The Canadian Maple Leaf Card, also known as the Permanent Resident Card, is a certificate of Canadian permanent resident and its attributes are similar to that of the US green card. Here, the editor has summarized and sorted out common misunderstandings in the application process of maple leaf card.

Misconception 1: If the maple leaf card is not updated within the deadline, the applicant will automatically lose his permanent resident qualification.

Many people firmly believe that the maple leaf card is closely linked to the Canadian permanent resident qualifications. Once the maple leaf card fails, it means the loss of permanent resident qualifications. Although the maple leaf card is undoubtedly the best certificate for permanent resident qualifications, even if the maple leaf card has expired, it does not mean that the permanent resident qualifications will disappear. However, it should be noted that according to relevant regulations, all Canadian permanent residents must present maple leaf cards to confirm their identity when entering Canada on commercial flights or cruises. Whether you arrive by air, ground or sea, CBSA officials will ask you to present a sufficient ID card, with a valid maple leaf card considered the ideal document of proof. Not only CBSA, other government departments often need to verify their permanent resident's status when deciding whether to qualify for a specific service.

Misunderstanding 2: Is it illegal to apply for a new card before the maple leaf card expires?

Once the maple leaf card expires, it will not violate the law if it is not replaced in time. Individuals can even choose not to apply for a new maple leaf card. However, if permanent residents plan to go abroad and return to Canada in the future, the immigration department strongly recommends that the wisest thing to do is still to apply for a maple leaf card so that their permanent residents are displayed at any time.

Misconception 3: Once the maple leaf card fails, if you do not apply for a new card in time, you will be unable to leave or return to Canada.

You still have the right to go abroad, but before returning to your homeland, be sure to apply to visa agencies in various regions of Canada to obtain a "Canadian Permanent Resident Travel Document" for only a single trip to Canada.

Canada has not imposed any restrictions on leaving the country. People can leave the country at any time regardless of whether they hold a maple leaf card or not. In addition, as a permanent resident of Canada, you have the right to enter Canada, not the privilege, which is still valid even if the maple leaf card has expired. The official website of the Immigration Bureau pointed out that if the maple leaf card has expired but the cardholder is already abroad, he or she must apply to the Canadian overseas visa agency to obtain a single-use permanent resident travel document to return to China. At the same time, according to Canadian immigration regulations, cardholders can take a variety of ways to prove their permanent resident status when arriving at the Canadian border, rather than just maple leaf cards.

Misconception 4: People who hold maple leaf cards believe that they can go to all countries that are exempt from visas to Canada at will without additional visa application.

Maple Leaf Cards are not passports or visas and cannot be used as passes to countries requiring visas. Its original design is to facilitate holders to quickly enter Canada rather than to replace visas. As for the visa requirements of other countries for specific passport holders, the visa requirements for each country are different and need to be verified one by one.

Misconception 5: If you drive back to Canada by land, you don’t need to show your maple leaf card.

When entering the country, all persons with permanent resident status must show relevant officials the corresponding documents that can confirm their permanent resident qualifications, among which the maple leaf card is undoubtedly the best proof material. If you do not bring a maple leaf card, the customs official has the right to ask you to provide any of the following supporting documents:

1. Fill in the "Permanent Resident Confirmation Form" (of Form

The original document of the "immigration certificate" or a copy of the "immigration certificate" officially verified by the National Headquarters of the Immigration Bureau.

3. Passport with login date postmark

4. A letter issued by the National Headquarters of the Ministry of Immigration that can prove your permanent resident status

The above are all the misunderstandings about applying for maple leaf card.

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