PR Card Expiring Next Month – I have Applied Renewal Last Week

[Onkar]

I applied for Canadian citizenship last month. My permanent resident card was expiring in August end; therefore, I applied for its renewal last week. I sent my application through express post but have not received any confirmation to date. I have no plans of travelling in the coming months or even in the coming year. I am just a little worried cause we are in July now and next month is August when my PR card is going to expire. What should I do now?

[Bavneet (Admin)]

There is no need to worry about expiration of your PR card as you have no plans of traveling outside Canada. You will still hold a secured permanent resident status in Canada even if your PR card expires. PR card is required for traveling especially to re-enter Canada on a commercial vehicle. Also, you have applied for a Canadian citizenship application, an expired PR card will affect its processing or decision process. It is good that you applied for a PR card renewal before its expiry date. On June 30, 2020, IRCC has updated the processing time for PR card renewal to 287 days which is longer than the usual processing times. Probably, you will get your citizenship application approved by the time you get your PR card renewed. There is nothing to worry and to do anything about your permanent resident status in Canada.