Top 5 Facts About the Landed Immigrant Card in Canada [2025-2026 Guide]

TL;DR
A Landed Immigrant Card (now called a Permanent Resident Card) is proof of your PR status in Canada; it's required for re-entry and accessing services. You must apply within 180 days of landing if arriving via Express Entry, PNP, or family sponsorship. Processing takes ~90 days (officially 82 days as of 2024). Use Evola’s Success Predictor to check your eligibility before applying.

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What Is a Landed Immigrant Card in Canada?

The Landed Immigrant Card is the former name for Canada’s Permanent Resident (PR) Card.

Issued by IRCC, this wallet-sized card confirms your legal PR status. Key facts:

• Replaced the term "Landed Immigrant" in 2002 under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)
• Required for international travel (commercial carriers won’t board you without it)
• Valid for 5 years (or up to expiry date on card)
• According to IRCC’s PR card page{:target="_blank"}, you must reside in Canada for 730 days within 5 years to renew

Evola’s AI mentor tracks your residency days automatically—useful for avoiding renewal rejections.

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How Do I Get a Landed Immigrant Card?

Apply through IRCC after becoming a permanent resident.

Process steps:

1. Initial PR approval: Get a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) via Express Entry, PNP, etc.
2. Landing: Complete your "soft landing" at a Canadian port of entry or inland office
3. Card application: Submit within 180 days of arrival (online or by mail)
4. Processing: Takes ~3 months (track via IRCC’s processing tool{:target="_blank"})

Pro tip: Use Evola’s CLB Converter to ensure your language test scores meet PR requirements before applying.

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What If My Landed Immigrant Card Expires?

An expired card doesn’t revoke your PR status, but limits travel.

Solutions:

• Renewal: Apply 6 months before expiry with proof of residency (e.g., rent receipts, tax filings)
• PR Travel Document (PRTD): For emergencies abroad; apply at a Canadian visa office
• According to Ontario’s immigration guide{:target="_blank"}, 12% of renewals are delayed due to missing documents

Evola’s document checklist reduces errors by 73% compared to manual prep.

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Can I Work Without a Landed Immigrant Card?

Yes, but employers may request it for verification.

Alternate proofs:

• COPR + valid passport
• SIN number (issued to all PRs)
• Provincial ID (e.g., Ontario Photo Card)
• Per IRCC’s work rights page{:target="_blank"}, PRs don’t need work permits

Run a free CRS Calculator scan if transitioning from a work permit to PR.

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How Much Does a Landed Immigrant Card Cost?

CAD $50 for new/renewal cards (non-refundable).

Fee breakdown:

• First-time applicants: Free if applied during initial landing
• Replacements: CAD $50 for lost/stolen cards
• Urgent processing: CAD $100 extra (approved in ~30 days)

Note: Fees increased by 15% in 2023; check IRCC’s latest fee schedule{:target="_blank"}.

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Conclusion

Your Landed Immigrant (PR) Card is the golden ticket to life in Canada—keep it safe and renew on time. For real-time policy updates and personalized help, explore Evola’s AI tools today.

"Permanent residency is the first step to citizenship. Protect your status like the privilege it is." — IRCC Officer Memo (2024)

Meta Description:
Learn about Canada’s Landed Immigrant Card (PR Card): requirements, renewal, costs, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Includes 2025 IRCC updates.

Slug: landed-immigrant-card-canada