immlaw@akahlon.ca | +1 (647) 450-0000
PR Card Renewal

PR Card Renewal

A Permanent Resident (PR) card serves as official proof of your permanent resident status in Canada. While an expired PR card does not mean the loss of permanent resident status, it can significantly impact international travel and re-entry into Canada. At Kahlon Law Office, we provide comprehensive assistance in renewing PR cards to ensure uninterrupted residency status for our clients.

Who needs to renew their PR card?

You should consider renewing your PR card if:

  •  Your PR card is expired or will expire within the next nine months.
  •  Your PR card has been lost, stolen, or damaged.
  •  You need to update your legal name on your PR card.
  •  You did not receive your PR card within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident.

What are the eligibility requirements for PR card renewal?

To renew your PR card, you must:

  •  Be a permanent resident of Canada.
  •  Be physically present in Canada when submitting your application.
  •  Meet the 730-day residency requirement within the last five years.

Are there exceptions to the residency requirement?

If you have not met the 730-day physical presence rule, you may still qualify for renewal if:

  •  You were traveling with a Canadian citizen spouse, common-law partner, or parent.
  •  You were employed full-time by a Canadian business or the federal/provincial government abroad.
  •  You were accompanying a permanent resident spouse/parent who was employed full-time by a Canadian business or government.
  •  You have Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds, such as medical conditions or family reunification reasons.

Recent case law, including Zhang v. Canada (2023 FC 1498), has highlighted that IRCC assesses residency obligations on a case-by-case basis, allowing for exceptions where applicants can demonstrate compelling reasons for time spent outside Canada.

How to apply for PR card renewal?

  1. Complete the PR Card Renewal Application (IMM 5444)
  2. Gather supporting documents, including:
    • A copy of your current PR card
    • A valid government-issued ID
    • Proof of residency (tax returns, utility bills, lease agreements)
    • Travel history (if applicable)
  3. Pay the Government Fee ($50 CAD) online and upload the receipt.
  4. Submit your application through the Permanent Residence Portal.

If applying under urgent processing, additional documents proving the urgency (e.g., medical emergency, work obligations, or travel needs) must be provided.

What if my PR card expires while I am outside Canada?

If your PR card expires while you are outside Canada, you cannot re-enter using commercial transport without a valid PR card. Instead, you must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) at the nearest Canadian visa office.

In Tung v. Canada (2022 FC 1984), the Federal Court ruled that an expired PR card does not automatically lead to loss of permanent resident status, but failure to meet residency obligations can result in removal proceedings.

How are humanitarian and compassionate grounds considered in PR card renewal?

Under section 28(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), a permanent resident must meet the 730-day residency obligation within the last five years to maintain their status. However, where an individual is unable to meet this requirement due to compelling circumstances, they may seek an exemption under Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) considerations, pursuant to section 25(1) of IRPA.

When assessing an H&C request in a PR card renewal application, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) considers whether there are sufficiently compelling reasons that justify non-compliance with the residency obligation. Factors that may be taken into account include, but are not limited to:

  • Family ties in Canada and the degree of hardship resulting from loss of PR status.
  • Medical conditions requiring specialized treatment not available in the country of residence.
  • Best interests of a child, where separation from a Canadian-resident child would cause undue hardship.
  • Adverse country conditions that prevented return to Canada, such as war, political instability, or persecution.
  • Evidence of establishment in Canada, including past residency and efforts made to return.

The Federal Court in Ren v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2023 FC 987, reaffirmed that H&C relief is an exceptional remedy and that applicants bear the burden of proving that humanitarian factors outweigh the default residency obligation.

If you have been outside Canada for extended periods and fear non-compliance with the residency requirement, we can help present a compelling case under H&C grounds to maintain your permanent resident status.

Why choose Kahlon Law Office?

At Kahlon Law Office, we understand the complexities of PR card renewal applications and the importance of maintaining permanent resident status. Our experienced immigration lawyers provide:

  • Personalized case evaluation to assess your eligibility.
  • Expert document preparation to minimize processing delays.
  • Legal representation in case of residency obligation disputes.

If you need assistance renewing your PR card, we are here to help. Contact Kahlon Law Office to schedule a consultation and ensure a smooth renewal process.

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Email: immlaw@akahlon.ca

Address: 200-1B Conestoga Drive, Brampton, Ontario L6Z 4N5, Canada.

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