Canada Permanent Residency valid while staying and working in United States

[rasagna]

Hi,

I have received my Permanent Residency of Canada in December 2007. My medical had happened in August 2007. I need to understand what is now the procedure of landing in Canada. I am currently on a Job Visa in U.S. and my company has also filed for my Green Card. So what are my options to keeping my Canada Permanent residency valid while I continue to live and work in US (waiting for my U.S. Green card)? Are there any options that I come and visit Canada once a year for a week or so to keep the Permanent residency valid and for how much period I can do so ? It would be really helpful for me to take my decisions if someone can help me in this regards. I understand that I would not be getting the Candian Citizenship while I continue staying in U.S.

Thanks.

 

[thaiguy]

You can't "come and visit Canada once a year for a week or so." The requirement is that you spend at least 2 years out of every 5 on a rolling basis.

Also, you have no more than 1 year from the date of your medicals to land in Canada (check the visa stamped in your passport for the exact date). If you don't do it by then, your visa will expire and you'll have to reapply for PR.

 

[rasagna]

Yes I will visit Canada before the 1 year date (sometime in Aug' 08) for a week and then will return back to US. I have got my cousin staying in Canada and I will be providing his address for the PR card (wich I assume takes a month to come).

To keep my PR status valid do I have to sta for 6 months every year or I can migrate after 5 years permanently but till then I visit once a year and that keeps my PR status valid.

 

[thaiguy]

To keep your PR status valid, you must be resident in Canada for 2 years out of every 5.

That you means you must begin living in Canada within 3 years - not 5.

 

[rasagna]

Thanks for the clarification.

So just to reiterate to make sure I understand correctly,

1. I have to enter before the end of 1st year as mentioned in my Passport
2. I need to get my PR card
3.After I receive my PR card I no longer need to revisit Canada
4. I have to move to Canda before the end of 3rd year to keep my Canadian PR valid.

Thanks a million for the information

 

[thaiguy]

1. Yes
2. If you don't receive your PR card within 6 months of landing, you'll have to pay for and request a new one. But whether you have a PR card or not does not affect your PR status.
3. ???
4. You have to reside in Canada at least 730 days in every 5 years on a rolling basis in order to maintain your PR status. How you do that is up to you. If you wait a full 3 years before moving to Canada permanently, keep in mind that you won't be able to leave for any reason for the next 2 years without forfeiting your PR status.

 

[rasagna]

Thanks for the info