Update: Permanent Resident Card 

In July 2007, five-year Canadian permanent resident (PR) cards will begin expiring. The cards are a vital document for Canadian permanent residents who travel internationally because they are necessary to re-enter Canada. Travel agents should remind clients who are Canadian permanent residents to check the expiry date on their card if they plan to travel outside Canada after July 1, and to apply for a new card before it is too late.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada is launching a comprehensive web, media and poster campaign to remind Canadian permanent residents that they must have a valid PR card to return to the country if travelling internationally. The PR card confirms the holder's permanent resident status in Canada. Permanent residents who travel outside Canada must show the card before boarding commercial transportation (plane, train, boat or bus) when returning to Canada. Without a valid PR card, permanent residents will not be allowed to board, and will need to make alternative travel arrangements at their own expense and inconvenience. Permanent residents who have obtained Canadian citizenship no longer need a PR card.

Permanent residents can obtain a new card by completing the application kit available online at http://www.cic.gc.ca/ or by calling 1-888-242-2100. Applications are currently being processed within six to eight weeks of receipt at the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia.