Can I Apply for Canadian Citizenship with an Expired Permanent Resident Card?

Can I Apply for Canadian Citizenship with an Expired Permanent Resident Card?

Can I Apply for Canadian Citizenship with an Expired Permanent Resident Card?

Many permanent residents (PRs) in Canada wonder whether they can apply for Canadian citizenship if their Permanent Resident (PR) card has expired. The short answer is yes, you can still apply for citizenship with an expired PR card. Your eligibility for citizenship is not based on having a valid PR card but rather on meeting the legal requirements for Canadian citizenship.

However, there are important factors to consider when applying for citizenship with an expired PR card. Read below to discover the process, eligibility criteria, and potential challenges.

 

 

1. Do You Need a Valid PR Card to Apply for Citizenship?

No, you do not need a valid PR card to apply for Canadian citizenship. According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), permanent residents can apply for citizenship even if their PR card is expired.

Your PR card is primarily a travel document that proves your PR status when returning to Canada from abroad. It does not affect your ability to apply for citizenship if you are already living in Canada.

 

 

2. Eligibility Requirements for Canadian Citizenship

Even if your PR card is expired, you can apply for citizenship as long as you meet these requirements:

✅ 1. Permanent Resident Status

You must be a permanent resident of Canada at the time of your application. Even if your PR card is expired, your PR status does not expire unless you voluntarily renounce it or it is revoked.

✅ 2. Physical Presence in Canada

You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the last 5 years before applying. Time spent as a temporary resident (such as on a work or study permit) may count at a reduced rate.

✅ 3. Filing Taxes

If required under Canada’s tax laws, you must have filed income taxes for at least 3 years within the last 5 years before applying.

✅ 4. Language Requirements

If you are between 18 and 54 years old, you must prove your ability to speak and understand English or French at a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 or higher.

✅ 5. Passing the Citizenship Test

Applicants aged 18 to 54 must take the Canadian citizenship test, which covers:

  • Rights and responsibilities of citizens

  • Canada’s history, geography, government, and laws

If you meet these conditions, your expired PR card will not prevent you from applying for citizenship.

 

 

3. Challenges of Applying for Citizenship with an Expired PR Card

While an expired PR card doesn’t stop you from applying, it can create some practical challenges, such as:

❌ Travel Difficulties

  • If you need to travel outside Canada while your citizenship application is being processed, an expired PR card means you cannot return easily.

  • You will need to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) from outside Canada, which can be time-consuming and uncertain.

Solution: If you expect to travel, it may be best to renew your PR card before applying for citizenship.

❌ Proving PR Status for Other Purposes

  • While IRCC accepts expired PR cards for citizenship applications, some government agencies or employers may require a valid PR card to confirm your status.

Solution: You can use alternative documents, such as:

  • A copy of your Record of Landing (IMM 1000)

  • A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR)

  • Your Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notice of Assessment

 

 

4. Should You Renew Your PR Card Before Applying for Citizenship?

You are not required to renew your PR card before applying for citizenship, but doing so may be beneficial if:

  • You plan to travel outside Canada before your citizenship is approved.

  • You need a valid PR card to prove your status to employers, banks, or other institutions.

If you choose to renew your PR card, keep in mind:

  • PR card renewals take several months (typically 90+ days).

  • You do not need to wait for a renewed PR card to apply for citizenship.

 

 

5. What Happens After You Apply for Citizenship?

Once you submit your citizenship application, you will go through the following steps:

  1. Processing & Review – IRCC reviews your application and confirms you meet the requirements.

  2. Citizenship Test & Interview (if applicable) – You will be invited to take the citizenship test and may need an interview.

  3. Decision on Your Application – If approved, you will receive an invitation to the citizenship ceremony.

  4. Citizenship Oath Ceremony – You must attend this ceremony to officially become a Canadian citizen. After taking the oath, you will no longer need your PR card because you can apply for a Canadian passport.

 

 

6. Key Takeaways

  • You CAN apply for Canadian citizenship with an expired PR card—a valid PR card is not required.

  • Your PR status does not expire, even if your PR card does.

  • If you need to travel outside Canada, renewing your PR card before applying for citizenship is recommended.

  • You can use alternative documents to prove your PR status if necessary.

  • Once you become a citizen, you will no longer need a PR card and can apply for a Canadian passport.

 

 

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Can I work in Canada if my PR card is expired?

Yes. Your permanent resident status does not expire with your PR card. As long as you maintain your PR status, you can continue to live, work, and study in Canada even if your card is expired. However, some employers may request a valid card for verification, so be ready to explain or provide alternative documents.

 

 

❓ Can I use my expired PR card as ID in Canada?

Possibly. Some institutions may still accept an expired PR card as a form of identification, but others—like banks or government offices—may require current ID. Consider using your driver’s license, health card, or other government-issued ID as your primary proof of identity.

 

 

❓ Will IRCC reject my application if my PR card is expired?

No. IRCC does not require a valid PR card to process your citizenship application. They only care that you are still legally a permanent resident and that you meet all the other eligibility requirements.

 

 

❓ What if I lost my PR card and it’s expired—can I still apply?

Yes. Even if your PR card is lost or expired, you can still apply for citizenship. You may need to provide other documents that prove your PR status and presence in Canada, such as:

  • A Record of Landing (IMM 1000)

  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)

  • CRA documents showing residency and taxes

  • Travel history from IRCC or CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency)

 

 

❓ Can I get a Canadian passport with just a PR card?

No. A PR card does not entitle you to a Canadian passport. Only Canadian citizens can apply for a passport. You must complete the citizenship process—including the oath ceremony—before you can apply for one.

 

 

❓ How long does the citizenship process take in 2024-2025?

As of recent data, the average processing time for Canadian citizenship applications is approximately 10 to 14 months. This includes:

  • Application review

  • Background checks

  • Citizenship test and interview (if required)

  • Oath ceremony

Timelines can vary depending on your location, case complexity, and IRCC’s processing volume.

Final Thoughts

Applying for Canadian citizenship is a big step—and you don’t need a valid PR card to do it. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria and can prove your permanent resident status, you're good to go.

Just keep in mind:

  • Renew your PR card if you plan to travel

  • Track your application status closely

  • Prepare all supporting documents in case extra proof is needed

Still have questions about your expired PR card or citizenship application? Talk to an immigration lawyer who can guide you based on your unique situation.

👉 Book a strategy session here: https://sisulegal.com/pages/booking-immigration-law-windsor-troy

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