Leaving Canada for more than 6 months with a Canadian Permanent Resident Card

Canadian Permanent Resident Card Q&A

Hi,

I have a valid Canadian PR card and lived in Canada for quite a while. But unfortunately I have to go outside of Canada for more than 6 months to help my sick grandfather. I heard somewhere that I won’t be allowed back into the country if I am not physically in Canada for more than 6 months. Is there anything I can do before leaving in order to make things easier when I am coming back?

_____________________________________

How Long Can a Permanent Resident Stay out of Canada?

The information you received is incorrect. Canadian PR Cards are valid for a 5 year period. You are free to travel outside of Canada during that 5 year period. However, upon renewal of your PR Card, you should have accumulated at least 2 years of residency in Canada within that 5 year period, unless there are humanitarian and compassionate grounds to explain your absence or you were outside of Canada accompanied by your Canadian spouse. The” 6 month rule” used to be in place a number of years ago but now, you have just to be in Canada for a total of 2 years within the 5 year period to maintain your PR Card upon renewal.

Michael Niren

About Michael Niren

Michael is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. He is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section and the Associate Member of the American Bar Association. Read more

  • John kemble

    Hi guys,
    I entered Canada in 1980 as a landed immigrant from the UK and eventually took out my Permanent Resident card when they were issued. I lived in Canada for 32 years and unfortunately had to leave my employment and return to the UK to spend time with my father who was terminally ill. I have been in the UK now for approximately 5 years,(spending time with my mother) in which time my Permanent Resident card has expired, 3 years ago. I would like to renew my PR card and return to my life in Canada, what would my best course of action be?
    Kind regards
    John

    • Rachel

      Hi John,

      Thank you for contacting us at VisaPlace! You may be eligible to renew your PR card, however we would have to take a closer look at the details of your case to determine the best path for you. Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions, plus it will increase the chance of getting a visa approved. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.

      The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

  • Sam

    Hi
    I just have a question on PR status.
    Reading though different sources, some say that when renewing a PR card authorities look at 730 days out of the last five years only, and not from the day of landing? Is this true? And are there any legal implications for staying in Canada with expiring PR cards?
    Thank you

    • Immigration Lawyers

      Hi Sam,

      Thank you for contacting us at VisaPlace! We will have to take a closer look at your case to determine the legal implications and the information about PR. Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions, plus it will increase the chance of getting a visa approved. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.

      The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

  • Anie Danastor

    Hi, I am leaving in the US for over 10 years with a temporary status. I would like to apply for a canadian PR, but I have 15 years old son who has already a canadian PR card .My question is , for what program can I apply if I want to move to canada?

    • Immigration Lawyers

      Hi Anie,

      Thank you for contacting us at VisaPlace! There are many options for you, and we will have to take a closer look at your case to determine the best avenue for you. Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions, plus it will increase the chance of getting a visa approved. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.

      The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

    • Parmjit singh

      Hlo

      I am from India , Actually I have Canadian PR from 8 months But I still did not even travel once so can I go to Canada now with my eTA and my PR documents .

      • Immigration Lawyer (rachel)

        Hi Parmjit,

        Thank you for contacting us at VisaPlace! If you have Canadian PR status, you are allowed to leave the country and return to Canada. It is required, however, that within the 5 year period you are in Canada for 2 full years. Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions, plus it will increase the chance of getting a visa approved. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.

        The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

  • Florian Dsouza

    I just got my PR card. I understand that the new rule says that “in order to re-new your PR after 5 years, you must be in Canada for 2 years (or days accumulating 2 years). The part I don’t understand is : “….or you may be out of Canada but with your Canadian Spouse”. Does that mean if I am physically living with my Canadian wife outside of Canada for more than 2 years, I can renew my PR without issues after it expires?

    • Immigration Lawyers

      Hi Florian,

      Thank you for contacting us at VisaPlace! Unfortunately, we cannot give legal advice over the internet unless you are a client of Niren & Associates. We are one of the largest immigration law firms in Canada with some of the best immigration lawyers and attorneys who will be more than happy to help answer all of your immigration questions such as the one you inquired about.

      The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

  • Fe Grace Urbanozo

    Hi, My permanent res. card will expire next year Aug 2018. I was planning to go back home this coming December 2017 in the Philippines for 3 weeks vacation. Is there any possibilities I can fly back here in Canada without renewing my Pr card Or Do I need to renew my permanent residents?

    • Immigration Lawyers

      Hi Fe Grace,

      Thank you for contacting us at VisaPlace! Unfortunately, we cannot give legal advice over the internet, but you can feel free to direct your question here: http://www.visaplace.com/contact, and we will get back to you!

      The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

  • Rita

    Hi,

    My mother has a Canadian PR and she recently visited India to take care of her sister who was really sick. She got her PR card on September 20th 2016 and is valid through September 20th 2021. She flew to India on November 16th and going back to Canada on May 18th 2017. Will there be a problem if she was in India for a few days more than 6 months? Is there is a “6 month rule” that a PR holder should not stay outside of Canada? Please help!

