The Department of Citizenship and Immigration began issuing the permanent resident card , commonly known as a " PR card " , to all new Canadian permanent residents in 2002 as part of security improvements following the September 11 attacks . All existing permanent residents were given the option of applying for a permanent resident card at a cost of $ 50 , though possessing a card is not mandatory except in the case of international travel . From December 31 , 2003 , every permanent resident must be able to present his or her permanent resident card upon boarding a commercial carrier ( aircraft , train or bus ) in order to travel to Canada . As the permanent resident card may be issued only in Canada , those permanent residents who are outside Canada and without a permanent resident card may apply for a single-use Permanent Resident Travel Document from the nearest Canadian diplomatic office
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Permanent residency in Canada