New Canadian Permanent Resident card offers enhanced security features

On August 24th, Canada's Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced the implementation of the redesigned permanent resident (PR) card. The PR card will be in circulation beginning today. The new card contains micro-lettering and fine line patterns that are resistant to copying, similar to banknotes. Also, the card holder's photograph and personal details are recorded on a bar code in an encrypted format that may only be read by authorized officials.

"Thanks to state-of-the-art security features, this redesigned permanent resident card will help prevent the fraudulent use of Canada's immigration documents and protect the integrity of our immigration system," said Minister Kenney. "The new card contains security features that comply with international standards for travel documents. Technology is continuously evolving and it is important that our standards keep up."

New permanent residents will automatically receive the new card as part of the immigration process. Current permanent residents will receive a new card only when their existing card expires. In the meantime, their existing card is still valid.

As always, permanent residents should check the expiry date of their existing card and apply for a new card, if necessary, well in advance of international travel. This wallet-sized plastic card is required for all permanent residents of Canada seeking to re-enter Canada on a commercial carrier (airplane, boat, train or bus). The Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) was introduced on 28 June 2002 upon the implementation of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. A PR Card is the most convenient way of proving status to authorities within Canada (e.g. provincial governments, employers, schools). Most permanent residents have other documentation (such as original landing papers) which is also acceptable.