When to renew
- Apply if you're in Canada and your card expires in less than 9 months.
- If your card is valid for more than 9 months, don't apply to renew, unless your name or gender identifier has changed. IRCC returns early applications.
- You can also apply for a new card if yours was lost, stolen or destroyed.
You can't apply for a PR card from outside Canada.
The residency obligation
To renew, you must show you've met the residency obligation: at least 730 days in Canada within the last 5 years (or within 5 years of becoming a PR, if that was less than 5 years ago). The days don't need to be in a row.
Some time outside Canada can also count, such as living abroad with a Canadian citizen spouse. See our residency obligation guide.
How to apply
- Count your days in Canada for the last 5 years. A travel log or your travel history makes this easier.
- Apply online through your IRCC account (or on paper if you can't).
- Upload your photos, ID and any documents IRCC asks for.
- Pay the fee (see IRCC's fee list).
If your card expires while you're outside Canada
You remain a permanent resident, but you can't use the expired card to fly back. Apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) from outside Canada. To get it, you must show you meet the residency obligation, or have humanitarian reasons.
Thinking about citizenship?
If you've been in Canada at least 1,095 days in the last 5 years, you may be able to apply for citizenship instead of renewing your card again.
Next steps
- Count your days with our residency obligation guide.
- Ready for the next step? Read our citizenship application guide.
- Close to the limit or outside Canada? Book a consultation before you apply.