    Thanks!

    • Immigration Lawyers

      Hi Rita,
      Thank you for your inquiry, I’m glad you contacted us! I can understand how the rules and regulations for PR cards can be quite confusing but don’t worry we can answer all of your questions regarding your mother’s status. We do need to take a closer look at your mothers case though. Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions plus it will also increase the chance of approval of the visa you are inquiring. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about you and your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.

      The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

  • abisoye

    I have a pr through manitoba provincial nominee in 2017, i also plan to pursue my phd in a university in the USA for minimum of 4 years through scholarship, my question is, how can i go for the scholarship in the USA and still maintain my PR status. Also, i realise that manitoba sponsers will not be able to sponsor another family member if their previous sponsor is not physically present in manitoba, is it possible that i leave my loads with my uncle and come back to manitoba during holidays while i go for my studies in the USA and still be pr in canada (manitoba). Am confused

    • Immigration Lawyers

      Hi Abisoye,
      Thank you for your inquiry, I’m glad you contacted us! I can understand how the laws and regulations can be quite confusing for student visas and permanent resident cards. I do need to take a closer look at your case to determine if you can come back to Canada with a PR status. Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions plus it will also increase the chance of approval of the visa you are inquiring. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about you and your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.

      The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

  • sultana

    hello,i am planning to leave 6 month in canada and 6 month in europe,i am gonna loose my residency in canada,i am canadian citizen too

    • Immigration Lawyers

      Hi Sultana,
      Thank you for your inquiry, I’m glad you contacted us! Unfortunately we can not give any legal advice over social media but if you book a consultation with one of our immigration lawyers, we can get you some answers to your questions regarding your future travels. We have helped thousands of clients in similar situations like yours, and we may be able to help you! I do need to take a closer look at your case. Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions plus it will also increase the chance of approval of the visa you are inquiring. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about you and your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.

      The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

  • Daniel

    Thanks for the wonderful, responses all post here……My Name is Daniel from Nigeria i landed on August 2016, i am a protected person here in Canada i will like to travel to Ghana from Christmas and New year, i was told i could do this by applying for a travel document because am yet to apply for my Pr, i want to ask that how long can i stay outside Canada for this trip and besides i hope there wont be any problem from at the point of entry while coming back into Canada.

    • Immigration Lawyers

      Hi Daniel,
      Thank you for your inquiry, I’m glad you contacted us! Hiring an immigration lawyer will help you get answers to all of your questions plus it will also increase the chance of approval of the visa you are inquiring about. Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about you and your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to give you the best legal advice.

      The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

  • Jessa

    Hai just wanna ask if qhat should i do, i am a canadian permanent residence but im planning to study back home for a year, i stayed already here in canada since may 2016 just last year. Is it possible to stay outside canada to study for a year and not losing my PR? because of the 6 mon rule. Thank you P.S NEED YOUR HELP

    • Immigration Lawyers

      Hello Jessa,

      Thank you for your inquiry. I am really glad that you contacted us. Depending on how much time has elapsed while you expect to go home, there may be a chance for us to restore your status here in Canada without losing your PR. I am sorry to hear about the hardships that you faced here…we have consulted with many individuals, more specifically students, who also suffered emotionally not knowing if they will lose their status. Please Jessa, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about you and your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to get you status again here in Canada.

      The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

  • aAa

    Hi
    I’ll be getting my ITA soon and planning to move to Canada with my wife, I have applied for my child from my divorced wife and I am planning to let him do the landing with us and then return him back to his mom, if I spend 4 years in Canada will I be able to apply for my child (who landed and have the PR with us) for a passport with us even he doesn’t live in Canada?
    PS I have a shared custody for my child, and his mom doesn’t mind having him to land with me for his PR but my main concern that he will not live with me in Canada, can I still apply for his passport with mine after 4 years?

    • Immigration Lawyers

      Hi Ammar,
      I understand how difficult this process can be for you. I’m glad you have contacted me because I have helped thousands of clients in your situation of custody battles and visa requirements. I would love to help you and your family. Please Ammar, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about you and your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to answer your questions correctly.

      The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

  • Pawanpreet

    Hello I have one question that does it affect on my PR and when I will apply for spouse visa if I will stay out of Canada. I got married and after marriage I want to spend some time with my husband. So does this will affect when I will apply application for him.
    Your feedback will be much appreciate.

    • Immigration Lawyers

      Hi Pawanpreet,

      Thank you for your inquiry! I can understand how the laws and regulations on your Canada PR can be very difficult. We have helped thousands of clients in your same situation of being unsure what will affect visas in the future. We would love to help you!Please, complete this form for me http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/ it is just a quick and easy way for me to learn more details about you and your situation so that I will be able to advise you accurately and determine the best avenue for us to take to get you to have your wife visit or move here in Canada.

      The above response is for informational purposes only and does not form a lawyer-client relationship nor should it be construed to be legal advice.

