Permanent residents (PRs) must have a valid PR card to be able return to Canada after leaving the country. It is thus advisable not to leave Canada without your PR card. However, if you don't wait till you receive it, you can have someone mail it or get it to you in the country where you are at.
You have to make sure your PR card is not expired when you need to use it. Keep in mind that even though your PR card is not valid, you still remain a permanent resident.
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It usually takes two months to get your first PR card, starting from the date your application is complete (check the processing times here). You don't need to apply for your first PR card, however, you need to provide your Canadian address for the application to be complete. There are three ways you can provide your address:
If your PR card expires, gets stolen, lost, or destroyed, you need to apply for a new one using this application package.
- At landing, to the immigration officer.
- After landing, either using this webform, or by phone at 1-888-242-2100 (only inside Canada, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM).
If your PR card expires, gets stolen, lost, or destroyed, you need to apply for a new one using this application package.