A permanent resident (PR) card proves you’re a permanent resident when you return to Canada from another country. If you want to leave Canada, you need to make sure you have a valid PR card.

Most PR cards are valid for five years, but some are only valid for one year. The expiry date is printed on the card. When your PR card expires, you can’t use it as a travel document.

If your PR card has expired or will expire in less than 9 months, you should apply to renew your PR card. You need to be in Canada to apply for PR Renewal.

To be eligible to apply for PR card renew, you must have been in Canada for at least 730 days during the last five years.

If you’re outside Canada without a valid PR card, you need to apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD).

A PRTD is normally only valid for one single entry. You should apply for a new PR card as soon as you resume residence in Canada.