PR Card Renewal & Canada Workers Benefit: Eligibility & Advanced Payments Guide

Staying in good standing as a Canadian permanent resident means keeping your documents and benefits up to date. This guide covers two essential topics: PR card renewal and understanding the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), including advanced Canada Workers Benefit payments and eligibility requirements.

PR Card Renewal: What You Need to Know

If you're a permanent resident of Canada, your pr card is your proof of status. It’s essential for re-entering the country and proving your residency status. PR cards are valid for five years and need to be renewed before expiration.

How to Renew Your PR Card

To begin the PR card renewal process, you’ll need:

• A completed application form (IMM 5444)
  
  

• A copy of your current PR card
  
  

• Two photos meeting Canadian photo specifications
  
  

• A copy of valid identification (e.g., passport)
  
  

• A $50 processing fee
  
  

You can mail the application to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Processing times vary, so apply at least 6 months before your current card expires.

Who Needs to Renew?

You need to renew your PR card if:

• It's expired or will expire soon
  
  

• It’s lost, stolen, or damaged
  
  

• You’ve legally changed your name
  
  

Canada Workers Benefit: A Tax Credit That Helps Low-Income Workers

The Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) is a refundable tax credit designed to support individuals and families with low income. It aims to supplement wages and encourage employment by easing the financial burden.

Canada Workers Benefit Eligibility

To qualify for the Canada Workers Benefit, you must:

• Be a resident of Canada for the entire tax year
  
  

• Be 19 years or older (or live with a spouse/common-law partner or child)
  
  

• Earn working income
  
  

• Not be a full-time student for more than 13 weeks unless you have dependents
  
  

• Not be confined to a prison or similar institution for at least 90 days in the year
  
  

Income thresholds vary by province and marital status. The CWB includes a basic amount and a disability supplement if you are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit.

Advanced Canada Workers Benefit Payments

Eligible individuals don’t have to wait until tax season to benefit from the CWB. The advanced Canada Workers Benefit allows you to receive up to 50% of your total entitlement through quarterly advance payments.

How to Apply for Advance Payments

You can apply for advanced Canada Workers Benefit payments by:

• Filing Schedule 6 with your income tax return
  
  

• Selecting the advance payments option
  
  

Once approved, payments are issued in July, October, January, and April of the benefit year. This can be especially helpful for budgeting throughout the year.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your PR card renewal up to date ensures you can travel and maintain your residency status in Canada. At the same time, the Canada Workers Benefit—including advanced payments—can provide much-needed support for low-income workers. Always check the most recent eligibility criteria to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.