How long will it take to process my PR card in canada?
Are you eagerly waiting to get your PR card in Canada and wondering just how long it will take? Well, we’ve got some answers for you! In this blog post, we’ll dive into the intricacies of the processing time for PR cards and provide you with valuable insights so that you can plan your future accordingly. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s uncover the mystery behind this crucial document’s journey!
A Permanent Resident (PR) card is an important document for all permanent residents of Canada. It serves as proof of their status and allows them to travel in and out of the country without a visa. In this section, we will provide a comprehensive overview of PR cards in Canada, including who needs one, how to apply for it, and its validity.
Who Needs a PR Card?
Anyone who has been granted permanent resident status in Canada through immigration programs such as Express Entry, Family Sponsorship, or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) needs a PR card. This includes both adults and children who are listed on their parents’ application.
How to Apply for a PR Card?
If you have already received your confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) at a Canadian port of entry or through an inland application, you do not need to apply for a PR card separately. The CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) automatically sends your PR card to the mailing address provided on your application.
However, if you did not receive the COPR at the port of entry or if you did not include your mailing address on your application form, then you will need to apply for a PR card separately. You can do so by submitting an online application or paper-based application through mail.
For online applications, you will need a valid email address and access to a scanner or camera to upload the required documents. Paper-based applications require all documents to be submitted by mail.
Processing times for PR cards
- Processing times for PR cards refer to the length of time it takes for your Permanent Resident (PR) card application to be reviewed, processed and approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This is an important aspect to consider when planning your move to Canada as a permanent resident.
- The processing times for PR cards can vary depending on various factors such as the number of applications received by IRCC, completeness of your application, any additional information or documents requested by IRCC, and external factors like security checks. As a result, the processing times may differ from one applicant to another.
- Currently, the average processing time for a PR card application is 63 days according to IRCC’s website. However, this is not a guaranteed timeline and there are cases where applications may take longer than expected due to individual circumstances.
- It is important to note that you are eligible to apply for a PR card only if you have met the minimum residency requirements in Canada. If you have been outside of Canada for more than 1095 days within the past five years, you will not meet these requirements and your PR status may be at risk.
- Therefore, it is crucial that you plan ahead and ensure that you have met these requirements before submitting your PR card application.
Factors that can affect processing times
When applying for permanent residency (PR) in Canada, one of the most common questions that applicants have is, “How long will it take to process my PR card?” The answer to this question can vary depending on several factors. In this section, we will discuss the various factors that can affect processing times for a PR card application.
1. Completeness and Accuracy of Application: One of the primary reasons for delays in processing a PR card application is an incomplete or inaccurate submission. It is essential to ensure that all required documents are included and filled out correctly when submitting your application. Any missing or incorrect information can result in additional processing time as immigration officers may need to request more information or clarification.
2. Type of Application: The type of PR card application you submit can also impact processing times. For example, if you are applying for a renewal or replacement of an expired PR card, the wait time may be shorter than someone applying for their initial PR card.
3. Volume of Applications: The number of applications received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at any given time can also affect processing times. During peak periods, such as after a change in immigration policies or programs, there may be a higher volume of applications leading to longer processing times.
4. Background Checks: All applicants must undergo background checks before being granted permanent resident status in Canada. These checks involve verifying criminal records, security clearances, and medical examinations (if applicable). Depending on an individual’s circumstances and
Steps to check the status of your PR card application
If you have recently applied for a Permanent Resident (PR) card in Canada, you may be wondering how long it will take for your application to be processed. While processing times can vary depending on various factors such as the volume of applications and the accuracy of your submitted documents, there are steps you can take to check the status of your PR card application.
Step 1: Create an online account
The first step is to create an online account with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) if you do not already have one. This will allow you to access all the details regarding your application and receive updates on its status.
Step 2: Check your application number
Once you have created an online account, you will need to locate your unique application number. This number is essential as it serves as a reference for tracking your PR card application. You can find this number on any official correspondence from IRCC or by logging into your online account.
