25 August 2009

Canadian new permanent resident card introduced

Canadian Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced the implementation of the redesigned permanent resident card. The card will be in circulation beginning today, improving Canadian immigration security.

“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.”

The new card contains micro-lettering and fine line patterns that are resistant to copying, similar to banknotes. The card holder’s photograph and personal details are recorded on a bar code in an encrypted format that may only be read by authorised Canadian immigration officials.

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 but in the meantime, their existing card is still valid.

Canadian 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.

 

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The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people with Canadian visa and immigration applications.