How long can i stay outside Canada? Is it 6months?

[sam.k.new]

Hello there,

I am newly-wed and planning to extend my vacation here in the Philippines until Jan.3 to spend holidays with my husband. Is it safe to return in Canada 4 days before my 6th month stay in my home country? Somebody told me that I need to be back in Canada before the allowed period otherwise my PR status will be forfeited.

I returned home last July 7, 2015and my plan is to go back to Canada on Jan.3,2016? Is it possible? Should i be questioned by an immigration officer about the duration of my vacation?

Please advise.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Lammawitch]

There is no 6 month requirement for PR (there used to be, many years ago).

To maintain your status as a PR, you need to be present in Canada for 730 days in each 5 year period.

 

[screech339]

There is no 6 month requirement for PR (there used to be, many years ago).

To maintain your status as a PR, you need to be present in Canada for 730 days in each 5 year period.

To clarify more: it is not each 5 year period. It's each 5 rolling year period.

 

[Lammawitch]

To clarify more: it is not each 5 year period. It's each 5 rolling year period.

True. I should have included "rolling" in my answer .

 

[HarkiranKaur]

It's two years within a 5 year period. And the two years does not have to be continuous. And certain circumstances will also count towards the two years even if you are outside Canada. So in my case, my husband and I (me being retired Canadian military) plan to live roughly half the year in Canada and half in India (his home country). I will have OCI status there and he will have PR status here. According to one of the clauses, since I am a born Canadian citizen and his spouse, even the time we spend in India will count towards the two years, because he will be with me as per the quoted below directly from CIC website:

How long must I stay in Canada to keep my permanent resident status?

To maintain your status as a permanent resident, there are few requirements you must fulfill. One requirement is the residency obligation. You must live in Canada for at least two years within a five-year period. During this time you must be here physically.

The two years may not need to be continuous. An officer can confirm if your time in Canada counts when you:
•re-enter Canada,
•apply for a Permanent Resident Card, or
•apply to be a Canadian Citizen.

Time spent outside Canada may also count towards the two years if you are:
•travelling with your spouse or partner who is a Canadian citizen,
•a childFootnote 1 travelling with a father or mother who is a Canadian citizen,
•an employee of (or under contract to) a Canadian business.

It may also count if you are:
•travelling with your spouse or partner who is a permanent resident and works full-time for: ◦a Canadian business, or
◦the public service of Canada or a province,

•a child travelling with a father or mother who is a permanent resident and who works full-time for: ◦a Canadian business, or
◦the public service of Canada or a province.

•an employee of (or under contract to) the public service of Canada or a province and you are on a full-time assignment to:
◦a position outside Canada,
◦a partner business outside Canada, or
◦a client of the Canadian business or the public service outside Canada.

 

[yeasir1987]

Hi my PR card will expire in October 2024. Can I leave let say today and enter anytime within the exp. date?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Hi my PR card will expire in October 2024. Can I leave let say today and enter anytime within the exp. date?

Yes. However, if you don't meet the Residency Obligation, you can be reported upon entry, leading to the likely revocation of your PR status.