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In this article, I will address popular questions and answers that many individuals have for permanent resident cards. There are several different circumstances that can arise for permanent resident card holders and, thus, there are many questions that they have. Additionally, this article will also assist you in understanding what a permanent resident card entails. A permanent resident card is a wallet-sized official document that all permanent residents must have to confirm their status in Canada. It was created to include identifying details about the permanent resident and to confirm their permanent residency status. This article is intended to clarify any misunderstanding or confusion with regards to permanent resident cards.
A: In order to obtain a permanent resident card in Canada, you must first apply for the permanent resident (PR) card and meet the eligibility requirements. The eligibility requirements for a permanent resident (PR) card is, first and foremost, that you must be a permanent resident of Canada and have authorized status in Canada. Additionally, you must also submit your permanent resident card application within Canada. Keep in mind, if you are a permanent resident that currently resides outside of Canada, you must apply for a permanent resident travel document to return to Canada and then you can apply for the permanent resident card.
A: The processing times for permanent resident card applications can fluctuate depending on how many applications are sent. Therefore, it is best to research on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website to determine the processing times for your permanent resident card. This will also depend on whether you are waiting for your first permanent resident card or if you are renewing or replacing your permanent resident card. For instance, currently in January of 2018, if you are renewing or replacing your permanent resident card, then it will take approximately 83 days.
A: There is a way to get another permanent resident card, even if you’ve lost your old one. The process depends on whether you are currently within Canada or are residing outside of Canada. In either circumstance, you must inform Immigration the minute you determine that you’ve lost your card in order to avoid someone else using it. If you are currently outside of Canada, you must visit the nearest visa office and apply for a permanent resident travel document to be able to return to Canada. Only then, once you’re in Canada, will you be able to replace your PR card and apply for a new one. On the other hand, if you are currently inside Canada, you must inform Immigration about what happened through submitting the Web Form on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website. Once you’ve done this, then you can apply for a replacement permanent resident card.
A: The cost of obtaining a permanent resident card is $50 CAD per person. Keep in mind, you will also need to pay this fee every time you need to renew or replace your permanent resident card.
A: If you are a permanent resident of Canada that just recently immigrated to the country, you will receive your permanent resident card via mail. You will not receive the card in any other format. On the other hand, if you are already a permanent resident living inside of Canada for a while now, you may be sent the permanent resident card via mail or Immigration may request for you to pick up the card at a local Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) office. If the latter happens, they will inform you and schedule an appointment to pick up the card. It is important to note that if you do not pick up the permanent resident card within 180 days, they will have to destroy the card and you will then have to reapply for another card.
A: If you are a permanent resident of Canada that just recently immigrated to the country, you need not to apply for a permanent resident (PR) card. Immigration will mail the permanent resident card to you when you arrive in Canada. However, if you are a permanent resident of Canada and have been here for a while, you should apply for a permanent resident (PR) card if you plan on travelling outside of Canada; you did not receive your PR card and it has been over 180 days; you require evidence of your PR status; your card was either stolen, lost or destroyed; etc.
Should you have any further questions or feel confused or unclear about how to apply for a permanent resident card, it is important to ask all questions you may have and discuss your concerns. By talking to immigration professionals about your concerns, this will ease your worries and assist with the permanent resident card application process. Immigration applications are difficult to pursue on your own, especially if you are unfamiliar; therefore, it is highly recommended that you seek out professional and experienced help before attempting to apply. Here, at Akrami & Associates, we work and have experience with many different immigration issues. We have helped many of our clients apply for, renew, and replace their permanent resident cards. If you believe that you may be eligible to apply, please feel free to contact Akrami & Associates at our office at 416-477-2545 for more information or if you would like to book a consultation with an immigration professional for more advice.
With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way!
