Report your address change to IRCC first, then update your card

You must notify Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) of your new address within 180 days of moving. This is a legal requirement, separate from updating your physical permanent resident card. IRCC uses your address on file to send you important documents, renewal notices, and travel permits. If you do not report the change, you may miss critical mail or face delays when you need to renew your card.

The permanent resident card itself does not need to be replaced just because you moved — your card remains valid until its expiration date. However, if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, or if you need it reissued for another reason, you can request a new one with your current address at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your address change to IRCC within 180 days by mail, online, or in person at a Service Canada office.
  • Your permanent resident card does not expire or become invalid when you move — you only need to update IRCC's records.
  • If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement card with your new address included.
  • Keep proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) because IRCC may ask for it when you report the change.
  • If you are outside Canada when you move, you can still report your address change by mail or through an online account if you have one set up.

How to report your address change to IRCC

The fastest way to report your move is through your IRCC online account, if you have one. Log in, go to your profile, and update your address directly. The change takes effect when ready in IRCC's system. You do not need to mail anything or visit an office.

If you do not have an online account, you can report your address change by mail. Send a letter to the address shown on the back of your permanent resident card, or contact the IRCC office that serves your area. Include your full name, date of birth, permanent resident number (found on your card), old address, and new address. Mail takes longer — allow two to four weeks for processing.

You can also report your address change in person at a Service Canada office. Bring your permanent resident card and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months). An agent can update your file on the spot.

When to request a replacement permanent resident card

Your card does not need to be replaced when you move, but you should request a new one if your card is lost, stolen, damaged, or if your name has changed. You can also request a replacement card if yours is expiring soon and you want to renew it early — this is optional, not required.

To request a replacement card, fill out form IMM 5444 (process to Replace a Permanent Resident Card) and mail it to the address on the back of your current card, or submit it online through your IRCC account if that option is available in your province. Include a photocopy of your current card (both sides), proof of your new address, and a recent passport-style photo if your card is damaged or you are requesting a new one for a reason other than address change.

Processing a replacement card usually takes four to six weeks. You can still travel with your current card during this time, as long as it has not expired and you are not outside Canada.

What documents you need to prove your new address

IRCC accepts several types of documents as proof of address. The document must be dated within the last three months and show your name and full address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electricity, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental contract, a mortgage statement, a property tax assessment, a government-issued ID with your new address, or a letter from your employer or school showing your address.

If you are living with family or friends and do not have a document in your name, you can use a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the utility bill or lease, stating that you live at that address. Some provinces accept a statutory declaration instead of a notarized letter — check with your local Service Canada office about what your province requires.

Reporting your address if you live outside Canada

If you have moved to another country, you can still report your address change to IRCC by mail. Send your letter to the Canadian embassy, high commission, or consulate in the country where you now live. Include the same information: your full name, date of birth, permanent resident number, old address, and new address.

You can also mail your address change directly to IRCC in Canada using the address on the back of your permanent resident card. International mail takes longer — allow four to eight weeks for delivery and processing. If you have an online IRCC account, you can update your address through that account regardless of where you live.

What happens if you do not report your address change

If you do not report your move within 180 days, you are not breaking the law, but IRCC will continue sending mail to your old address. This means you may miss renewal notices, travel documents, or other important correspondence. If your permanent resident card expires and you did not receive the renewal notice because it went to your old address, renewing it becomes more complicated.

Additionally, if you need to sponsor a family member or explore for citizenship, IRCC will ask for proof that your address on file is current. Having an outdated address can delay these applications. It is simpler to report the change as soon as you move.

Updating your address with other Canadian agencies

Reporting your address to IRCC does not automatically update your address with other government agencies. You should also notify Service Canada (for employment insurance or Canada Pension Plan), Canada Revenue Agency (for tax purposes), and your provincial health authority. Each agency has its own address update process.

If you are a permanent resident working in Canada, your employer may need your new address for tax and employment records. If you receive any government benefits or credits, update your address with the relevant agency to avoid missing payments or notices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to carry my permanent resident card at all times after I move?

You should carry your permanent resident card whenever you travel outside Canada, regardless of where you live. Inside Canada, you do not need to carry it, but it is useful for identification. Your card remains valid until its expiration date, even if your address on file with IRCC has changed.

Can I update my address online if I do not have an IRCC account?

No, you need an IRCC online account to update your address through their website. You can create an account at the IRCC website using your Social Insurance Number and date of birth. If you cannot create an account, you can report your address by mail or in person at a Service Canada office.

How long does it take IRCC to process an address change?

If you report your address online through your IRCC account, the change is processed when ready. If you mail your address change, allow two to four weeks for processing. In-person updates at a Service Canada office are processed the same day.

What if I move again before IRCC processes my first address change?

Report your new address as soon as you move. IRCC will update your file with the most recent address you provide. If you have already mailed a letter with your previous new address, you can send another letter with your current address, or update it online if you have an account.

Will my permanent resident card expire sooner if I request a replacement?

No, a replacement card is valid for the same length of time as your original card — usually five years. The expiration date on your new card will be five years from the date it is issued, not from the date your original card was issued.