Expired Canadian PR Card: What You Need to Know

Expired Canadian PR Card: What You Need to Know and What to Do Next

A Permanent Resident (PR) Card is an identification card that proves your status as a permanent resident of Canada. It also allows you to board a plane or other commercial vehicle to return to Canada. However, an expired Canadian PR card does not mean your permanent resident status expires—but it can affect your ability to travel.

In this post, we will cover:
✅ What happens if your PR card expires in Canada
✅ What to do if your PR card expires while abroad
✅ Steps to renew or replace your PR card

A bit of history: that is how our current PR card’s equivalent looked in the 1950s.

Your PR Card Expired While in Canada—What Should You Do?

If you are currently in Canada and your PR card has expired, you remain a permanent resident. Your status does not change. However, if you plan to travel, you must apply for a new PR card.

To renew your PR card, you must meet the residency obligation by being physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within the last five years. If you meet this requirement, you can submit an application for PR card renewal to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Your PR Card Expired While Abroad—What Are Your Options?

If your PR card expired while you were outside Canada, you have two options to return:

Option 1: Apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)

A PRTD is required if you do not have a valid PR card and need to return to Canada by air, bus, train, or boat. However, to be eligible, you must meet the 730-day residency obligation.

If you do not meet the residency requirement, you will need to apply for a PRTD on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds. This means providing strong documentary evidence explaining why you were unable to meet the residency requirement. Keep in mind that a PRTD is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Option 2: Enter Canada via a Land Border

If you hold a valid U.S. visa, you may enter Canada through a land border crossing using a private vehicle or by crossing on foot. Since an expired Canadian PR card prevents you from boarding commercial transportation, this may be an alternative.

However, if you do not meet the residency obligation, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer may issue a removal order, and you will need to file a residency appeal.

Let us help you!

If you need assistance applying for your PR card, a PRTD, a package of supporting documents for your port of entry, or any other immigration-related matters, please book a consultation. This will allow us to understand the specifics of your case and provide guidance specific to your given fact situation.