  • aAa

    Hi
    I’ll be getting my ITA soon and planning to move to Canada with my wife, I have applied for my child from my divorced wife and I am planning to let him do the landing with us and then return him back to his mom, if I spend 4 years in Canada will I be able to apply for my child (who landed and have the PR with us) for a passport with us even he doesn’t live in Canada?

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello. We will need to look at the details of your child and what your custody arrangements are. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-416-410-7484 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • Osti Daniele

    Greetings ,

    I have landed in October 2016 in Canada and left after 1 week .
    Am intending to stay 2 years and 6 months outside canada .

    Do I need to visit every 6 months to maintain residency ? As this is tough as am in New Zealand .
    Will I lose PR status if I don’t enter every 6 months .
    Thx!

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Osti. The physical residency requirements for your Permanent Residency is 730 days in the 5 year period when you received your card.
      Regards, Muga

  • Mohammed

    I am planning for a Provencial Nomination (New Brunswick) PR for me and my family.We currently live in USA and I am working on H1B VISA.
    Once I get my pr, I would enter canada with my family and then after settling them down in a rented houes and admiting kids to school , I would return to USA for work , my family who are also on pr would keep on staying there.
    But for me since I would be working in USA there is high risk that i wont be able to make 730 days requirement,but in the meantime my family would be able to make it.
    After 5 years would my family pr be extended , basis on the 5 years they spent there , and then can she apply for my pr as spousal pr again.

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Mohammed. We will need to know more about the details of your situation. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-416-410-7484 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • Blair

    My fiance is a PR in Canada. What all does she need to do in regards to leaving to come live with me? A friend said that she has to let Canada immigration know she is leaving or else she will have problems re-entering? Is this true?

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Blair. The rules governing PR status are very strict and complex. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for your fiance. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-416-410-7484 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • Shankar

    Hello Sir/Madam,

    we got our Family PR in the year 2012 and my family stayed in Canada for 2 month in the year 2012 after that due to family emergency need to stay back in India and was not able to make it. In between my wife conceive and a daughter was born in 2014 where we have applied for my daughter visa and still awaiting for the same. Now i.e in Feb 2017 we are planning to travel to Canada and get settle can we do it as the visa will expire in the November 2017. Please advise?

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Shankar. Please get in touch with us so that we can better understand your current situation and the reasons why you had to leave in 2012. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-416-410-7484 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • Joem montecillo

    Hi. Ive been here in canada for just 4 months. Is it okay that i stay outside of canada for a year or more then go back to complete the 2 years here in canada before my pr card expires?

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Joem. The physical residency requirement for your PR card is to spend 730 days in Canada in the 5 years that you have received your card.
      Regards, Muga

  • Sally

    Hi, I landed on sep 7th 2016, and I had to leave for my job after 5 weeks, my PR didn’t issued yet and I don’t know how to figure that out because I didn’t make the travel documents when I left, I didn’t know about that.
    what I should do now?
    and if I have a lawyer there can he receive my PR?
    thx

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Sally. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-416-410-7484 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • carmel

    hi we lived here in canada for 7months and my son would like to go back to the Phils. to finish his studies…will his PR status be affected. if he leaves the country for a year…

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Carmel. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for your son. We will need to know all the details of his current PR, and the length of his trip. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-416-410-7484 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • Clarissa

    If I have a PR card and want to leave Canada for a year or more to work in the US (I will still have more than the required 730 days in Canada during five years), will I be able to take all of my belongings with me back to the US, or by doing that is it assumed I am leaving Canada permanently and will have to give up my PR status?

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Clarissa. You may be questioned regarding your intention to keep your permanent residency when you travel back through the Canadian border with all your belongings again at the end of your one year absence. I am going to suggest that you talk with one of our immigration professionals who will look at your situation in detail and advise you on what is in your best interest. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-855-886-8472 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • Lisa

    My husband and I received our PR in january 2014, We left Canada in Feb 2015 with my husband on an Expat contract to the USA. We are not due to return for another 2 years. My husband is employed by a Canadian company, paid in Canada, we have a house in Canada etc. Will this extended time out of Canada affect out PR and citizenship application in the future ?

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Lisa. There are situations where time spent outside of Canada can count towards your physical residency requirements. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to look at the details of your situation and advise you. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-855-886-8472 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • Ramona

    Hi
    This is my story , I did my landing in Canada on July 2011. I stayed for only 2 to 3 weeks because i was already working in Dubai at that time and had to go back to work there. Since I was in Canada for 2 weeks I decided to get my sin card. I then went back to Dubai, worked there till April 2014. My pr card is valid till nov 2016 .

    I migrated to Canada for good in may 2014, so I would be in Canada for 2 years out of the 5 years. I did an unpaid internship for 5 months and then found it hard to find a job which would make it 2 years. I was traveling to the US because of some family emergencies and Christmas holidays but I have still accumulated 740 days in Canada despite traveling.

    I am coming close to renewing my pr card and my question is

    1) I haven’t been paying taxes because I am not working and also do I have to pay taxes when i was working in Dubai .
    2) I am staying with my brother since I came here permanently in April so I did not have to pay any utility bills etc , but I do help with groceries
    3) I have a health card and Canadian driving license
    4) I have no credit card but use a visa debit card
    5) I have a bank account at td since I came here in 2014

    In the pr card renewal application they mention a checkbox to check taxes with my sin card number etc, i am just wondering whether that will hinder my chance of getting a pr card renewal .

