Permanent Resident Card

The Permanent Resident Card is the official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada.

This wallet-sized plastic card is required for all permanent residents of Canada seeking to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus).

Since June 2002, all new permanent residents automatically receive their first Permanent Resident Card as part of the immigration process.

If you came to Canada as a permanent resident before June 2002, the Permanent Resident Card replaces your original landing papers. It is the only acceptable proof of your status as a permanent resident of Canada.  If you leave the country, you must show this document when you return to Canada by commercial carrier.

The Permanent Resident Card expires every five years.  Check the expiry date and apply for a new one well before you plan to travel outside Canada.

Learn about:

• Who can apply
• How to apply
• After applying
• Arriving
• Frequently asked questions

The above links explain how to obtain, renew or replace a Permanent Resident Card. To learn about being a permanent resident in Canada, see About being a permanent resident in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.

Related Links

• About being a permanent resident