Maple Leaf Card is indeed the best proof of permanent resident status. However, even if the maple leaf card expires, it does not mean that Canadian immigrants have lost their permanent resident status. But it should be noted that, by regulations, all permanent Canadian residents must present maple leaf cards to prove their identity when they arrived in Canada on commercial airliners or cruise ships. Whether entering the Canadian Border Service (CBSA) officials through the air, land or sea, they need sufficient proof of identity, and a valid maple leaf card is the best proof. Not only CBSA, other government agencies often need to confirm permanent resident status to determine whether residents are eligible to apply for certain services.

As a permanent resident of Canada, you have the right to enter Canada. Even if the maple leaf card has expired, its rights will not be affected. The official website of the Immigration Department says: The maple leaf card has expired, but the person has arrived abroad. He needs to apply for "permanent resident travel documents" from a Canadian visa office abroad to return to China. Canadian immigration law provides that when you reach the border, you can prove in any way that you are a permanent resident, not necessarily a maple leaf card.