    Thanks , need urgent advice

    • Luis MArtins

      i would like to know if I lose my Canadian Citizenship if I stay longer than 6 months in Portugal
      or my health card in Ontario
      I’m confused and that what some people tell me
      also do I lose my CPP and old age pension

      • Muga Rajbhandari

        Hello Luis. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to give you the correct legal information specific to your situation. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-416-410-7484 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
        Regards, Muga

  • Sweet Wife

    Hi. I have been PRC since Nov.2013.ams Pr card expired on 2019 January. And and i sponsored my husband and his application is now IN Process. I left Canada to be witj my husband while waiting for the final decision of his application. Is there a problem if i am out of canada while sponsoring my husband?

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello. The physical residency requirement for you to maintain your PR status is 730 days in Canada during the first 5 years of receiving your PR card.
      Regards, Muga

  • 00

    Hi, I am permanent resident since I came to Canada year 2012, this is actually my fourth year more so but I went for a vacation in PH for a month July this year. Now I am wondering how could I move back home or study back home without losing my PR status? And how many days/years allowed to stay outside of Canada while I am still a permanent resident? Do I have to make any appearances while studying outside of Canada?

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello. The physical residency requirement is that you must be in Canada for 730 days in the 5 years from the time that you receive your PR card.
      Regards, Muga

  • Hector

    Hello. I got my PR card on 2014 and then left Canada for more than 2 years but less than 3 and now I am planning to move back. Could I be admitted at the entry port in Canada? At the moment of renewal the PR should I be fine living in Canada for two years continuous but less than three? Thank you.

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Hector. To fulfill your physical residency requirements, you need 730 days (2 years) from the time you received your card until the renewal in 2019. It appears that you may be ok. If you want us to take a closer look, to make sure that you properly document the time spent in Canada and assist you with your PR renewal, I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-855-886-8472 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • Lim Aim

    Hi, I have a valid Canadian PR and I have been outside canada for the last 3 years. I want to visit Canada soon just for a few days and I would like to know if I can still go and not have any issues at the airport. I currently live in the USA and I have a Cuban passport. Can anybody help me? thanks a lot in advance.

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Lim. If your PR card is valid, then you should not have any trouble re-entering Canada.
      Regards, Muga

      • Lim Aim

        Thanks a lot for getting back to me. I really appreciate your promt response. Thanks a lot one more time.

  • Jeremiah Joem Montecillo

    Hi, im about a month here in canada and i want to go to philippines so badly. Is there any posibilities that i can fly back to phillipines without having my PR card? And then go back here in canada ?

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Jeremiah. If you leave Canada without having a valid PR card with you, you will need a visitor visa, issued while you are in the Philippines, in order to reenter Canada when your visit it finished.
      Regards, Muga

  • Alvin

    Hi me and my son wants to travel back to the Philippines but the problem is that we only stayed in canada for 6 months and my son’s PRcard hasn’t arrived yet. And we really need to go back to the Philippines. It is only a 1 month stay is there any issue regarding to my son’s status?

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Alvin. If your son leaves without having his PR card with him, he will have to apply for a travel visa from the Philippines to come back to Canada.
      Regards, Muga

  • Mahmuda

    I landed Canada on April09, 2015 as Permanent Resident (PR) and stayed there for 58 days then came back to my country due to some personal issues. Now I am planning to re-enter Canada on January, 2017 to settle down with Bag and baggage.
    My point is will I have trouble to enter Canada? Have i broke any Immigration rule i.e. some has to stay at least 06 months each year during the 05 year period till the PR Card validity?
    Would be grateful if you advise me .

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Mahmuda. You should not have any problems provided that your PR card is in good standing. The rule is that you need to physically spend 720 days out of 5 years from the time you receive your PR card.
      Regards, Muga

  • Dee

    Hi there,
    I have been a pr of Canada for approximately 6 years now. I had to leave the country for approximately 2 years to care for a family member. I am planning my return back with a valid pr card (renewal occurred in 2014). Would I be able to resume working immediately and receive my ohip benefits? Or is there a waiting period?
    Thank you for any advice provided.

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Dee. If your PR is renewed, you can apply for work right away. You will have to check with the Ontario provincial health agency regarding when you are eligible for benefits.
      Regards, Muga

  • Yana

    My husband and two sons PR,and living in Canada,me with my little son living outside,because of my job ,and our PR card will be expired on 2015 .09,but we did not live 2 years from 5.So how we can renew our PR,if we are outside of Canada?How much time it will take?Note that my husband so sons now continuous to live in Canada and they are PR.

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Yana, Your situation needs immediate attention. Time is of the essence. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-855-886-8472 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • Esther

    Would I be allowed to enter Canada if I returned.My PR card is still valid but I do not have the number of days required to make 2 out of 5 years?

