Refugees become permanent residents (PRs) the moment they receive their visa to come to Canada, while they are still overseas. As Permanent Residents they:

• access the same social benefits and health care coverage as Canadian citizens,
• do not require a permit to study or work,
• are protected under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and
• have responsibilities, including paying taxes and respecting all federal, provincial and municipal laws.

Permanent Resident (PR) Card Processing:

IRCC will automatically send each newcomer their PR Card in the mail after they arrive. There are often delays due to high volume, incorrect addresses, and problems with photographs.

• Ensure IRCC has the newcomers’ correct address. Address changes can be made online: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/change-address.asp. Choose "In Canada" and then just below "Step 3" click on the “Start” link in the grey box.
• The first card is free and processing time is 2-3 months.
• If you have waited more than 2-3 months make an inquiry online.
• IRCC may mail a letter requesting new photographs for PR cards.
• Not all cards for a single family necessarily arrive at the same time. If some family members do not receive their PR card at the same time as others, just wait a few days. The others are probably in the mail and enroute.
• FYI: newcomers must apply for a new PR card every 5 years or until they become Canadian Citizens. There is a renewal fee.

Travelling as a Permanent Resident:

Canadian permanent residents are free to travel anywhere in the world, but there are a few steps that must be taken by former refugees who do not yet have Canadian citizenship if they want to travel internationally. A travel document will be needed, and any visas required by the country to be visited. Sponsors should help newcomers do the research so they are not left stranded mid-travel. 

Newcomers SHOULD NEVER travel to their country of origin before they are Canadian citizens. The use of a passport from a refugee’s country of nationality and returning to that country can be considered ‘reavailment’ and may jeopardize one’s permanent resident status. Re-entry into Canada is not guaranteed.