Send out the application for a new PR card from outside Canada

[pedi123]

I am a permanent resident, currently outside Canada in Switzerland (since a year ago). I lost my PR card some time ago and applied for a travel document (which I received recently). So I am now planning to return to Canada in about a month or two. Since I might have to leave Canada some time soon after my arrival, I was wondering if it is possible to send out my application for a new PR card NOW by post already to speed up the process (i.e., I send the application and the documents to Canada from outside Canada now)? So that once I arrive I receive the card shortly afterwards... Will this cause any problems?

Thanks for your help!

 

[wilson]

The rule is that you should apply for renewal of the PR Card once you are inside Canada.

 

[Matt the Aussie]

The rule is that you should apply for renewal of the PR Card once you are inside Canada.

Second this.

I would prepare everything now, but the actual sending of the application needs to wait until you are in Canada.

 

[pedi123]

Hello. Thank you for the replies. What if I send the application to a friend and ask him to send it from within Canada? And in that case, would that be OK if I mention my residence address in Canada as his? And do they normally mail the PR card or should we pick it up in person?

Thanks!

 

[torontosm]

Hello. Thank you for the replies. What if I send the application to a friend and ask him to send it from within Canada? And in that case, would that be OK if I mention my residence address in Canada as his? And do they normally mail the PR card or should we pick it up in person?

Thanks!

That should be fine, but given the time that PR renewals are currently taking, I'm still not sure you would receive it by the time you are in Canada. CIC either mails the card or asks you to collect it, depending on circumstances.

 

[Alurra71]

Also try to keep in mind they have issued you a PRTD and you haven't yet even used it. I am not sure, but I would think they can see in the system whether or not that has actually been 'activated' by coming through a Canadian border since it is a one use item. Also, you should check the expiration date on that PRTD, they don't last forever, you know

 

[pedi123]

Thank you guys! You got a point actually about PRTD ! I guess I'll wait till I arrive then, seems safer

One more question: If they ask me to pick up the card in person, is there a way that I ask for a representative (e.g.,friend) to do so on my behalf? As I said, I have to leave Canada soon and I'm afraid it would be difficult for me to come back in person for a couple of months at least...

 

[Alurra71]

Thank you guys! You got a point actually about PRTD ! I guess I'll wait till I arrive then, seems safer

One more question: If they ask me to pick up the card in person, is there a way that I ask for a representative (e.g.,friend) to do so on my behalf? As I said, I have to leave Canada soon and I'm afraid it would be difficult for me to come back in person for a couple of months at least...

If they require you to pick it up in person you have to pick it up yourself. If you don't pick it up, I think it's 6 months and they destroy the card and you have to apply for another, but don't quote me on that.