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Esther. You should be allowed back into Canada if your PR card has not expired, but you may be questioned regarding your plan to remedy the residency requirement problem that you have. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you to keep your PR. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-855-886-8472 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • vis

    Hi,

    I became a permanent resident on October 2013.
    I have been living in Canada since August 2011 as a protected person.
    Now I am in vacation and will be staying out of Canada for a total of 6 months.
    Will I have any problems when returning to Canada ?

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Vis. Provided you are going to be within your requirement for the amount of time that you must be in Canada (730 days in 5 years) then you should not have a problem.
      Regards, Muga

  • Oma

    Hi, I have a work permit and TRV that will expire in May 2018. However, I travelled out of Canada since September 2015 to get married and attend to some family business. I plan on returning to Canada in September 2016. Since I do not have a job in Canada, owing that I had to resign from my job before travelling. I am worried as to how I will answer job related questions during my port of entry. Also I am four months pregnant. Please what do you advice? Thank you.

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Oma. Thank you for writing to us. Is your work permit an open work permit? You must always answer the questions that you are asked in a truthful manner. If you lie, you could be banned from entry into Canada for at least 5 years. I am going to suggest that you contact us to make an appointment to talk with one of our immigration professionals who will be able to plan the best strategy for you. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-855-886-8472 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Muga

  • Subash Mahajan

    HI
    I landed in Canada on PR along with my wife and 2 kids in April, 2016 and came back to india in May,2016 spending around 25 days in Toronto. We stayed with our Aunts and cousins there.
    I got my doubt cleared from the previous blogs about overstaying outside canada for more than 6 months. Thanks for that. During these days we I got my SIN no, Bank account, Credit card and also G1 Driving License. I also applied for the Canadian Child Benefit scheme. My question is that since i would be coming back to canada in Sept, 2016 and my Wife and kids would come around March 2017. Do we still qualify to get the Child benefit in our bank account and for how long. Since the kids would be in india, can the govt. make out their absence and not credit the benefits. Further more, if the govt. can make out at some later stage, can they ask for a refund for the same amount???

    • Muga Rajbhandari

      Hello Subash. For matters such as Child Benefits, you must contact Service Canada.
      Regards, Muga

  • Sammy

    Thanks Vahe for your valuable advice.
    I recently got a PR card and I travel in and out between canada and Dubai a lot.

    I am making sure I spend the required time present in Canada to satisfy both 2/5years to keep PR as well as 4/6 years to qualify for citizenship.

    My question is:
    Now in 2016, are my entries and exits to canada recorded somewhere that we can pull a record of OR do I still have to prove I was present in Canada the way people used to do it (collect receipts, gym membership, health center visits…etc)

    From what I heard, canada doesn’t record when you leave (only when you enter). If it’s still the case, how can we prove we were present?
    Thanks Vahe

    • Vahe Mirzoyan

      Hello Sammy. You are correct. The responsibility of proof is yours. Canada does not record when you leave. In order to prove your presence, you will need to keep your travel records, and especially your credit card purchases to prove where you were.
      Regards, Vahe

  • Ruth Feji

    Good day, I have a questioned My Father is a Permanent Resident of Canada and his been leaving here for around 20 months, and he wants to go home to the Philippines and stay there for 8 months. its that ok for him to stay there too long? Ive been reading all this questioned and it seems its ok but I want to make it sure, that he can still able to came back here.

    Thanks you for your help.

    Sincerely Yours,
    Ruth Feji

    • Vahe Mirzoyan

      Hello Ruth. Thank you for writing to us. The residency requirements for someone who has PR status is that they must be in Canada for 730 days out of 5 years. You should be fine.
      Regards, Vahe

  • Ben G

    Hi there,

    I recently got my PR card and I am almost done with my masters degree in UBC.
    I applied to schools in the USA for my PhD and have been accepted to a few to start in September 2016. Will I be able to get an exemption from the 2 out of the 5 year period rule for me to pursue my degree abroad and retain my PR status?

    Thank you

    • Vahe Mirzoyan

      Thank you for writing to us Ben. There are no exceptions that you can apply for to override the 2 years out of 5 years residency requirement. The 730 days that you need to spend in Canada do not have to be continuous. If you can find a way to spend holidays and some of your research time in Canada, it will help you accumulate the time that you need. When it is time to renew your PR card, if you are short on required days of residency, but you can show that you were making the attempt to fulfill your requirements, there is usually some leniency that can be discussed with immigration.
      Best of luck with your studies. Vahe

  • Seema

    Hi,
    Can you kindly assist. A friend mentioned two things that the new rules imply we need to stay 4 years out of 6 as a PR holder. My kids and I made a landing in May 2015. Needed to wind things here. My daughters last year at university. Hence will in a year come over.
    Secondly they mentioned you need to go to Canada every year or else the PR is cancelled?

    • Vahe Mirzoyan

      Hello Seema. You must be here for 2 years in a 5 year period to keep your PR in good standing; not 4 out of 6. It is very important that you do not let your PR card expire while you are away. Always take care of the renewal of your PR card while you are in Canada if you can, it makes things a lot easier. It is never a good idea to listen to a friend about immigration matters unless your friend is a licensed immigration professional.
      Regards, Vahe

  • Teresa Hickson

    My husband(Canadian citizen) and I(permanent resident of Canada) moved back to USA six and a half years ago. How do I go about reinstating PR status so we can move back? We have not resided in Canada at all during that time period.

    • Vahe Mirzoyan

      Hello Teresa. Thank you for writing to us. Spending time outside of Canada in the company of a Canadian citizen, counts towards your minimum time requirement for your PR. We can help you with your applications to make sure that you are not making any mistakes or misunderstandings, and you will have a legal team taking care of all the matters. Please contact us to book a consultation with one of our immigration professionals. You can book an appointment by calling us at 1-855-886-8472 or online at http://goo.gl/JFZqPm
      Regards, Vahe

  • Mohammad Mohtadi

    Good Day,
    I hope someone will be able to help and thanks in advance.
    I am a PR holder who entered Canada on Aug 1st 2014, but had to leave on Jan 2015. My wife is a Canadian and she is the one who sponsored me so my Question is:
    As a PR holder accompanying a Canadian Spouse and kids outside Canada, do i still have to live in Canada two out of five years?
    This has been very confusing and none was able to give a clear answer. I really Appreciate the help since i have to take a firm decision.
    Thank you

    • Vahe Mirzoyan

      Thank you for writing to us Mohammad. The time that you spend outside of Canada while traveling with your wife, who is a Canadian citizen, DOES count towards your 2 years out of 5 years.
      Regards
      Vahe

      • Mohammad Mohtadi

        Thank you so much

  • Ernesto Littbarski

    Hello, just need to ask something about my PR Card. I am a Permanent Resident for the last 14 months, but due to family problems I have to leave Canada for a while, but I will can back every 6 months and stay for a few days (actually just before the month number 6) until the my family problems are solve. Will that be OK to keep my PR status?
    Thanks,
    Ernesto

  • Pritesh Raval

    I first time landed in Calgary canada on May 1, 2015 and stayed there for 3 months. After getting PR card i came back to India. Due to mother’s illness, i have to stay out side canada for more than year. Will i need to inform to Canada high commission? Will it affect to my PR status?

  • ANNA

    HI
    I just landed and got PR card for my family, next year ( September 2016) I have to leave Canada for continuing my education at 4 years university degree. can I do that or I cannt renew our pr cards after coming back to Canada?

    THANKS a lot.

  • Ace

    Hi I am currently living in Canada. I started living here since Dec 26, 2014 because the confirmation of permanent residence expired last March 14, 2015 so I need to pause my studies. I already got my permanent resident card. I am currently in my last year of my college degree back in my country and I plan to resume it this august. I will be away for at most 1 year. Will there be a problem in my permanent resident status?

    • Mira Freiwat

      Hi Ace,

      Thank you for your post. As long as you can fulfill your residency obligation by proving that you have or will reside in Canada for 2 out of the 5 years in which your PR card is valid, you will not face any issues with your status or card renewal. MF

  • Ahmad

    My wife ( I am Canadian) have a valid Canadian PR card and lived in Canada ( with me) more than two years. But unfortunately I and my wife have to go outside of Canada for more than 25 months .. I heard somewhere that my wife won’t be allowed back into the country if she not physically in Canada for more than 6 months. Is there anything I can do before leaving in order to make things easier when she coming back?
    Her Sponsor
    Ahmad

    • Mira Freiwat

      Hello Ahmad,

      Thank you for your post. This is a very common inquiry where people have concerns because they are not meeting their Residency Obligation. When you apply for PR the forms explain the process and how much time an applicant is permitted to be out of the country, which is a total of 2 years out of 5 years. Your wife may not encounter an issue when she returns to Canada, the issue of her Residency Obligation will arise once it is time for her to renew her card…if she has not met the requirements, she is subject to having it revoked.

      We have been able to help hundreds of clients in your situation be able to maintain their PR, even if they did not meet the Residency Obligation Requirements. If you would like us to further investigate your matter and inform you on what steps you can take to ensure your wife keeps her PR, email us at info@visaplace.com for further assistance. MF

  • Anonymous

    Hi
    My kids (7, 4 years ) last enterance to Canada ( landing – first visist) was 20th September 2013, so next September will complete 2 years out of Canada.
    i am planning to settle in Canada next November. is there is any problem to enter after more than 2 years ?
    what i understood from all your reply to other people that it is Ok when i make 2/5 years except one reply ( see below) telling more than 2 will be problem!!
    by the way me and mu spouse have visited Canad during the last 2 years without taking our kids

    Thanks
    zAINAB
    Hello Max,

    This should be fine. It’s only problematic when you are outside of Canada for more than 2 out of 5 years. Please let us know if you have any other questions.

