Applying for a Canadian Permanent Resident Card

Guide 5445 - Applying for a Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)

1. Purpose and Overview

This Article  serves as a comprehensive guide for permanent residents of Canada who are applying for a PR card. It outlines the requirements, procedures, and necessary documentation for initial applications, renewals, or replacements of a PR card. The PR Card is a vital status document for permanent residents, acting as secure proof of their permanent resident status when re-entering Canada following international travel. As of December 31, 2003, it became a mandatory requirement for all permanent residents, including children, to have a PR card when returning to Canada via commercial transport.

2. Types of Applications

The guide addresses three main types of PR Card applications:

• Initial Application: For permanent residents who have never held a PR card.
• Renewal: For permanent residents whose current PR card is expiring.
• Replacement: For permanent residents who have lost their PR card, had it stolen, or whose card is damaged.

3. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a PR Card, an applicant must:

• be a permanent resident of Canada;
• must be physically present in Canada;
• not be under an effective removal order; and
• not be a Canadian citizen.

Additionally, if the applicant is under 14, a parent or guardian must sign the application. Those between 14 and 18 must co-sign with a parent/guardian.

4. Application Timeline for Applying for a Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)

The guide sets out a specific processing schedule, based on the year an individual gained permanent resident status, to manage the initial influx of applications. For example, those who became permanent residents in 2002 were expected to apply between October 15 and November 30, 2002. Those before 1973 could apply in October 2002 or anytime after. This schedule aimed to create abalanced processing standard”.

5. Required Documents and Forms for Applying for a Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)

Applicants are required to submit the following with their application:

• Completed Forms:Application for a Permanent Resident Card (IMM 5444)
• Supplementary Identification Form (IMM 5455)
• Fee payment receipt (IMM 5401) – original
• Current PR Card: If applying for renewal or replacement of a damaged card.
• Certified Copies:Passport, certificate of identity, or refugee travel papers (showing number, name, photo, date of birth)
• Record of Landing (IMM 1000), Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292) or other original permanent residence document; or a provincial driver's license, provincial photo ID card, university/college student card, or recent Income Tax Assessment.
• Photos:Two identical photos meeting specific size, format, and background requirements, one attached to form IMM5455 and one sent unattached.
• One photo must be signed on the back by the guarantor.
• Birth Certificate/Guardianship documentation: If the applicant is under 18 a copy of the birth certificate or guardianship documentation must be included.

The guide emphasizes that missing or unclear documents will result in the application being returned.

6. Fees and Payment for Applying for a Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)

• A non-refundable processing fee of $50 is required, payable at a Canadian financial institution.
• Payment must be made using the original receipt form (IMM 5401), which has to be stamped by the bank. Photocopies are not acceptable.
• The processing fee will not be refunded, regardless of the final decision once the Processing Centre has started processing the application.”
• The receipt,Copy 2must be sent with the application andCopy 1is for the applicant’s records.

7. Completing the Forms  for Applying for a Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)

• Applicants must answer all questions, using N/A if a section is not applicable.
• The guide stresses that providing false or misleading information is a serious offence.
• If there's a name discrepancy between the application and the original immigration documents, supporting legal documentation is required to show a legal change of name and there are specific instruction on this in section A of the application form (IMM 5444).
• A section (B) on address, work and education history for the past 5 years must be included and this data is used to assess residency requirements. Applicants must account for every month within that period.

8. Residency Obligations for a Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)

• Applicants must have been physically present in Canada for at least 730 days out of the past five years.
• Time spent outside Canada may be counted towards residency requirements in certain instances, for example accompanying a Canadian spouse or for certain full time employment opportunities. However, a lack of 730 days in Canada may consequently lose permanent resident status.”
• Section 15 on absences from Canada must be carefully completed.

9. Guarantor Requirements for Applying for a Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)

• A guarantor must declare that they have known the applicant personally for at least two years, they must confirm the applicants identity and confirm the information provided is true.
• The guarantor must be actively employed in a specified profession including doctors, judges, and teachers.
• The guarantor must sign the back of one of the photos.
• If a guarantor cannot be provided astatutory declaration in lieu of guarantoris required.

10. Photo Specifications for the Application for a Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)

• Photos must be recent (within one year) and not be the same as passport photos.
• They must be in colour, showing a full front view of the person's head and shoulders on a plain white background.
• Measurements must be 25mm to 35mm from chin to crown, with a finished size of 35mm x 45mm.
• Specific instructions for photographers are given, stating photos must be printed on paper that can accept and retain a photographer’s stamp, the date and a guarantor’s statement and signature. The photographer's details and date are required on the back of one print.
• Head coverings, hats or anything that interferes with the photo value in identifying the applicant are unacceptable, unless the applicant is a practitioner of a religious faith that prohibits the removal of head coverings. In such cases, the full facial features must still be visible.

11. Mailing and Processing

• Applications must be mailed to the Permanent Resident Card Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
• The envelope should not be folded.
• The date the applicant became a permanent resident must be written on the envelope in the top left corner.
• The envelope will require more postage than a normal letter. To avoid having your application returned to you, have the Post office weigh it before mailing.
• The Processing Centre will assess if the application is complete and if the applicant meets the requirements. If additional information or fees are required the application will be returned. If everything is in order the applicant will be advised when and where they can pick up their new PR card.

12. Important Contact Information

• A Call Centre is available for inquiries within Canada at 1-800-255-4541 with automated service available 24 hours and agents available during business hours.
• A TTY service for the hearing impaired is available at 1-888-576-8502.
• The website www.cic.gc.ca is referenced throughout the document for additional information and for obtaining application packages or forms.

13. Key Fact  for Applying for a Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)

• Compliance: The document repeatedly emphasizes the importance of completing forms accurately and providing all required documentation. Failure to do so can lead to delays or the return of the application.
• Residency Requirements: Meeting residency obligations is crucial for maintaining permanent resident status.
• Accuracy: Honesty and the provision of correct information is essential and a failure to do so is a serious offence.
• Standardisation: The requirement to send certified copies, the format of the photographs and the method of payment for the application fee are all strictly defined.

This blog provides a detailed overview of the process, requirements and obligations when applying for a Canadian permanent resident card, and highlights key areas to ensure a successful application.