As a long-standing global leader in immigration, Canada is the top choice for immigrants worldwide! However, as a newcomer to a new country, what should you be aware of? Today, we will guide you through some things you didn't know about the Canadian Permanent Resident Card!
When new immigrants first arrive in Canada, they must complete landing procedures at the airport and apply for their Permanent Resident (PR) card. After deplaning, please look for airport signage, follow the "Newcomers" path, and proceed to the Newcomer Reception Centre (CANN) to handle the necessary matters.
You need to prepare the following in advance: your passport and your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) documents (two copies per person, one with a photo and one without). If you already have a Canadian address, please have that ready as well.
Upon arriving at the CANN, there is a service desk where you should take a number and wait to be called (similar to a bank counter; once your number is called, the entire family should go to the counter to process the paperwork). The processing time depends on the number of new immigrants waiting. If there are few people, the entire procedure can be completed in 10 minutes. If it is busy, it may take 2 to 3 hours. If you have a connecting flight to Quebec or another destination, please allow for a 3-4 hour layover.
Here, you will need to provide a mailing address for your PR card (this must be an address within Canada). If you do not yet have a permanent residence, you may leave this blank and update your information on the immigration website at a later date.
Once the counter processing is complete, the entire family will be required to sign the designated area on one of the COPR documents. After signing, the immigration officer will collect it. Please keep the remaining copy of the COPR document in a safe place and ensure it is not damaged or lost.
Waiting Period for the First PR Card
Recently, the processing time for the first PR card has been quite long, with many clients waiting 6 or 7 months to receive theirs. During this waiting period, you can check the status of your PR card on the immigration website.
If you are currently in your home country during this waiting period but need to return to Canada urgently, you will need to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD).
Have you heard of a return visa?
The PR card is valid for 5 years, and you are eligible to apply for a renewal 9 months before it expires. It is worth noting that there is a common misconception: many believe that if the PR card expires, their Canadian status is lost.
This is not the case. The PR card is simply a document to facilitate your entry into Canada. If you remain in Canada, it does not matter if you do not have a valid PR card. Therefore, the following points apply:
1. Even if your card expires, as long as you meet the residency obligation of living in Canada for at least 2 years within a 5-year period, you remain eligible for renewal and have not violated the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
2. If your card expires and you have not met the residency obligation, and you no longer wish to maintain your status, you must voluntarily apply to renounce your permanent resident status. This is the only way to completely cancel your Canadian permanent residency, which will then allow you to successfully apply for a Canadian visitor visa or other permits in the future.