The PR card is an important government document that newcomers receive when they have been approved for Canadian permanent residence. However, how to apply renewal PR card for minors if their PR Card is expired or about to expire and want to renew it? Renewing minors’ PR card can be a daunting task, you may be unsure where to start. Learn how to renew it with this helpful guide.
Why We Should Renew the Permanent Resident Card?
The PR card is usually valid for five years, but in very rare cases may only be valid for one year. This card serves as a valid travel document for entering Canada’s borders. It is advised that all permanent residents obtain their PR card, as this card allows permanent residents to travel outside of Canada’s borders and demonstrate proof of status when they plan on returning to Canada by any commercial transporter, such as a plane, train, boat, or bus.
Eligibility – Renew PR Card for Minors
Your minors are eligible for permanent resident card Canada renewal if their card has expired or will soon expire in less than 9 months.
Procedure – PR Card Renewal Application for Minors
For minors (defined as individuals under the age of 18), the PR card renewal process requires filling out an application consisting of a form IMM 5444 along with requisite documents. In order to make the process clearer and more intuitive for parents or guardians to understand, we have given you detailed explanations and instructions below, you can follow the steps described below to complete the process.
Step 1: Gather documents
The instructions below outline the documents that you must include with your application.
1. Document Checklist Form IMM 5644
2. Fully completed and signed Application for Permanent Residence Card (IMM 5444)
3. A copy of the current Permanent Resident (PR) Card.
4. Government-issued identity documents for identity purposes. For example, a copy of 1 (one) identity document (e.g., the child’s passport).
5. Proof of residency if the applicant spent more than 1095 days outside of Canada in the last 5 (five) years.
6. A copy of the receipt proving payment.
7. 2 (two) identical 50mm wide x 70mm high photo for paper applications OR 1 (one) digital passport-style photo uploaded to the PR Portal (front & back).
8. A copy of the child’s birth certificate (showing your name, date of birth, place of birth, and the names of your parents or adoptive parents).
9. If you have a legal guardian, submit legal documentation issued by a Canadian court that proves guardianship; or a photocopy of your school records (report cards, transcripts, attendance records).
- About the translation of documents
All documents must be translated into the official languages, namely English and French. If no certified translator completes the translation, an affidavit must be provided by the person who completed the translation (sworn before a notary public, commissioner of oaths, or commissioner of taking affidavits).
Important information: Translation must not be done by the applicant or a member of the applicant’s family.
Step 2: Fill out forms
Follow the step-by-step instructions on the form download page below to complete the application form.
1. These forms must be completed and submitted:
- Application for a Permanent Resident Card (PR card) or Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) [IMM 5444]
- Document Checklist
2. The Document Checklist (IMM 5644) should also be completed and submitted together with the following additional forms (if they apply):
| IMM 5476 (Use of a Representative) | IMM 5476 |
| IMM 5475 (Authority to Release Personal Information to Designated Individual) | IMM 5475 |
| IRM 0002 (Request for Change of Sex or Gender Identifier) | IRM 0002 |
| IRM 0004 (Confirmation of Eligibility for a Reclaimed Name Change Gratis Replacement Document Under Call to Action 17) | IRM 0004 |
| IRM 0005 (Statutory Declaration to Reclaim an Indigenous Name on Canadian Citizenship Certificates or Permanent Resident Cards) | IRM 0005 |
3. Please fill in complete and accurate answers in all sections. If a section does not apply to you, please fill in “Not Applicable” or “NA”. If your application is incomplete, it will be returned to you, which will delay processing.
4. If the minor is over the age of 14 but under 18 years of age, they must sign the “Applicant” section of the form under Section 8, “CONSENT AND DECLARATION”. If the applicant is under the age of 14, only the parent or legal guardian signs both parts of the form.
Step 3: Pay the fees
1. The application fee can only be paid online and is subject to the following conditions:
- A valid email address;
- Access to a printer (you’ll need to print the receipt), and
- A credit card, Debit MasterCard® or Visa® Debit card.
2. Click the link Online Payment to go to the online payment page and follow the instructions.
3. Finally, click the button to print the IRCC official receipt with the barcode. Print two copies (Please attach a copy of this receipt to the completed application form and keep a second copy of the receipt for your records）
4. Do not exit without printing the receipt! The printed receipt is your proof of payment!
Step 4: Submit your application
Pack the application materials (i.e. all forms, certified copies, passport-style photos, and payment receipts) in a stamped envelope. The PR Card renewal application is processed at the Case Processing Centre (CPC) in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The address is slightly different depending on how you are submitting your PR renewal application.
