (IRM 0002)
   You’re reclaiming an Indigenous name

   • Confirmation of eligibility for a reclaimed name change gratis replacement document under Call to Action 17 (IRM 0004)
   • Statutory declaration to reclaim an Indigenous name on Canadian citizenship certificates or permanent resident cards (IRM 0005)
   • an amended birth certificate or legal change of name document

3. Pay your fees, then upload the receipt to the portal

   Fees are not paid through the Permanent Residence Portal.

   Pay your fee to IRCC online, then upload your receipt to the Fee Payment section in the Permanent Residence Portal to show that you have paid.

   Refunds are not possible while the application is in progress.

4. Review your application, then submit

   Before you submit your application, make sure you

   • answer all the questions
   • sign your application and all forms electronically (typing your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
   • include your processing fee receipt
   • upload all the supporting documents

5. Get updates about your application

   Track the status of your application.

We made a mistake on your card (and you received your card in the last 60 days)

When we make a mistake or miss something on your card, you can apply to have your card reissued at no cost.

You need to submit the request within 60 days of receiving your card.

Get your card reissue

1. Complete the application

   Fill out the Request to Reissue a Permanent Resident Card [IMM 5531] (PDF, 1,75 MB).

   Need help?Our instruction guidehas detailed information on how to prepare, complete and submit your application.

2. Complete additional forms, and include supporting documents

   Provide the following form and supporting documents with your application:

   • the completed Document checklist (IMM 5644)
   • your current PR card
   • a copy of yourRecord of Landing(IMM 1000) orConfirmation of Permanent Residence
   • a copy of the identity page of your passport
   • 2 photos, if your photo is the reason the card needs to be reissued
     If you requested a change to one of your permanent resident documents

     Be sure to include a copy of the approval of your request. This might be

     • a copy of your approvedRequest to Amend Immigration Record of Landing or Confirmation of Permanent Residenceform (IMM1436) and a copy of the cover letter you received with the approvedrequest or
     • a copy of your Verification of Status
     If you want to use an immigration representative

     Fill out the following forms, and include them in your application:

     • Use of a representative (IMM 5476)
     • Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475)

3. Review and mail your application

   Before you submit your application, make sure you

   • answer all the questions
   • include all the required documents
   • sign and date the form

   Mail your application to the following address:

   Regular mail

   PRCard Processing Centre
   Client Service Unit
   P.O.Box 9000
   Sydney,NS
   B1P 6K7

   Courier

   IRCC Digitization Centre -PRC
   3050 Wilson Ave
   New Waterford,NS
   B1H 5V8

   On the envelope, print

   • “Urgent — Request to Reissue PR Card”
   • your name and address at the top left-hand side of the envelope

4. Get updates about your application

   Track the status of your application.

We made a mistake on your card (and you received your card more than 60 days ago)

You need to apply for a new card.

Get a new card

1. Start your application in the Permanent Residence Portal

   In the portal, begin your application by filling out the application for a permanent resident card (IMM 5444).

   If you need help applying

   You can

   • get help with technical issues (like photo issues)
   • get alternate formats, like braille or large print
   • check our instruction guide (IMM 5445)

   Sign in to the Permanent Residence Portal

   Urgent processing

   Urgent processing is available in some circumstances. However, the minimum processing time is 3weeks.

   Even if you qualify for urgent processing, we can’t guarantee you’ll get your card on time.

   Apply for urgent processing

2. Complete additional forms, and upload them to the portal

   Complete theDocument checklist (IMM 5644),and upload it to the portal.

   Depending on your circumstances, you may need to download, complete and upload other forms, or provide other documents to support your application.

   The forms that may be required, depending on your situation:

   You’re using a representative

   • Use of a representative (IMM 5476)
   • Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475)
   You’re updating the gender identifier on your card

   • Request form for a change of sex or gender identifier (IRM 0002)
   You’re reclaiming an Indigenous name

   • Confirmation of eligibility for a reclaimed name change gratis replacement document under Call to Action 17 (IRM 0004)
   • Statutory declaration to reclaim an Indigenous name on Canadian citizenship certificates or permanent resident cards (IRM 0005)
   • an amended birth certificate or legal change of name document

3. Pay your fees, then upload the receipt to the portal

   Fees are not paid through the Permanent Residence Portal.

   Pay your fee to IRCC online, then upload your receipt to the Fee Payment section in the Permanent Residence Portal to show that you have paid.

   Refunds are not possible while the application is in progress.

