To be eligible to apply and obtain a PR Card, you must:

• Be a permanent resident of Canada;
• Submit your application in Canada
• Be physically present in Canada (730 days in the preceding 5 years);

If your PR card isn’t ready before you leave Canada or if you’re outside Canada without a valid PR card, you need to apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD). After you return to Canada, apply for a PR card.

You should only apply for a PR card if:

• your card has expired or will expire in less than 9 months
• your card is lost, stolen, or destroyed
• you didn’t receive your card within 180 days of immigrating to Canada
• you need to update your card to:
  • legally change your name
  • change your citizenship
  • change your gender designation
  • correct your date of birth