Citizenship
- Thread starter Rodel05
- Start date
You need to be a PR to be eligible to apply for citizenship, so if your card has expired it's difficult to prove that you are indeed a PR. Get a new card before you apply.
You can be a PR without a card, but if memory serves you need to prove your status when you apply. Ergo the need of a valid PR card.bangloboy said:
It is absolutely fine that your PR card is expired. A valid PR card is not required to maintain your status as Permanent Residence. As long as you have stayed in Canada enough to be eligible for Citizenship, you are fine. You will need your valid PR card if you ever get out of Canada and wants to re-enter Canada at a port of Entry. So, the short answer is: You are fine. Send a copy of the expired PR card.Rodel05 said:
Just to put more weigh on my response - a friend of mine applied last September whose PR card was expired since 2012, her application is in process. No issues.
Good luck
CIC guide says "You must provide all of these documents in your possession. If any of these documents are no longer in your possession, please explain why". So, if valid PR card is not available, then attach the expired one and write a explanation letter that the PR card is expired and applied for new one (may attach a copy of application/or other proof).
I disagree. CIC has not requested a 'valid' PR card. It simply asks you a copy of the PR card (valid or expired does not matter). And in case you have LOST your PR card, that is when you provide an explanation letter. In your case, you DO NOT need to provide any explanation letter if you have your ORIGINAL PR card (expired or valid, does not matter).
I am trying to make your life little easier!
I am trying to make your life little easier!
You only need a PR card for traveling purposes. COPR is the key document to prove your permanent residency.
Having a PR card is not a requirement. The same applies to not having a valid passport. You should be fine as long as you can present them with your original COPR, and expired PR card.
Having a PR card is not a requirement. The same applies to not having a valid passport. You should be fine as long as you can present them with your original COPR, and expired PR card.
As per the Instruction Guide PR Card is an immigration document copies of which are to be provided if you have one. Lack of a PR Card can be explained - lost, never applied etc. If PR holds an expired card then submit copies of this. What matters is having the 1095 physical days....CIC is aware that many PRs don't renew their PR Cards as they at a point in time may be in breach of the RO. An expired PR Card/ lack of a PR Card is not officially on the RQ trigger list but its possible some Citizenship Officers see it as a flag.
Is there any problem to renew the card? there is no reason make things complicated and sit on doubts what CIC may think or not. If a PR card is about to expire or expired at time of applying, it is wise to renew it. MSafri is right, you never know which officer will assess your file. My opinion is just submit a renew application and write a piece of little on the expired PR copy that you applied for new one so that you can be in peace of mind..
Boasorte, Msafiri and I provided the response on what legally is required. It is okay if your PR card has expired. You can use it in your citizenship application. You do not need a valid PR card unless you exit Canada and wants to get back. Processing of a PR card takes about 3 months. So apply three months before you plan any visit outside Canada, otherwise, you DO NOT need one.Rodel05 said: