PR Card Renewal and Replacement Checklist

Renewing or replacing your Permanent Resident Card while in Canada? Use this checklist to gather all required documents before submitting your application.

You must be physically inside Canada to apply for a PR card. If you are outside Canada, you need a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) instead.

Required Documents for All Applicants

Identity Documents

Valid passport

  • All biography pages

  • All signature pages

  • All pages with visas and entry/exit stamps

Previous passports (if applicable)

  • All biography pages

  • All signature pages

  • All pages with visas and entry/exit stamps

Immigration Documents

Landing paper - Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) or Record of Landing (IMM 1000)

Current or expired PR Card (if available)

  • For replacement due to damage: photo of your destroyed PR Card

  • For lost PR Card: copy of police report filed for the lost card

Application Forms

Complete these online forms at YCI.co:

PR Card Photos

Two identical photos meeting IRCC specifications:

  • 50 mm × 70 mm (2" × 2¾")

  • Taken within last 6 months

  • Professional quality on photo paper

  • White or light-colored background

  • Neutral expression, facing camera directly

For online applications: Scan front and back of both physical photos

Photo specifications: Review complete requirements at canada.ca/pr-card-photo

Representative Documents (provided by YCI before submission)

  • Representative Submission Letter

  • Use of Representative Form (IMM5476)

Additional Documents for Minor Applicants (Under 18)

Proof of relationship - One of:

  • Birth certificate (photocopy)

  • Adoption order issued by Canadian court

  • Legal guardianship document issued by Canadian court

Alternative documentation:

  • School records (report cards, transcripts, attendance records)

Residency Obligation Requirements

Your document requirements depend on how many days you spent outside Canada in the past 5 years.

If You Spent Less Than 1,095 Days Outside Canada

You meet the basic residency obligation. Provide at least two of the following documents showing ties to Canada:

  • Employment records or recent pay stubs

  • Bank statements

  • Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notice of Assessment for the past 5 years

  • Evidence of benefits received from Canadian government programs

  • Rental agreements or lease documents

  • Club or association memberships

  • Utility bills showing Canadian address

  • Driver's license or provincial ID

If You Spent More Than 1,095 Days Outside Canada

You may still meet residency obligations under specific circumstances. Choose the situation that applies:

Situation A: Employment Outside Canada by Canadian Business

If employed full-time by a Canadian business or public service while outside Canada.

Required employer letter confirming:

  • Position and title of signing official

  • Nature of business and qualification as Canadian business

  • Overseas assignment details (length, full-time status, position)

  • Confirmation of continued employment after assignment

  • Statement that business wasn't created to meet residency obligations

Recommended supporting documents:

  • Articles of incorporation and business licenses

  • Partnership agreements or corporate annual reports

  • Corporate Canadian Income Tax Notices of Assessment

  • Employee Assignment Agreement or Contract

  • Agreements between Canadian business and foreign client

Situation B: Accompanying a Canadian Citizen Outside Canada

Days spent with a Canadian citizen spouse, common-law partner, or parent (if you were under 22) count toward residency.

Required documents:

  • Canadian citizen's passports/travel documents (past 5 years)

  • Citizenship documents (certificate, card, or passport)

  • Proof of Canadian citizen's addresses (past 5 years)

  • Marriage certificate or common-law partnership proof

  • Birth certificate or adoption documents (if accompanying parent)

Situation C: Accompanying a Permanent Resident Outside Canada

Days with a PR spouse, partner, or parent who was employed by Canadian business/public service count.

Required documents:

  • Documents proving the PR meets residency obligations

  • PR's passports/travel documents (past 5 years)

  • Marriage certificate or common-law partnership proof

  • Birth certificate or adoption documents (if accompanying parent)

Need more details? See our comprehensive guide: Understanding PR Residency Obligations

Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations

If you don't meet standard residency obligations, you may request H&C consideration.

Required: Detailed explanation letter addressing:

  • What prevented earlier return to Canada

  • Best interests of any affected children

  • Circumstances beyond your control

  • Attempts made to comply (if applicable)

  • Hardships you'd face losing PR status

Supporting evidence:

  • Medical records

  • Death certificates

  • Legal documents

  • Employment or family emergency documentation

Learn more: Read our detailed guide on PR Residency Obligations for H&C considerations.

Recommended Additional Documents

Strengthen your application:

  • Canadian Income Tax Notices of Assessment (2-5 years)

  • T4 slips from Canadian employers

  • School or employment records in Canada

  • Health insurance records

  • Provincial driver's license history

Signature Authorization (Optional)

Provide a clear signature on plain white paper using blue ballpoint pen for digital insertion, or manually sign printed forms.

Document Quality Standards

Ensure all documents are:

  • Clear and legible

  • Complete (all pages included)

  • Properly oriented

  • In color if original is in color

  • Showing all four corners

  • Free from shadows or glare

In the Wrong Place?

Outside Canada? You cannot apply for a PR card from outside Canada. See PRTD Application Checklist for information on returning to Canada.

Questions about residency obligations? Read our comprehensive guide: Understanding PR Residency Obligations