Permanent residents of Canada must renew their permanent resident card every five years before it expires. Unfortunately the application process for renewing your permanent resident card is much more complicated than renewing other forms of government identification such as a driver’s license. There are several requirements you must meet and more supporting documentation included with these applications than in other types of applications. 
Citizenship and Immigration Canada recommends that you apply to renew your permanent resident card at least six months before it expires, as applications can take just over three months to process.
How to renew your permanent resident card in Canada
In order to renew your permanent resident card, you must by physically present in Canada and you need to have met the residency requirement, which is living In Canada for two years out of the last five to maintain permanent residency status.
Step 1: Make an application to renew your permanent resident card. This application form must be filled out completely, with no blank spaces.
Step 2: Gather up all of the supporting documents necessary for your permanent residency card renewal based on the document checklist that comes with your application. If you leave one of these documents out, your application could be denied.
Step 3: Review your application package (your application form and supporting documents) with a licensed immigration lawyer to ensure nothing has been missed and that your application is ready for processing.
Step 4: Pay the fee for your application’s processing. You can include the receipt from the fee in with your supporting documents.
Step 5: Submit your application. It’s recommended you submit it via courier and retain a copy of the courier slip for your records.
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President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
