The Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) was introduced on 28 June 2002 upon the implementation of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. It was originally billed as the Maple Leaf Card
It is the primary method by which Canadian permanent residents (formerly known as landed immigrants) can prove their status.
Application Process
New permanent residents
Permanent residents arriving in Canada on or after 28 June 2002 apply for a Permanent Resident Card as part of the landing process.
It is necessary to supply a Canadian residential address at the time of landing. If a Canadian address cannot be supplied at the time, it is necessary to provide one to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) within 180 days. Otherwise a new application for a PR Card will be required.
How to apply for your Permanent Resident Card
1. Obtain an application kit
You can download and print the application kit you need from Find an application form or guide in the I Need To… section on the right-hand side of this page. The application you need is called Permanent Resident Card.
You can also ask for an application to be mailed to you (in Canada only) by contacting the CIC Call Centre.
2. Read the guide
Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form. The fee for processing your form is not refundable, so make sure that you are eligible for a Permanent Resident Card before you submit your application.<...