Canada PR Card Processing Time: What to Expect

Applying for a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) Card involves multiple steps, and the time it takes to receive your card can vary depending on various factors.

This article addresses key questions such as “How long does it take to process a PR Card renewal or first issuance?” and “How to expedite the process?” You will also find practical tips on how to streamline your application with a correctly prepared PR Card photo.

Table of contents

• Initial PR card processing time for new immigrants
• Renewal and replacement PR card processing times
• How to check your PR card application status
• What to do if your PR card is delayed
• Tips to avoid PR card processing delays
• Get a photo for your PR card online!
• PR Photo App
• FAQ

Initial PR card processing time for new immigrants

The timeline for processing your PR Card starts the day you send your complete application and finishes when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reaches a decision.

It’s recommended to monitor the IRCC website for weekly updates on PR card processing times. For instance, as of September 3, 2025, it usually takes about 35 days to process the first PR card. The times posted by IRCC generally apply to 80% of cases. However, keep in mind that PR Card application times in Canada can change and are not guaranteed, as they can be affected by high demand, staff availability, or missing documents.

What are the PR Card processing times after eCOPR and after landing? The PR Card processing time after landing, as well as after receiving an eCORP, may vary, but is usually around 3 to 6 weeks under normal circumstances.

Renewal and replacement PR card processing times

PR Card renewal: how long does it take? Based on the latest IRCC weekly updates, most PR card renewals or replacements take approximately 33 days as of September 3, 2025. However, delays can occur, especially during busy periods or in special situations. It’s a good idea to plan ahead to avoid inconvenience.

How to check your PR card application status

To check your Permanent Resident application status in Canada, you can use the official online tools provided by IRCC. There are two main options: the IRCC Secure Account and the Client Application Status (CAS) tool. Both of these tools are available around the clock and are updated every day.

Using the Client Application Status (CAS) Tool:

1. Go to the CAS tool page.
2. Enter your application number, last name, and date of birth.
3. Check the current status of your application, including whether it's been received, is in progress, or has been finalized. This tool is updated daily and can be utilized for renewals, replacements, and initial PR card applications.

Using the IRCC Secure Account:

1. Visit the IRCC website to create an account or log in.
2. Link your application by providing details like your application number, UCI (unique client identifier), your first and last name, and your date of birth.
3. Once linked, you can view real-time updates and messages about your application.
4. If you submitted your application online, you might be able to use the same account for updates. However, depending on any updates to IRCC's systems, you may need to create a new tracker account.

What to do if your PR card is delayed

If you're experiencing a delay with your Canada PR card, here's what you should do:

Review your application

Double-check that you've submitted all necessary documents correctly, including photos, forms, signatures, and proof of residency, as errors or omissions are common causes of delays. Look over your IRCC account or email for any requests for additional information from IRCC.

Use online tools to track status

Monitor your application status through the IRCC web portal or the Client Application Status Tool. Take note of any updates or communication from IRCC that might require further action or additional documentation.

Contact IRCC if delayed

If your wait time surpasses the typical processing period, reach out to IRCC with your application number. You can:

• Submit an inquiry via the online webform on the IRCC website.
• Call the IRCC Call Centre if you're in Canada.
• For delays that last more than 12 months, you might consider submitting an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request or seeking advice from an immigration lawyer.

Request urgent processing (if applicable)

If you need to travel urgently or have compassionate reasons, you can apply for expedited processing by providing proof of travel, like flight tickets, and explaining your situation to IRCC.

Tips to avoid PR card processing delays

To avoid delays in the processing of your PR card, follow these key strategies:

Ensure complete and accurate documentation:

• Fill out the most recent version of Form IMM 5444, making sure it's signed and dated correctly.
• Include a clear, full copy of both the front and back of your current or expired PR card, along with all relevant pages of your valid passport, including ID and visa pages. Provide a detailed history of your addresses and travels over the past five years.
• Submit two identical photos that comply with IRCC guidelines, paying attention to size, background, and recentness, as photo mistakes are a frequent cause of delays.
• Provide proof of meeting residency requirements (at least 730 days in Canada within the last five years), such as lease agreements, CRA Notices of Assessment, employment records, or utility bills.
• Attach your payment receipt and use the IMM 5644 checklist to ensure that all necessary documents are included.

Double-check application details:

• Ensure that names and personal details match exactly with those on your passport and previous PR card; discrepancies can delay processing.
• Use the IRCC physical presence calculator to accurately count the days you’ve been in Canada.
• For legal name changes, lost cards, or special situations, provide all relevant supporting documents, such as a legal name change certificate or a police report.

Submit and track effectively:

• Start the process early - apply at least nine months before your current card expires to allow time for gathering documents, making corrections if needed, and for delivery.
• Submit your application using the IRCC online portal instead of by mail to benefit from faster processing and tracking.
• Keep digital or hard copies of everything you submit in case IRCC needs more information.
• Regularly check for communications from IRCC and quickly respond to any requests for additional information or clarifications.

Get a photo for your PR card online!

The PR Card processing time after a photo request is typically around 2 to 4 weeks, as IRCC needs to verify the submitted photo before issuing the card. To ensure everything goes smoothly, consider using online services like Visafoto.com. Visafoto provides a quick and reliable option with a remarkable acceptance rate of 99.7%.

To get started, simply take a picture in natural light. Upload your photo to Visafoto.com, and our service will handle the rest. We'll adjust your photo according to the specific requirements for Canada PR Card photos, including size, background color, and positioning.

Example of a photo you can upload to Visafoto:

Visafoto gives you two versions of your photo: one digital file for online submission and another formatted for printing. If you're not satisfied with the results, we'll replace your photo at no extra cost. If your photo is rejected by officials, we offer a full refund.

PR Photo App

If you prefer using your smartphone, check out the 7ID PR Card Photo App. Supported by Visafoto.com, the 7ID app is designed to make taking ID, PR card, passport, and visa photos with your smartphone a breeze. It's compatible with both iPhone and Android devices.

Just upload your photo, choose the document type and country, and let 7ID take care of the rest. The app automatically adjusts your image to meet all the required specifications, including the correct size and format, and ensures your face and eyes are aligned properly.

Once the photo is optimized, 7ID prepares it for printing in standard sizes like 4×6 inches, A4, A5, or B5, so it's ready for immediate use.

FAQ

Can I travel outside Canada while waiting for my PR card?

Yes, you can travel abroad while waiting for your PR Card Canada, but you need to consider the conditions. You must have a valid PR card to return to Canada via commercial transport like a plane, bus, train, or boat. If your PR card isn't available before you leave, you'll need to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to re-enter Canada from abroad.

How do I apply for urgent processing?

For urgent processing of a Canada PR card, you must justify the need for the card within three months due to reasons like a serious illness, a family member's death, urgent work-related travel, or a crisis situation.

Here is how to apply urgently:

• When applying online, select “Yes, my request is urgent” in the application portal.
• When submitting a paper application, mark “Urgent” on the envelope.
• Include proof of travel (such as tickets), your payment receipt, a letter detailing the urgency, and any supporting documents like a doctor's note or employer's letter. Ensure non-English/French documents are translated.

What happens if my PR card expires while I’m abroad?

If your PR card expires while you're overseas, your status as a permanent resident remains unaffected. However, you cannot re-enter Canada using an expired PR card via commercial transport. You'll need to obtain a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) from the nearest Canadian visa office to travel back to Canada.

How long before my PR card expires should I apply for renewal?

It's advisable to apply for your PR card renewal approximately six months before your current card expires.