Thanks Mr. Canuck78.
But I have a ques. When I made my application, I stated everything clearly and truthfully and also the fact that I have not fulfilled the RO. So I presume that they are aware of this right at the inception of processing of my application in May 2019. In such an event, to ask me to prove for fulfillment of RO, either for PRTD or for the card pickup seems somewhat contradictory. Would appreciate your further valuable points.
Thank U.
Just another guess: they may be trying to give you a chance to prove that you have settled (or are in the process of settling) in Canada instead of denying your application (and proceeding to revoke your status) outright.
Like everyone here told you, PR renewal is conditional upon fulfilling the RO, or -failing that- presenting a convincing H&C case for why you should be allowed to continue
residing in Canada, not merely
visiting.
So maybe it's a "test": if you do show up and demonstrate that you're living in Canada -> Congratulations, you get a new card (but are still in violation of RO). On the other hand if you tell them that you've been out of the country for the past year and don't plan on moving then they can deny you and advise you -rightly- to apply for a visitor visa. Or it could be anything in between..
Or maybe your card was issued for whatever reason (H&C, oversight, policy, spouse-almost-a-citizen, COVID, etc.) and -like the letter you got stated- it was chosen randomly for pick-up. Maybe there won't be any questions asked if you do go pick it up. Maybe there will be questions. Maybe they will agree to mailing it within Canada. Maybe they won't..
It's a lot of maybe's - we are all speculating here since no one knows what you actually wrote in your application and what their decision-making process was like. You will have to wait for their letter outlining the next steps and consider your options then.
Personally, if it is just about being able to visit while continuing to work and live elsewhere, I would consider renouncing the PR status and applying for a multi-entry visitor visa. This could result in less stress and fewer questions (now and every time you cross the border, since you'll continue to be in violation of RO, even with a new PR card), and from your description, I'd say you have a relatively easy case for a visitor visa: you are employed and living elsewhere, you had the PR for a while but didn't actually move to Canada, you have a pattern of having visited in the past (I assume), and even renounced the status willingly (if you do end up doing that). But it's your decision of course if you want to continue fighting for the PR.