Canadian Permanent Residents must have a valid permanent resident card (PR card) or permanent resident travel document to return Canada via commercial carrier (e.g., plane, bus, train, or boat). However, you may enter Canada without a valid PR card via the land border in a private vehicle or at an airport via private plane. A permanent resident card (PR card) is usually issued for five years but can sometimes be issued for one year instead. It is valid until the expiry date listed on the card.

You must apply for a permanent resident travel document if your PR card is not available before you leave Canada or if you are outside of Canada and do not have a valid PR card

You should only apply for a PR card if

• Your card is lost, stolen, or destroyed.
• You did not receive your PR card within 180 days of immigrating to Canada.
• Your card has expired or will expire in less than 9 months.
• You need to update your PR card to legally change your name, change your citizenship, change your gender designation, or correct your date of birth.