PR Card renewal amid COVID-19 scenario

[adipadi]

Hi friends, my PR card is set to expire in August 2020 and since my family is in India, I am trying to get mentally prepared to travel in case someone there falls sick due to the virus. In case that happens around july-august timeframe, I wish to be in a position to have a valid PR card so that my re-entry into canada does not get jeopardized.

So,
(i) Is IRCC accepting PR renewal applications as of now?
(ii) Does anyone know what the turn around times are in the current pandemic?
(iii) Is anyone else in a similar situation and has has a better suggestion?

I appreciate all the help. Thank you.

 

[PMM]

HI

Hi friends, my PR card is set to expire in August 2020 and since my family is in India, I am trying to get mentally prepared to travel in case someone there falls sick due to the virus. In case that happens around july-august timeframe, I wish to be in a position to have a valid PR card so that my re-entry into canada does not get jeopardized.

So,
(i) Is IRCC accepting PR renewal applications as of now?
(ii) Does anyone know what the turn around times are in the current pandemic?
(iii) Is anyone else in a similar situation and has has a better suggestion?

I appreciate all the help. Thank you.

1, When all else fails read the instructions.
2. You can apply 9 months in advance for a PR card renewal, if you are in compliance.
3. Still showing 27 days processing times.

 

[Trentjudith]

is it still 27 days ? anyone who applied beg of march got it?
?

 

[Feb2004]

My PR card expires in October 2020. I think biometrics are a must to apply, and can't be done in the present situation. Can I wait until October to apply if everything is shut until then (though hopefully not)?

 

[dpenabill]

My PR card expires in October 2020. I think biometrics are a must to apply, and can't be done in the present situation. Can I wait until October to apply if everything is shut until then (though hopefully not)?

I have not followed who has to provide biometrics or when.

However, it is NOT necessary to apply for a new PR card at all. So you could wait years if you like.

While it was true before, just to make it clear, for example, the IRCC covid-19 information explicitly states that PRs can apply for and become a naturalized citizen with an expired PR card.

If a PR goes abroad, then the PR will need a PR card to board an airline flight back to Canada. But otherwise PRs do not need a currently valid PR card. So YOUR personal travel needs is what mostly dictates when you will need to apply for a new card.

Of course PRs must also continue to comply with the PR Residency Obligation.

 

[Bs65]

My PR card expires in October 2020. I think biometrics are a must to apply, and can't be done in the present situation. Can I wait until October to apply if everything is shut until then (though hopefully not)?

Use this tool and if answer is negative which it should be you can apply to renew now

https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/biometrics.asp

 

[Orlaith]

is it still 27 days ? anyone who applied beg of march got it?
?

HI there, I have applied and am still waiting - its been about 7 weeks now. let me know if yours arrives.

 

[cjas]

Just noticed today that the processing times were updated, and it shows 174 days for renewing PR card.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

 

[adipadi]

Just notice today that the processing times were updated, and it shows 174 days for renewing PR card.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

I noticed the same thing today too. Its sad but understandable at the same time. I wanted to get the PR renewed quickly since my citizenship oath ceremony is getting delayed, and my PR is expiring in August 2020.

Now with almost a 6 month processing time, neither the citizenship nor the PR renewal helps me convincingly. Back to square one without any viable option.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

I noticed the same thing today too. Its sad but understandable at the same time. I wanted to get the PR renewed quickly since my citizenship oath ceremony is getting delayed, and my PR is expiring in August 2020.

Now with almost a 6 month processing time, neither the citizenship nor the PR renewal helps me convincingly. Back to square one without any viable option.

Not really. If you leave Canada and need to return, you can apply for a PRTD.

 

[adipadi]

Not really. If you leave Canada and need to return, you can apply for a PRTD.

Agreed. But the process to apply for PRTD is also slow in the first place. And then adding the COVID induced delay to that, makes it even worse. No good options here. :-(

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Agreed. But the process to apply for PRTD is also slow in the first place. And then adding the COVID induced delay to that, makes it even worse. No good options here. :-(

PRTDs generally only take a few weeks and there shouldn't be any significant delay due to the pandemic because they aren't processing a whole lot else.

 

[Orlaith]

I was hoping someone could help. I am a PR but my PR card has expired. I applied for a renewal in February but it seems to have been caught up in the COVID 19 impacts on processing times. I looked into it and the VAC office where I am is closed..... I am wondering if I can still travel into Canada by road from the US at the moment with an expired PR card or if its only essential travel? I would be happy to hear from anyone who has any vies. Many thanks

 

[devnill]

I was hoping someone could help. I am a PR but my PR card has expired. I applied for a renewal in February but it seems to have been caught up in the COVID 19 impacts on processing times. I looked into it and the VAC office where I am is closed..... I am wondering if I can still travel into Canada by road from the US at the moment with an expired PR card or if its only essential travel? I would be happy to hear from anyone who has any vies. Many thanks

I think you would be ok to travel back to Canada over land border. They can't deny you entry as a PR. But be aware of the quarantine restrictions that are in place. You may also have an issue getting to the US - not sure where you are right now but US has banned travellers from a number of countries, including most of Europe.

 

[Orlaith]

I think you would be ok to travel back to Canada over land border. They can't deny you entry as a PR. But be aware of the quarantine restrictions that are in place. You may also have an issue getting to the US - not sure where you are right now but US has banned travellers from a number of countries, including most of Europe.

that is so helpful. Thanks very much. I had forgotten about issues getting through the US.