Thank you for clarifying this. So, essentially, the 5 year window is 26th Dec 2018 to 26th Dec 2023. I need 730 days in this window to be able to comply with Residency Obligation and get PR extension/renewal. That's a good clarification, because I was trying to make 730 days until 15th May 2024 (PR expiry). I am still unclear why PR card expiry is not relevant because technically I am still allowed to enter Canada as PR until 15th May 2024.
Can you please let me know - if I make PR extension application on 15th May 2024 (current PR card expiry), then the window to be considered for calculation will be 5 prior years i.e. 15th May 2019 to 15th May 2024. If I have 730 days in this window, I am still eligible for PR renewal?
Are you aware of any concession made by IRCC for the time people had to be away from Canada in Covid-19?
Note: There is NO extension or renewal of PR status. PR status does not expire. PR cards expire, more like when a passport expires (citizenship does not expire when a passport expires), not like a drivers license.
So, essentially, the 5 year window is 26th Dec 2018 to 26th Dec 2023. I need 730 days in this window to be able to comply with Residency Obligation and get PR extension/renewal.
You reference the FIRST five year period for calculating compliance with the Residency Obligation. It applies anytime RO compliance is calculated for a date prior to the fifth year anniversary of landing.
After the fifth year anniversary of landing, which here would be Dec 26, 2023, the five year period for calculating compliance with the RO is the five years preceding the date the calculation is made. Every day is a new calculation.
RO compliance calculations are typically made as of the following dates:
-- date of arrival at a Port-of-Entry (if examined for RO compliance)
-- date of application for a PR Travel Document
-- date of application to renew or otherwise obtain a PR card
-- date of any other examination by CBSA or IRCC to make a Residency Determination (not common)
EXAMPLES (based on December 26, 2018 landing date):
-- If the PR arrives at Port-of-Entry November 26, 2023, RO compliance will be based on number of days IN Canada from December 26, 2018 to November 26, 2023, PLUS 30 (days left on calendar until December 26, 2023)
-- If the PR comes to Canada, and then applies for a new PR card November 26, 2023, RO compliance likewise will be based on number of days IN Canada from December 26, 2018 to November 26, 2023, PLUS 30; HOWEVER,
-- -- If after applying for a new PR card the PR leaves Canada, and is returning to Canada April 17, 2024, if examined about RO compliance at the PoE, the calculation will be based on days in Canada between April 17, 2019 and April 17, 2024 (five year period preceding date of arrival at the PoE).
I am still unclear why PR card expiry is not relevant because technically I am still allowed to enter Canada as PR until 15th May 2024.
Technically you are allowed to enter Canada "
as PR" whenever you come, whether that is before or after May 15, 2024. PR status does not expire. You are still a Canadian, a PR, unless there has been a formal adjudication terminating your Canadian status, or you become a citizen, or you formally renounce PR status.
With some exceptions (such as for U.S. citizens), a PR needs to have a valid PR card or a valid PR Travel Document to board a flight to Canada. But, if the PR has a means to travel to Canada otherwise (many can travel to a land crossing via the U.S.), they will still be "
allowed to enter Canada as PR," and it does not matter how long the PR card has been expired . . . even if it expired years ago. Of course if the PR is in breach of the RO, that is, the PR is inadmissible, they are at risk border officials will follow the 44(1) Report process leading to the issuance of Removal Order (PR will still be allowed to enter Canada and can appeal the Removal Order).
Are you aware of any concession made by IRCC for the time people had to be away from Canada in Covid-19?
Not sure what you mean by "
concession." Whoever is making the Residency Determination, whether that is CBSA officers at a PoE, or IRCC officials assessing RO compliance in relation to a PR card application, if the PR is in breach, that is not in compliance with the RO, those officials will consider any and all reasons why the PR did not return to Canada sooner, and then make a determination if there are sufficient H&C factors to justify allowing the PR to keep PR status despite the RO breach. So of course the impact of Covid will be considered. How much weight it has in favour of allowing H&C relief, however, is very difficult to predict, recognizing that there are many, many other factors considered in evaluating the H&C case (number of days in breach looming very large).
Best guess: this factor already has declining weight; since Canada is dropping border control measures related to Covid in just a few days, PRs returning after October 1 should be cognizant that there is a real risk this factor might not have much positive weight in the H&C assessment.
Generally it is risky to make a PR card application relying on H&C relief. Better to stay put in Canada until in compliance with the RO (for many this means staying for two straight years) before making a PR card application.
Can you please let me know - if I make PR extension application on 15th May 2024 (current PR card expiry), then the window to be considered for calculation will be 5 prior years i.e. 15th May 2019 to 15th May 2024. If I have 730 days in this window, I am still eligible for PR renewal?
As
@armoured noted, the simple answer is yes. So long as you are asking about PR card renewal. Again, PR status does not expire and does not need to be renewed.
The latter can be important. As long as you are IN Canada, there is no rush to apply for a new PR card. A PR's status does not depend on possessing a valid PR card. Particularly if you have your SIN and have obtained health care coverage and a drivers license (typically, with some exceptions, a PR needs to present a valid PR card to qualify for these), you only need a new PR card if you will be traveling abroad.