Immigration.ca - Canada Immigration News - June 2008
The Department of Citizenship and Immigration has implemented changes to the application process for permanent resident cards.
Immigration Minister Diane Finlay stated that the changes have been designed to make the process more convenient for immigrants. The PR card, which proves status in Canada, has been in use since 2002 and is usually valid for five years. Most often it is used for re-entering Canada via all modes of commercial transportation.
Under the old system, when a card was due to expire, the holder had to send it in with their application for a new card. Now, it will no longer be required that the old card be sent. Consequently, residents who have filed their application will still be able to travel abroad and back because the will have their PR card until the new one is ready to be picked up.
The second major change announced involves applying for new and replacement cards. The signature of a guarantor will no longer be required on applications.
Finlay said that this rule stems from the Department�s understanding �that newcomers may have difficulty finding a guarantor who has known them for at least two years.�
This change is not expected to compromise security, as CIC can verify identity through other means, including license, passport or employment information.
Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada
