The permanent resident card (PR Card) is the official proof of your status as a permanent resident in Canada.

You need a PR Card if:

• you are a permanent resident (including a child);
• you plan on travelling outside of Canada; and
• you plan on returning to Canada by any commercial transporter, such as a plane, train, boat or bus.

Permanent residents (PR) of Canada must carry and show their valid PR Card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD) when boarding a flight to Canada or travelling to Canada on any other commercial carrier.

If you do not carry your PR Card or PRTD, you may not be able to board your flight, train, bus or boat to Canada. It is your responsibility to make sure your PR Card is still valid when you return from travel outside Canada and to apply for a new PR Card before your current card expires. It is suggested that you renew your PR card approximately 4-6 months before its expiration date.