Renew your Canadian permanent resident (PR) card once it has less than 9 months left before it expires, or any time after it has already expired. As of July 15, 2026, IRCC lists the processing time for renewing or replacing a PR card at 37 days.
When to apply
IRCC’s guidance is direct: renew your PR card if it will expire in less than 9 months, or renew it if it has already expired. A PR card is usually valid for 5 years, though some are issued for just 1 year. Applying inside that 9-month window gives processing time to land before your card runs out, so you’re not caught without a valid one if you need to travel.
Current processing time
As of July 15, 2026, IRCC lists the processing time for renewing or replacing a PR card at 37 days, updated weekly on its official processing times tool. That figure isn’t a guarantee: it’s updated weekly and reflects current conditions, so check the live tool close to when you apply rather than relying on this figure indefinitely.
Fee
Renewing a PR card costs $50 per person, and IRCC only accepts payment online.
If your card expires while you’re outside Canada
An expired PR card doesn’t affect your status: you keep your permanent residence. What it does affect is travel. If you’re outside Canada without a valid PR card, whether it expired, or was lost, stolen, or damaged, you need a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) to board a commercial plane, bus, boat, or train back to Canada. A PRTD costs $50 and is normally valid for a single entry only. IRCC processes every PRTD application on a priority basis, though it lists the processing time simply as “varies.” Once you’re back in Canada, apply for a new PR card right away rather than travelling again on the PRTD.
FAQ
How early can I renew my PR card? As soon as it has less than 9 months left before expiry, or any time after it expires.
How long does PR card renewal take? IRCC listed it at 37 days as of July 15, 2026, updated weekly and not a guarantee.
What do I do if my PR card expires while I’m travelling? Apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) to re-enter Canada, then apply for a new PR card once you’re back.
Never let a PR card catch you out
Set your PR card’s expiry date in LapseGuard once and get a reminder while you’re still inside the 9-month renewal window. It’s the same idea whether the deadline is a government document or an insurance policy renewal: set the date once, get reminded ahead of it. Free, on your device, no account.
Related reading: How long does a Canadian passport renewal take? and What happens when an Ontario driver’s licence expires?
Sources
- Get, renew or replace a permanent resident card (canada.ca)
- Check current IRCC processing times (canada.ca)
- How much does a permanent resident card cost? (IRCC Help Centre)
- What happens if my PR card expires? (IRCC Help Centre)
- Permanent resident travel document: About the process (canada.ca)
- Permanent resident travel document: Who can apply (canada.ca)