A PR card normally runs five years. It runs only one year if, on the day it is issued, you are caught in a process that could cost you your status: a report has been written about you, a removal order was made and the appeal window is still open, or your file sits before the Immigration Division. The short card signals the state of your file, it does not shrink your status.
(1)Subject to subsection (2), a permanent resident card is valid for five years from the date of issue.
(2)A permanent resident card is valid for one year from the date of issue if, at the time of issue, the permanent resident (a)is subject to the process set out in paragraph 46(1)(b) of the Act; (b)is the subject of a report prepared under subsection 44(1) of the Act; (c)is subject to a removal order made by the Minister under subsection 44(2) of the Act and the period for filing an appeal from the decision has not expired or, if an appeal is filed, there has been no final determination of the appeal; or (d)is the subject of a report referred to the Immigration Division under subsection 44(2) of the Act and the period for filing an appeal from the decision of the Immigration Division has not expired or, if an appeal is filed, there has been no final determination of the appeal.