Renounce Your Canadian PR Status: How to Give It Up Voluntarily
You can voluntarily give up your permanent resident status if you also have citizenship or valid permanent resident status in another country. There is no IRCC fee, and you mail the application. After approval you become a temporary resident, so you may need a visa or an eTA to visit. We check your situation before you sign.
since 1991
Who can renounce PR status?
You can renounce if you are a permanent resident and you have citizenship or valid legal permanent resident status in another country. If you are under 18, all legal guardians must consent in writing. IRCC will not change your status automatically and will always tell you about any change (IRCC).
Why do people renounce?
Some people have been outside Canada for a long time and have not met the residency obligation. Others plan to visit and want to avoid a formal assessment of their PR status at the border. Read our residency obligation guide, the PR travel guide and the revocation post.
Key rules at a glance
- Forms: the application package includes the Application to Voluntarily Renounce Permanent Resident Status (IMM 5782), a document checklist (IMM 5783), Use of Representative (IMM 5476) and the guide (IMM 5781).
- Mail only: you complete, sign, date and mail the application. Send it in a separate envelope.
- Minors: all legal guardians must consent in writing, and a birth certificate showing both parents is needed.
- After approval: you become a temporary resident with a stay of 6 months and lose PR benefits.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
Renouncing may fit if
- You live abroad and cannot meet the 730 days.
- You hold another citizenship or valid PR status.
- You want to visit Canada without a formal PR assessment at the border.
Think again if
- You may still keep PR status: read the residency obligation guide and the time outside exceptions.
- You want to return to Canada to live: see our PR travel guide.
- You are under pressure to sign: get advice first. Renouncing is a serious step.
See the permanent residents hub, the PR card guide and the inadmissibility and refusals hub.
Why renunciation applications stall
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
No other status
You must have citizenship or valid PR status in another country. Without it, you cannot renounce.
Missing proof
Include a valid passport or travel document and proof of your citizenship or PR status elsewhere.
Minor without consent
If the PR is under 18, all legal guardians must consent in writing.
Wrong envelope or address
Send the application in a separate envelope by mail to the correct office. Outside Canada, mail it to the visa office.
Not understanding the result
After approval you lose PR benefits and become a temporary resident, so you may need a visa or eTA to visit.
Thinking about renouncing?
We review your residency days, your other status and your plans before you sign.
Things to know before you sign
It is your choice
IRCC says you may choose to renounce when you have been outside Canada for a long time or want to avoid delays when you visit. IRCC will always inform you of a change.
You become a temporary resident with up to 6 months, and you may need a visitor visa or an eTA, depending on your citizenship and trip.
There is no IRCC fee to renounce. The application is on paper by mail, so allow time for delivery and processing.
Documents to gather
Use the IMM 5783 checklist. Start with these.
How to renounce, step by step
Six stages from your decision to your confirmation.
Check you qualify
Confirm your other citizenship or PR status.
Decide with advice
Understand what you lose.
Complete the forms
IMM 5782, the checklist and any representative form.
Sign and date
Add guardian consents for minors.
Mail the package
Use a separate envelope to the correct office.
Wait for confirmation
IRCC sends a document confirming your status ended.
Renunciation costs
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
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Renounce PR status FAQs
Can I give up my permanent resident status?
Yes, if you are a permanent resident and you have citizenship or valid permanent resident status in another country. It is voluntary.
How much does it cost to renounce PR status?
IRCC charges no fee. You pay for your own mailing, copies and any translations.
Which form do I use?
The Application to Voluntarily Renounce Permanent Resident Status (IMM 5782), with the document checklist (IMM 5783). The package also includes Use of Representative (IMM 5476) and the guide (IMM 5781).
Can I apply online?
IRCC says to mail your fully completed application. Send it in a separate envelope.
What happens after IRCC approves?
You become a temporary resident, normally with a stay of 6 months, and you lose PR benefits. You may need a visitor visa or an eTA to visit Canada.
Why would someone renounce PR status?
Common reasons are long absences that mean the residency obligation was not met, or a wish to avoid a formal assessment of PR status when visiting. Read our residency obligation guide.
Can a minor renounce?
If the PR is under 18, all legal guardians must consent in writing. The birth certificate showing both parents is also needed.
Does IRCC change my status on its own?
No. IRCC says it will not change your PR status automatically and will always inform you of any change.
Do I need to renounce if my PR card expired?
No. You do not lose PR status when your PR card expires. Read our PR card guide.
Can I come back to live in Canada later?
The IRCC guide does not address reapplying for PR. Talk to us before you sign so we can plan your options.
Is there an alternative to renouncing?
Yes. If you want to return, you can apply for a PR travel document, and you can show humanitarian and compassionate reasons for keeping status. Read our PR travel guide.
Can you help me decide?
Yes. We review your days, your other status and your plans. Book a Strategy Consultation before you sign.
