Permanent Resident Card Application Toronto
Permanent Resident Card Application Toronto
Toronto, often referred to as Queen City, stands as one of Canada’s most iconic and diverse cities. Nestled on the northern shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto boasts a rich history, cultural diversity, and a thriving urban landscape that has captivated both residents and visitors.
Toronto’s strategic location in the southeastern part of the province of Ontario makes it a pivotal economic and cultural hub for both Canada and North America. The city is situated on flat terrain and covers a total area of 630 km2. Its strategic location near the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River has greatly influenced its growth as a significant hub for trade and transportation.
The total population of Toronto is 2,794,356 residents. It proudly stands as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, with over 230 different nationalities represented within its boundaries. It includes but is not limited to Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Black, Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern, and Latin American communities. While English is the primary language, other prominent languages spoken include French, Cantonese, Mandarin, Urdu, Punjabi, Tagalog, and Spanish.
Toronto’s iconic CN Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city and stands as one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. Visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario from its observation decks.
Toronto residents are known as sports fans, with hockey being a particular favorite. The Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) and the Toronto Raptors (NBA) have dedicated fan bases that create an electric atmosphere during games.
Neighborhoods like Kensington Market, Distillery District, and Yorkville showcase Toronto’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Art galleries, theaters, boutiques, and live music venues contribute to the city’s creative spirit.
Toronto’s diverse population has also given rise to an eclectic culinary scene, offering a wide range of international cuisines. From authentic dim sum in Chinatown to aromatic spices in Little India, the city is a food lover’s paradise.
Indeed, Toronto is a popular destination for immigrants. Today, over 1,286,140 foreigners live in the city. About 500,000 of them are permanent residents of Canada. They are people who have been granted the right to live and work in the country permanently but who are not Canadian citizens.
Once a person has been granted permanent resident status, they are issued a permanent resident card (PR card). The PR card is a document that proves their permanent resident status. It is typically issued for five years, although it might be issued for one year instead. The card remains valid until the expiration date indicated on the card. Permanent residents must carry their PR cards with them when they travel outside of Canada.
However, if you do not provide the officer in charge with your mailing address to receive the PR card within 180 days of immigrating, you need to prepare a permanent resident card application.
Eligibility Requirements for Permanent Resident Card Application in Toronto
If you submit a permanent resident card application, you must be a permanent resident and apply for it within Canada. You are also required to have been physically present in Canada for a minimum of 730 days within the last five years. You are not eligible to prepare a permanent resident card application if the Government of Canada has asked you to leave the country.
Step-by-Step Guide to Permanent Resident Card Application in Toronto
The first step of a permanent resident card application is getting an application package. It consists of a comprehensive guide along with all the necessary forms and documents. You are required to submit the following documents along with your permanent resident card application.
- You ought to provide two identical photos taken within the last twelve months from the date of your permanent resident card application.
- You need to include copies of two pieces of evidence that demonstrate your fulfillment of the residency obligation in the past five years leading up to the permanent resident card application. These pieces of evidence can include items such as employment records, bank statements, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notices of Assessment for the relevant five-year period, documentation of benefits received from Canadian government programs, rental agreements, club memberships, and any other documents that can serve as proof of fulfilling your residency obligation.
- You should provide a copy of one of the primary identity documents along with your permanent resident card application. Accepted documents include your current valid passport, the passport you possessed when you obtained permanent residency, or a certificate of identity issued by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or a foreign country. The copy must display your name, your photograph, your date of birth, document type and number, and issue and expiry dates.
For documents not in English or French, you must include its English or French translation. If the person who performed the translation is not a certified translator, they need to give you an affidavit.
The officer in charge may reach out to you for additional information or request further documents to process your permanent resident card application.
The second step is to complete the required forms for the permanent resident card application. You must fill out an Application for a Permanent Resident Card or Permanent Resident Travel Document [IMM 5444] and Document Checklist [IMM 5644].
If required, you can submit Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual [IMM 5475], Use of a Representative [IMM 5476], Confirmation of Eligibility for a Reclaimed Name Change Gratis Replacement Document Under Call to Action 17 [IRM 0004], Request form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier [IRM 0002], and Statutory Declaration to Reclaim an Indigenous Name [IRM 0005].
The third step is to pay processing fees of $50 online. You must include proof of payment when you submit the permanent resident card application.
The last step is to send the permanent resident card application. You ought to submit it to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney by mail or courier. Ensure that you answer all questions accurately, sign your permanent resident card application and all related forms, include the payment receipt, and provide all necessary supporting documents.
Processing Time of Permanent Resident Card Application in Toronto
The average processing time for a permanent resident card application is 34 days. If you require urgent processing of your permanent resident card application, you must demonstrate that you need the card for specific reasons. To request urgent processing of your permanent resident card application, you must provide the following documents.
- A copy of proof of travel, such as tickets or an itinerary, indicating your destination and travel dates.
- A copy of proof of payment for travel, showing the date, total amount, and payment method.
- A letter explaining the reason for the urgency.
- Proof of urgency, such as a doctor’s note, death certificate, or employer letter.
Please be aware that officers require a minimum of three weeks to process your permanent resident card application. If you have not received your new PR card before your planned international travel, you can apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD). This document will allow you to travel while ensuring your legal status as a permanent resident is maintained.
Once your permanent resident card application is approved, an officer in charge will send your PR card by mail. Please note that they do not mail the card to a third-party or non-Canadian address. In certain situations, an officer in charge may require you to collect your PR card from one of their offices. If this is the case, make sure to bring your passport or other travel documents, as well as the original documents you submitted with your permanent resident card application.
You must collect your PR card within 180 days. If you fail to do so, the card will be destroyed, and you will need to submit a permanent resident card application one more time.
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