- If you are sending your PR renewal application by regular mail you should send it to:
Case Processing Centre – PR Card P.O. Box 10020, Sydney, NS B1P 7C1, Canada
- If you are sending your PR renewal application by courier, use the following address
Case Processing Centre – PR Card 49 Dorchester Street, Sydney, NS B1P 5Z2, Canada
Step 5: Hearing from IRCC
If your application is completed correctly and you meet the requirements for a PR card: 1) Acknowledgement of Receipt (AoR) of your application will be sent to your valid email address; 2) Get your card by mail; 3) In some cases, you will be asked to pick up your PR card in person, remember to bring the original documentation of your old card and the copy you included with your application.
If your application is incomplete: 1) Application will be returned to you.
If your application is refused or withdrawn: 1) a refusal or withdrawal letter with explained reasons will be sent to you.
Checking application status: You can go to the online service and follow the instructions provided.
| Important! If you are residing outside of Canada, you will not receive it via mail and will have to collect it once you are in Canada. If, however, your PR card has expired prior to your return to Canada you will have to apply for a permanent resident travel document. This is valid for only ONE time; re-entry is solely for the purpose of renewing your PR card. |
Urgent Processing Time- PR Card Renewal for Minors
The IRCC website will provide accurate processing times on its website. The current urgent time is 3 (three) weeks or more. Applicants who wish to request expedited processing must write “urgent” on the front of the mailing envelope. In addition, you need to provide the requirements to meet the expedited application, which can be detailed as follows:
1. To qualify for urgent processing of your PR Card, you must be traveling within the next three months due to:
- Your own serious illness;
- The death of a family member;
- Work-related to your current job; and/or;
- The serious illness of a family member.
2. All of the following documents must be included to qualify for urgent processing:
- A copy of the travel itinerary showing destination and travel times (e.g., plane tickets);
- Proof of payment for the travel itinerary (copy of receipt);
- Letter providing the reason for urgent travel;
- Document proving the necessity for urgent travel (e.g., a letter from employer, doctor’s note, death certificate, etc.
BUT NOTE! Even if you qualify for urgent processing, IRCC cannot guarantee that they will be able to renew or replace your PR card in time.
Photo for Your PR Card Renewal
Each PR card must provide 2(two) identical photos taken within the last 6 months prior to renewal. Photos provided must comply with strict requirements imposed by the Government of Canada, and failure to meet these requirements will result in the application being returned. Here are the detailed photo specifications required Permanent Residents Photograph Specifications. PR card photo must measure 50 x 70 mm (2 inches wide x 2 3/4 inches long). The photo needs to be taken on a plain white background and the face must be clearly visible at the time of shooting. In addition, a photo must contain the individual’s name, date of birth, and the date and place where the photo was taken.
Now it is the time to convert your photo to one that meets the national PR card photo regulations. If you want to crop your photo and adjust the background, we recommend visiting the official website AiPassortPhotos to experience the AI technology, which is a professional passport photo editor. There are a lot of detailed requirements and instructions for PR card photos on AiPassportPhotos, Follow the steps, it will ensure photo compliance and save you from the stress of a rejected PR card photo! Therefore, try it! You will have plenty of time to take multiple photos and then choose the best one to become your perfect PR card photo.
Steps to Make Good Quality Passport Photo
Step 1: Open the AiPassortPhotos website on your devices.
Step 2: Create an account and log in.
Step 3: Click “Product” and select the tool you need.
Step 4: Follow the steps listed on the website and start uploading!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I renew my PR card online?
A1: Yes, Canada Immigration has opened an online portal for renewing PR cards, and applicants who need to renew their PR cards can submit their applications online. In addition, the required application information is consistent with the traditional mail application way.
Q2: How long does it take to renew a PR card?
A2: As of February 2023, the Government of Canada requires applicants to wait 65 days to receive a renewed PR card. However, this length of time can sometimes be extended or shortened according to the actual situation.
Q3: How much does it cost to renew a PR card?
A3: The renewal fee for the PR card is $50 (excluding the mailing fee). Since the application fee for PR card renewal is non-refundable, make sure you are eligible for PR card renewal. However, for certain applicants who must first provide their biometric information, this item requires an additional $85 to the overall price.
Q4: What to do if I have not received my PR card?
A4: Applicants need to wait at least six weeks to get their renewed PR card. However, if six weeks have passed and you still haven’t received your PR card by mail, you can contact IRCC to find out the status of your PR card renewal request. It is important to note that this may also mean that your application has been rejected or withdrawn, in which case please carefully check whether you have received a letter from IRCC with the reasons for the rejection.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you may know the basic requirements for the renewal of the Canadian Minor PR card and the documents required to prepare it. After understanding this information, please apply for a PR card update in time according to your own situation. In addition, if you want to meet the standards and look perfect in your PR card photos, you not only need to carefully understand the requirements of PR card photos but also utilize the recommended AI tool AiPassortPhotos, with powerful features that make it easy to achieve a perfect PR card photo. Finally, hope you find this article helpful.
Erin Lo