4. Review your application, then submit

   Before you submit your application, make sure you

   • answer all the questions
   • sign your application and all forms electronically (typing your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
   • include your processing fee receipt
   • upload all the supporting documents

5. Get updates about your application

   Track the status of your application.

You made a mistake in your application, or your personal information has changed

You can apply for a new card if you made a mistake in your application or if you want to update your information for reasons such as

• a legal name change
• a name change after marriage or divorce
• a change of gender identifier
• an updated signature

Get a new card

1. Start your application in the Permanent Residence Portal

   In the portal, begin your application by filling out the application for a permanent resident card (IMM 5444).

   If you need help applying

   You can

   • get help with technical issues (like photo issues)
   • get alternate formats, like braille or large print
   • check our instruction guide (IMM 5445)

   Sign in to the Permanent Residence Portal

   Urgent processing

   Urgent processing is available in some circumstances. However, the minimum processing time is 3weeks.

   Even if you qualify for urgent processing, we can’t guarantee you’ll get your card on time.

   Apply for urgent processing

2. Complete additional forms, and upload them to the portal

   Complete theDocument checklist (IMM 5644),and upload it to the portal.

   Depending on your circumstances, you may need to download, complete and upload other forms, or provide other documents to support your application.

   The forms that may be required, depending on your situation:

   You’re using a representative

   • Use of a representative (IMM 5476)
   • Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475)
   You’re updating the gender identifier on your card

   • Request form for a change of sex or gender identifier (IRM 0002)
   You’re reclaiming an Indigenous name

   • Confirmation of eligibility for a reclaimed name change gratis replacement document under Call to Action 17 (IRM 0004)
   • Statutory declaration to reclaim an Indigenous name on Canadian citizenship certificates or permanent resident cards (IRM 0005)
   • an amended birth certificate or legal change of name document

3. Pay your fees, then upload the receipt to the portal

   Fees are not paid through the Permanent Residence Portal.

   Pay your fee online with IRCC, then upload your receipt to the Fee Payment section in the Permanent Residence Portal to show that you have paid.

   Refunds are not possible while the application is in progress.

4. Review your application, then submit

   Before you submit your application, make sure you

   • answer all the questions
   • sign your application and all forms electronically (typing your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
   • include your processing fee receipt
   • upload all the supporting documents

5. Get updates about your application

   Track the status of your application.

Replace a lost, stolen or damaged PR card

You can apply for a new card.

Get a new card

1. Start your application in the Permanent Residence Portal

   In the portal, begin your application by filling out the application for a permanent resident card (IMM 5444).

   If you need help applying

   You can

   • get help with technical issues (like photo issues)
   • get alternate formats, like braille or large print
   • check our instruction guide (IMM 5445)

   Sign in to the Permanent Residence Portal

   Urgent processing

   Urgent processing is available in some circumstances. However, the minimum processing time is 3weeks.

   Even if you qualify for urgent processing, we can’t guarantee you’ll get your card on time.

   Apply for urgent processing

2. Complete additional forms, and upload them to the portal

   Complete theDocument checklist (IMM 5644),and upload it to the portal.

   If you’re applying toreplacea damaged card, you should

   • destroy your card immediately and
   • upload a photo of your destroyed card as proof that you destroyed it

   If you lost your PR card, include a copy of a police report or incident number with your application, if you have one.

   Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to download, complete and upload other forms, or provide other documents to support your application.

   The forms that may be required, depending on your situation:

   You’re using a representative

   • Use of a representative (IMM 5476)
   • Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475)
   You’re updating the gender identifier on your card

   • Request form for a change of sex or gender identifier (IRM 0002)
   You’re reclaiming an Indigenous name

   • Confirmation of eligibility for a reclaimed name change gratis replacement document under Call to Action 17 (IRM 0004)
   • Statutory declaration to reclaim an Indigenous name on Canadian citizenship certificates or permanent resident cards (IRM 0005)
   • an amended birth certificate or legal change of name document

3. Pay your fees, then upload the receipt to the portal

   Fees are not paid through the Permanent Residence Portal.

   Pay your fee online with IRCC, then upload your receipt to the Fee Payment section in the Permanent Residence Portal to show that you have paid.

   Refunds are not possible while the application is in progress.

4. Review your application, then submit

   Before you submit your application, make sure you

   • answer all the questions
   • sign your application and all forms electronically (typing your full name exactly as shown on your passport)
   • include your processing fee receipt
   • upload all the supporting documents

5. Get updates about your application

   Track the status of your application.