Step 3: Use the Client Application Status (CAS) tool
The CAS tool is available through IRCC’s website and allows applicants to check the status of their PR card application in real-time. To use this tool, enter your unique application number along with other necessary information such as date of birth and country of residence.
Step 4: Contact IRCC
If none of these methods work or if you encounter any issues with accessing information about your PR card application, then contacting IRCC directly may be helpful. You can reach them
Tips for expediting your PR card application
Applying for a permanent resident (PR) card in Canada can be an exciting and important step in your journey towards settling in the country. However, the process of getting your PR card may take some time, and it is understandable to want to expedite the application process as much as possible. Here are some tips to help you speed up your PR card application.
1. Submit a complete application
The first step towards expediting your PR card application is ensuring that you submit a complete and accurate application. This means including all required documents, filling out forms correctly and providing any additional information requested by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Incomplete or incorrect applications can lead to delays or even rejection of your application.
2. Apply for urgent processing
If you have urgent travel plans or need your PR card urgently for other reasons, you can request urgent processing from IRCC. This option is only available for certain circumstances, such as compassionate reasons or essential travel. To apply for urgent processing, you will need to provide supporting documents and a detailed explanation of why you need your PR card urgently.
3. Use the online portal
Submitting your PR card application through IRCC’s online portal can significantly speed up the processing time compared to paper applications. The online system allows IRCC to receive and review applications faster, reducing overall wait times. Additionally, applicants who use the online portal are able to track their application status in real-time.
4. Pay the right fees
Ensuring that you pay the correct fees for your PR card application can also help speed up the process. Make sure to check IRCC’s website for the most up-to-date fee information and pay the exact amount required. If you overpay or underpay, it may delay your application.
What to do if your PR card is taking longer than expected
If you have recently applied for a Permanent Resident (PR) card in Canada, it is natural to feel anxious about the processing time. While the standard processing time for PR cards is 63 days, there can be instances where it may take longer than expected. In this section, we will discuss what to do if your PR card is taking longer than anticipated.
1. Check the current processing times: The first step would be to check the current processing times on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The processing times are updated regularly and may vary depending on various factors such as the volume of applications received and any changes in immigration policies.
2. Verify your application status: You can also track the status of your PR card application online through IRCC’s website or by calling their toll-free number. If you notice that your application has been pending for a significantly longer period than the stated processing time, you may want to contact IRCC directly for further clarification.
3. Submit a web form inquiry: If you have verified that your application is still within the average processing time but want more information, you can submit a web form inquiry through IRCC’s website. This will allow you to provide details about your specific case and receive an update from IRCC within a few business days.
4. Consider raising a Case Specific Enquiry (CSE): If your application has exceeded the standard processing time by several weeks or months, you may consider raising a CSE with IRCC
Conclusion
The process of obtaining a Permanent Resident (PR) card in Canada can be lengthy and complex. It is a crucial document that allows individuals to live, work, and study in Canada permanently. During this process, it is important to remain patient and prepared as it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to receive your PR card.
Firstly, patience is key during the PR card process. The processing times for PR cards can vary depending on various factors such as the number of applications received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), any errors or missing information in your application, and the complexity of your case.
In some cases, there may also be delays due to security checks or additional documentation requirements. Therefore, it is essential to understand that there may be unforeseen delays during the process and it is important to remain calm and patient throughout.
Moreover, being prepared can significantly speed up the PR card process. This includes ensuring that all required documents are submitted accurately and within the specified time frame.
Any errors or missing information in your application can lead to delays or even rejection of your application. It is advisable to double-check all forms and documents before submission to avoid any mistakes.
Another way to stay prepared during the PR card process is by staying informed about updates or changes in immigration policies or procedures. This will help you understand why there may be delays in processing times and what steps you need to take if necessary. You can stay updated through official government websites or by seeking guidance from a reputable immigration law firm.