    Regards,
    Owen

    • Mira Freiwat

      Hello Zainab,

      Thank you for your inquiry. As part of your Permanent Residency Obligation, you are required to spend 3 out of the 5 years in Canada. If you are not returning back to Canada until November 2015 and you have already been outside of Canada for 2 years, than it will be an issue. You will not have a problem returning back to Canada, but there will surely be an issue when it is time to renew your Permanent Residency. With that being said, like many rules, there are always exceptions. I suggest that you call in to our office and schedule a consult with me or Anna so that we can gather the information we need to determine what options you have as well as to keep you from experiencing any hardships when it is time for you to renew your card. MF

  • prepentua

    i am a landed immigrant for 51days now in canada, i have a health research am conducting in my home country in a specialst health institution on peadeatrics before i got my immigration approval .The reasearch will be completed by september 2016 which means i have to stay away for 12months outside canada and i need to go back in other to continue the the research work. I also have my elderly father i need to reasure emotionally before leaving him for 5year or more. I hear one is not expected to stay outside canada for more than six months in other to retain his/her permernent residency status. Can i be granted extention? PLSE how do i handle this. Secondly my children are are less than 18yrs and they need my care .If i stay outside canada with them for 12months,what happens to their permanent residency status can they be granted extention too?

  • Kerry Livingston

    Got my residency in 2011 but left canada in 2012. Its now 2015, is my card still valid to live in canada

    • Mira Freiwat

      Hello Kerry,

      Thank you for your post. If your card is still valid and has not yet expired, you will be able to travel using it and return to Canada. The issue that you are going to face will be when it comes time to renew it. There are several requirements/responsibilities that a PR card holder has, and one of them is the Residency Obligation. You would have needed to reside in Canada for at least 2 years out of the 5 year period in which your card was valid. In order to avoid losing your PR, you would need assistance in presenting a case with compelling reasons as to why you did not meet the requirement. Please email me at info@visaplace.com so I can get more details from you to sort this matter out. MF

  • Sam

    Hi there. Thanks for your helpful replies. I am a medical doctor, associate professor of medicine in a medical university abroad for the past 23 years. Got PRC on September 2013. My repeated written requests for 3 to 6 months leave of absence ( LOA) as well as LOA without pay for one year had been rejected by the head of my department. I love Canada but leaving my job and ruining my retirement after so many years does not sound logical as well. Most probably I can not meet requirements for renewal of my PR in the remaining period of time. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

    • owen

      Hello Sam,

      Thanks for the question. If you can’t renew your PR card due to not meeting the physical presence requirements, we can assist you in applying for a renewal on a humanitarian and compassionate basis. We would be happy to help you with this, and once you fill out our free online assessment form, one of our immigration professionals will be in touch with you shortly http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/

      Regards,
      Owen

  • AR

    Hi

    I am permanent resident currently living outside Canada . Do I have to visit Canada once every six months for avoiding any problems at renewal of Permanent Residence Card? Will I be denied entry to Canada if I spend more than six months outside Canada?

    • owen

      Hello AR,

      Your PR status can be revoked at any time if it is determined that you have abandoned your intention to permanently establish your primary domicile in Canada. Please let us know if you have any further questions.

      Regards,
      Owen

  • Yana

    Hi, I wrote my citizenship test in October 2011 and I’m still waiting for the Ceremony. I’m planning to leave Canada for 1-2 years. Is there any way to speed up the process with obtaining my citizenship? I don’t want to leave Canada and within few months be invited for the ceremony. Thanks.

    • owen

      Hello Yana,

      Generally, it is not possible to expedite this process. However, if you feel that you have waited more than the average waiting time then please let us know and we would be happy to advocate for your case. Please let us know if you have any further questions.

      Regards,
      Owen

  • Max

    Hi! 🙂 I am a permanent resident of Canada since last January 2014. I went outside Canada last August 2014. Im already out of the country for 5 months and Im hoping to extend for some important matters. Will I lose my permanent resident card I extend my stay here for another 2 months? Can I still go back to Canada if Im already 7months outside the country?

    • owen

      Hello Max,

      This should be fine. It’s only problematic when you are outside of Canada for more than 2 out of 5 years. Please let us know if you have any other questions.

      Regards,
      Owen

  • Andrea

    Hello good people,
    (before that I was in my country ) I go in Canada on July 17 in airport give me my PR paper but I live Canada in August before PC come to my address so my parent send me by post my PR cart. That mean I did not spend any day in Canada with my PR. Now my question is how long I can be out of Canada? in February 3 will be 6 month that I am out of Canada
    Thank you so much.

    • owen

      Hello Andrea,

      You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 2 out of the last 5 years. If you don’t meet that requirement, we can still help you by doing a humanitarian and compassionate application. We would be happy to help you immigrate, and once you fill out our free online assessment form, one of our immigration professionals will be in touch with you shortly http://www.visaplace.com/immigration-assessment/

      Regards,
      Owen

  • Laura Wilkinson

    Hi,

    I was a permanent resident in Canada from May 2005 – Aug 2008 but I moved back to Ireland to be with my father. I really want to move back to Canada. Do I have a leg to stand on?

