Congratulations: becoming a permanent resident is a milestone worth celebrating. Your PR card is the small piece of plastic that proves it when you travel, and for most people it arrives without a separate application. This guide walks you through the few things IRCC needs from you, so your card reaches your door without delay.
How your card is set in motion
| How you became a permanent resident | Your address | Your photo |
|---|---|---|
| At a port of entry, when you land | Give it to the border officer, or online within 180 days | IRCC uses the photo from your confirmation of permanent residence |
| In Canada, through the Permanent Residence Portal | Enter it when you confirm your status in the portal | Upload a digital photo in the portal |
What your Confirmation of Permanent Residence shows
- 1Your personal details, such as your name and date of birth. Check that they match your passport.
- 2Your unique client identifier (UCI) and document number.
- 3The date you became a permanent resident, which matters when you count your days for citizenship.
- 4Your immigration category and your city and province of destination.
- 5Any conditions of your stay.
- 6The "Valid to" date: if you are outside Canada, you must arrive on or before it.
- 7The COPR is not a travel document. Keep it safe even after your PR card arrives.
If you confirm online, IRCC first sends you 2 emails: one asking for some basic information, and one saying it is ready to confirm your status. You then declare in the portal that you are in Canada, and your electronic confirmation of permanent residence (e-COPR) is uploaded to your account, which can take a few weeks. Use the account you applied with; if you applied on paper, IRCC creates one and emails you a temporary password that expires after 30 days.
Getting the photo right
- Taken by a professional photographer within the last 12 months, against a plain white background.
- A neutral expression, eyes open and mouth closed, with even lighting and no shadows or glare.
- A JPEG or PNG file between 715 × 1000 and 2000 × 2800 pixels, no larger than 4 MB.
- Not edited in any way: no cropping onto a new background, colour changes or retouching.
- Once you submit your photo it cannot be changed, so check it carefully first. If IRCC returns it, you can upload a new one.
From confirmation to your mailbox
- 01
Confirm your status
Land at a port of entry, or confirm in the portal while you are physically in Canada.
- 02
Give your address and photo
Do it within 180 days. Cards are mailed only to Canadian addresses, to a PO box only in rural areas without home delivery, and never to a third party.
- 03
Wait for processing
In November 2026, IRCC showed about 29 days for a new card. Delivery can take up to 6 more weeks, and the automatic first card cannot be tracked.
- 04
Keep your address current
If you are moving within 3 weeks or have already moved, update your address with IRCC.
- 05
Check your card
When it arrives, check every detail. If there is a mistake, you may be able to have it reissued.
What your PR card shows
- 1Your photo.
- 2Your name.
- 3Your ID number, which is your unique client identifier (UCI).
- 4Your sex and nationality.
- 5Your date of birth.
- 6The expiry date. Your status does not end on this date, but you need a valid card to board a flight home.
- 7A second, smaller image of your photo.
If something goes wrong
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| More than 6 weeks past the processing time, but under 180 days | Complete a solemn declaration with your correct Canadian address, and IRCC will reissue the card |
| 180 days or more | Apply for a new card, complete the section for a card never received, and pay the fee; it is refunded if IRCC made the error |
| You never gave your address and photo within 180 days | Apply for your first card in the Permanent Residence Portal (form IMM 5444) and pay the $50 fee |
| IRCC asks you to pick up your card | Bring your passport and the originals of documents you sent as copies; a card not picked up within 180 days is destroyed |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to apply for my first PR card?
Usually not. IRCC sends it automatically if you give your Canadian mailing address and photo within 180 days of becoming a permanent resident.
Does my first PR card cost anything?
No, as long as you send your photo and address within 180 days. After that, you apply for a card and pay the $50 fee.
Can my immigration representative confirm my status for me?
No. A representative can help with the portal, but cannot sign in with your username and password or declare that you are in Canada for you.
Can I have my card sent to a relative’s address?
No. IRCC mails PR cards only to your own address in Canada, and not to third parties such as family members or representatives.
You don’t have to face the wait alone.
Thousands of people have shared their real timelines so the next person isn’t left guessing in the dark. Add yours, keep your own application and your family’s together in one place, and see a grounded estimate of how long your decision might take, drawn from people who are walking the same path.
- Share your timeline and help the next applicant find their footing.
- Track your own and your family’s applications together, in one calm place.
- See a realistic estimate of your wait, based on people on the same journey.
It’s free, and what you track stays private to you. Sharing your timeline with the community is always your choice.
Key takeaways
- Give IRCC your Canadian address and a photo within 180 days, and your first card is free and automatic.
- In November 2026, a new card took about 29 days, plus up to 6 weeks for delivery.
- Leaving Canada before it arrives? You will need a Permanent Resident Travel Document to return.
- IRCC: Get a permanent resident card (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Getting your PR card after you apply (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Confirm your permanent residence online (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Who can apply for a PR card (opens in a new tab)
- IRCC: Confirmation of Permanent Residence document (sample COPR) (opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed: Nov 8, 2026