Improvements to Canadian Permanent Resident Card Process

In addition to recent changes to the permanent resident (PR) card process, which allowed residents to keep their valid cards while seeking extension, the government of Canada has announced additional steps to simplify the process. Canada's PR card confirms the holder’s immigration status in Canada. and is needed for boarding commercial transportation (plane, train, boat or bus) to return to Canada.

Applicants for a new or replacement PR card will no longer need to seek the signature of a guarantor or sign a statutory declaration in lieu of a guarantor. Citizenship and Immigration Canada has implemented steps that will allow for secure verification of the identity of applicants without the requirement of a guarantor, which is expected to streamline the process of applying for many.

Canadian Permanent Resident Card

Canada's Minister of Immigration has announced changes to the process of applying for renewal of a permanent resident card. Effective April 21 2008, Canadian permanent resident seeking renewal will be able to retain their existing card if it is still valid, and may return it to Citizenship and Immigration Canada when collecting the new card. If the card is already expired, then the card should be returned with the application for renewal.

To be eligible for a PR Card, an individual must be a permanent resident of Canada and be physically present in Canada. A permanent resident who is under an effective removal order may not be found eligible for the card. Permanent residents who are outside Canada and do not have a valid PR Card must apply for a travel document from a Canadian visa office in order to return to Canada.