Living in Canada over the long term and taking the next step towards citizenship will require a Permanent Residency. With a PR Card, you will be able to stay in Canada without having to apply for regular VISAs and have the ability to apply for citizenship after 3-5 years. Permanent Residents will be able to live and work in the country and Canada as a nation will keep PR holders safe and in a stable environment. The card serves as a part of your national identity and it affords you the right to travel outside of Canada with ease as well.
Your first PR card will entitle you to all the rights and freedoms under Permanent Residency status for a total of 5 years. Anyone under the Permanent Resident status will need to renew the card and update status every 5 years. The status of the card needs to be updated before the expiration date to ensure you can keep your status.
Situations you can apply for your PR card before the 5-year expiration:
- If your card is lost or stolen
- If your status expires within 9 months
- If you need to update your name and address
- If you have not received the card within 180 days since you entered Canada