OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Jun 16 (MARKET WIRE) --
The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration,
today announced two significant changes to the permanent resident card
(PR card) application process.
Permanent residents applying to replace a card that is due to expire are
no longer required to send in their current valid card with the
application. Instead, they now only need to exchange their old card when
they pick up the new card in person at a local Citizenship and
Immigration Canada office. In addition, applicants for a new or
replacement PR card are no longer required to obtain the signature of a
guarantor or sign a statutory declaration in lieu of a guarantor.
"These changes demonstrate our continued commitment to providing more
convenient services to newcomers," said Minister Finley. "We recognize
that people may want to hold on to a valid card for travel purposes while
waiting for the replacement. We also understand that newcomers may have
difficulty finding a guarantor who has known them for at least two years."
Allowing permanent residents to keep their valid cards while waiting for
a replacement will make it easier for people to travel while their
application is being processed.
Previously, permanent residents had to send in their existing PR card
when they applied for a replacement. This presented an inconvenience for
permanent residents who intended to travel outside Canada while their
application was being processed. Permanent residents should still
include their PR card with the application for a replacement if it has
already expired.
Eliminating the need for a guarantor will simplify the permanent resident
card application process without compromising security. For example, CIC
can verify an applicant's passport, driver's licence, or employment and
educational information to confirm their residence and identity.
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) to return
to Canada. Without a valid PR card, permanent residents would not be
allowed to board commercial transportation back to Canada.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada encourages permanent residents to
check the expiry date on their PR cards and apply for a new one well
before they plan to travel. The PR card was introduced in 2002, and, in
most cases, is valid for a five-year period.
Contacts:
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Minister's Office
Tim Vail
Press Secretary
613-954-1064
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Media Relations Unit
Communications Branch
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
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