The wait to get your permanent residency approved and processed can feel like forever. After all, getting your PR card is not something insignificant. It is a big step in your life as you turn to the country of Canada as your new legal home. You’ve received great news from IRCC about the PR card application status, and you have finally landed in Canada. Now all that’s left to do is get your PR card Canada. But first, let’s understand the basics:

What Is The Permanent Resident Status? 

A permanent resident of Canada is someone who has been given the status of permanent residentship by the Government of Canada and is not a Canadian citizen. Permanent residents are citizens of other countries that have chosen to immigrate to Canada and continue their life here. To become a permanent resident, the IRCC must approve your application. 

What is The Permanent Resident Card? 

As the name suggests, a PR card is a proof that you have been granted the status of a permanent resident by the IRCC. If and when you leave the country and have to enter again through a commercialized vehicle like airplane, bus, boat or train, you need to present your passport and your Canadian PR card to enter the country again. If you are a permanent resident traveling outside the country without a valid permanent resident card, apply for a permanent resident travel document before you return to the country via any commercial vehicle (get advice before applying so as to not lose your permanent resident status).

The most important thing you need to do is make sure that the IRCC has your valid mailing address in Canada within 180 days of being admitted to the country to receive your permanent resident card. The same goes for anybody who applied for permanent resident status and got it approved but haven’t yet to provide their updated mailing address to the IRCC. If within 180 days, you fail to provide your mailing address to the IRCC, you will need to apply for your PR card again and pay the $50 fee for the card. 

PR cards are sent to a Canadian address. So, always provide an address where you will be staying for the foreseeable future and, if not, provide the address of family or friends so that you can safely receive your PR card. 

How Long Does It Take To Get A PR Card After Approval From Canada? 

If you have applied for your PR card and received news from the IRCC about the approval of your PR card application, the PR card processing time can go up to 45 days. It can easily take 45 days or 6-8 weeks for your PR card to physically reach you, if it is not a renewal case. If you are opting for a PR card renewal, it takes up to 104 days. To keep yourself up to date, check out the IRCC website.

What Should I Do After Landing with  PR Status? 

Once you have received your PR status, it is time to wait for your PR card to arrive in its physical form. Ensure that you have provided the IRCC with a valid address where you will be staying for the next 6 to 8 weeks at least. Or give the address of your family and friends who may be based in Canada.

How Can You Check Your PR Card Status After Landing In Canada? 

Simply go to the Government of Canada’s website and check your application status to get a better idea about the status of your PR card.

Can I Leave Canada Before Getting My PR Card? 

You will need a valid PR card to enter Canada again through commercial transportation. If you are aware of your plans beforehand, you must apply for your PR card renewal or wait for it to arrive. Canadian PR cards are sent to only Canadian addresses, and that is why you cannot get them delivered elsewhere. If you are outside Canada without a valid PR card, you will need a PRTD or Permanent Resident Travel Document to enter. You can apply for this from outside of Canada!

How Long Does A PR Card Take To Arrive? 

If it is a new card, it will take about 6-8 weeks to arrive. If you are waiting for a renewed card, it may take up to 104 days to arrive. 

Which Countries Can I Visit With Canadian PR? 

You can visit these destinations without a visa if you have Canadian PR:

  • Dutch Caribbean Regions 
  • Anguilla
  • Bahamas
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • Costa Rica
  • Cuba
  • Dominican Republic
  • El Salvador
  • Georgia
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • Jamaica
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Qatar
  • Saint Maarten
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Turks and Caicos Islands

How Is The PR Card Delivered? 

The PR card is delivered via mail to the address provided to the IRCC by you. 

If you are looking for legal help to help you through the process we at Chaudhary Law Office would be happy to help you. 

The Immigration Webinar You Can't Miss on Thursday, January 23 2025 at 1800-1900 (i.e. 6:00 – 7:00 pm EST)

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