🛂 Guide IMM 5445 – Applying for a Permanent Resident Card (PR card)

This official guide explains how to apply for a Canadian Permanent Resident Card (PR card) — whether this is your first card, a renewal, a replacement of a lost, stolen or damaged card, a name update, or a change of gender identifier. The guide supports applications through the Permanent Residence Online Portal or by paper.

📋 Who Should Use This Application

Use this application if you are a permanent resident of Canada and need to:

  • Apply for your first PR card (if you did not provide address/photo within 180 days of landing).
  • Renew an existing PR card that is expired or will soon expire.
  • Replace a PR card that is lost, stolen, or damaged.
  • Update a PR card due to a legal name change or gender identifier change.

📍 Eligibility & Presence Requirement

To apply you must:

  • Be a permanent resident of Canada.
  • Be physically present in Canada at the time of application.
  • Meet residency requirements (generally at least 730 days in the last 5 years).
  • Not be under a removal order or have misused a PR card.

📄 Document Checklist & Submission

Your application must include:

  • Completed forms (e.g., PR card application – IMM 5444).
  • Document checklist (IMM 5644).
  • Photos meeting IRCC specifications.
  • Proof of legal name change or gender designation, if applicable.
  • Previous PR card (if renewing or replacing).

If you apply online, upload all supporting documents in the portal. Processing fees must be paid online and proof included.

💰 Fees & Biometrics

Application fees (per person) include:

  • PR card processing fee: approximately $50 CAN.
  • Biometrics fee (if required): about $85 CAN per person.

Fees must be paid online; no other payment types are accepted.

✉️ How to Submit

You can apply:

  • Online — via the Permanent Residence Portal (preferred).
  • By mail — paper application sent to the PR Card Processing Centre address (Sydney, Nova Scotia).

📌 Important Tips

  • Make sure all sections are complete. Incomplete applications may be returned or delayed.
  • If your documents are not in English or French, provide certified translations.
  • For urgent travel plans, check the Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) requirements if you cannot get your PR card in time.