You must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days during last 5 years to maintain your permanent resident status. Generally, the PR cards are valid for 5 years and the expiry date is printed on the card. You cannot travel on an expired PR card, therefore, you must renew your PR card if you are planning to travel outside Canada.
What should I do if my card is expired while I am outside Canada?
You will need a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return to Canada. You will not be able to board the flight or enter Canada if you do not have your PR Card or PRTD.
Can time spent outside Canada count towards my permanent resident status? Your time outside of Canada may count towards your permanent resident status if you meet 1 of these conditions:
Documents required with your application:
- Your work outside Canada of a Canadian business or organization, or the Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government.
- You travel with a spouse or common-law partner who is a Canadian citizen, or a permanent resident working outside Canada, full-time for: a Canadian business, or the Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government.
- You are a dependent child and travel with your parent and your parent is a a Canadian citizen, or a permanent resident working outside Canada, full-time for: a Canadian business or the Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government.