    Thanks
    Laura

    • owen

      Hello Laura,

      Thanks for the question. It may be possible to apply for renewal of your PR card on a humanitarian basis. This is a complex process, and it would be best if you seek the advice of one of our skilled immigration lawyers who would be able to guide you through the process step by step. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.

      Regards,
      Owen

  • Rachel

    I am sending in my Canadian Citizenship application on January 7th 2015 after completing my residency requirements. I plan to leave to take a 2 year contract job overseas on January 12th. Will this effect my eligibility to obtain Citizenship?

    • owen

      Hello Rachel,

      As long as you continue to meet the physical presence requirement for naturalization and you are present in Canada for the Oath ceremony, then this should not be problematic.

      Regards,
      Owen

  • Jazz

    Hi there, I became Permanent Resident in July 2012 and have been in Canada since then and working here for past 2 years (only been away from Canada for 5 weeks on vacation). I now have to leave Canada in December 2014 (have to leave my job too) for an extended period (may be more than 6 months):
    1) Can I re-enter Canada after a year ? Will the officials renew my PR card without raising any issues ?
    2) What is the procedure for Medical Plan BC ? Do I suspend my coverage before I leave or simply leave it active ? (not sure if this deals with your area of expertise but thought I ask)

    Thank you

    • owen

      Hello Jazz,

      Thanks for the question. If you meet the minimum physical presence requirements (2/5 years living in Canada) then you should be able to renew your PR card. You will have to check with the provincial health agency in British Columbia for your other question. Please let us know if you have any further questions, and please see http://www.visaplace.com/canadian-immigration/canada-permanent-residence/pr-cards/ for more information.

      Regards,
      Owen

  • D

    Hi could you please explain the criteria of traveling outside Canada with a Canadian spouse. I am a Canadian Citizen and my husband is not but he does have a valid Permanent Residency. We have both been traveling outside the country for the last 17 months and would like to be away up to 36 months before returning to the country (we have not been working or are not residents of any other country). What kind of implications will this have for my husband if he chooses to leave the country after we return.

    • owen

      Hello D,

      Thanks for the question. As long as your husband returns to Canada with an unexpired PR, then re-entering Canada should not be problematic. However, in order to successfully renew the PR card, your husband will need to have been physically present in Canada for at least 2/5 years during the time that his PR card was valid. Please let us know if you have any further questions.

      Regards,
      Owen

  • Bakr

    I got my PRC on June 2011, the left Canada until now (August 08, 2014).
    Do I still have any hope to return back to Canada or no way. Please advise. Thank you.

    • owen

      Hello Bakr,

      As long as your PR card is not expired, then you should be able to re-enter Canada. Additionally, as long as you have been in Canada for 2 out of the 5 years that your PR card is valid, then you should be able to renew it without a problem. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

      Regards,
      Owen

  • Wayne

    Hi,

    I just got in to Canada today with my Confirmation of Permanent Residence letter and am expecting my PR card in a few weeks. I plan on on leaving Canada in November/December and returning next March. I would be away for roughly 5 months. Upon my return to Canada, do you know if I will run into any issues as I’ve read about stricter laws (Immigration experts say Bill C-24)? Thanks!

    • owen

      Hello Wayne,

      Thank you very much for the inquiry. Fortunately, once you have permanent residency status then you should have no problems returning to Canada after visiting the US for 5 months. The critical thing is that you are physically present in Canada for at least 2 years during the 5 years that your PR card is valid. If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.

      Regards,
      Owen

  • Agr

    hey the info you received is totally wrong. You need to be physically present in Canada 2 years out of 5 in order to maintain the permanent resident status. If you stayed outside Canada for 3 years but later returned back and stayed continuously for 2 years, you are legally allowed as per the cic rules.

    • Hello Agr
      Yes that is correct. If you are admitted to Canada and make up the 2 years, you can apply for a PR Card. But note you do not need a PR Card to maintain your permanent residence status. PR cards are primarily for travel.
      Best
      Michael

  • Hendrik

    Let’s say I just renewed my card and I’m planning on leaving right now for more than 6 months: does that mean I would have to accumulate my 2 years prior to me leaving?

    Thank you for your replies here, this is very helpful.

    • Michael Niren

      Hello
      If you just renewed your PR card that means it expires in 5 years from now. The rules are that you can leave Canada for a three year period within that 5 year period in order to maintain your status as a PR—there are exceptions to this. This means you can leave Canada right away and so long as you have accumulated a total of 2 years residency within a 5 year period you should be fine

  • good information guys,,,,,

  • Alvaro

    Can I travel for more than 6 months with my permanent resident card?

    • Dear Alvaro,

      Yes, you can. You just have to be in Canada for a total of 2 years within the 5 year period to maintain your PR Card.

      Thank you.

The content and comments of this blog are not legal advise and and may not be accurate or complete. If you require legal advice, contact a licensed legal practitioner directly. If you post on this blog, you assume full responsibility for disclosing your identity to the public and VisaPlace nor its affiliates are not responsible for protecting your privacy nor your identity concerning your participation in our blog and you assume any risks in participating.

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