How long before PR status lapses?

[Alexander80]

Hi all, could I ask for some advice?

Am trying to apply for PR through the Express Entry system. Just wondering though- if I'm granted PR status, it is my understanding that I have to enter Canada to get the PR card and after that I can leave (temporarily). Can anyone tell me what is the maximum length of time that I can be away before the PR status is revoked? Is it 5 years? Can I re-enter just before the expiry of the 5 years and live in Canada for 2 years and then get another PR extension? Thanks for your help!

 

[jamezmoran]

You must renew your PR card every 5 years, and to be eligible for renewal you must have lived in Canada for at least 3 2 of the preceding 5 years, unless you have special circumstances.

 

[nuclearbattery]

You must renew your PR card every 5 years, and to be eligible for renewal you must have lived in Canada for at least 3 of the preceding 5 years, unless you have special circumstances.

Can you elaborate on 'special circumstances'? Does not finding a job matching your profile/ask (whilst searching for it from another country) count?

 

[jamezmoran]

Can you elaborate on 'special circumstances'? Does not finding a job matching your profile/ask (whilst searching for it from another country) count?

No, that does not count. The only things that count are:

1. If you were accompanying abroad a Canadian citizen who is your spouse.
2. You are employed by a Canadian business or province and you are explicitly assigned abroad.
3. You are accompanying a Canadian PR who is your spouse under reason 2.

Canadian immigration will also consider any compelling humanitarian/compassionate grounds for why you were not able to meet the residency obligations.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5445ETOC.asp#appendixA

 

[Heathcliff77]

You must renew your PR card every 5 years, and to be eligible for renewal you must have lived in Canada for at least 3 of the preceding 5 years, unless you have special circumstances.

Why do many people say 3 when all the info I found on the internet say 2 years?!

 

[kryt0n]

Why do many people say 3 when all the info I found on the internet say 2 years?!

It is 2 years, not 3.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5445ETOC.asp#appendixA


Minimum residency obligations

You must meet the residency obligation to get a PR Card.

If you have been a permanent resident for five (5) years or more you must have been physically present in Canada for a minimum of 730 days within the past five (5) years.

If you have been a permanent resident for less than five (5) years you must show that you will be able to meet the minimum of 730 days of physical presence in Canada within five (5) years of the date you became a permanent resident.

 

[Heathcliff77]

Much better

 

[scylla]

You must renew your PR card every 5 years, and to be eligible for renewal you must have lived in Canada for at least 3 of the preceding 5 years, unless you have special circumstances.

It's 2 year - not 3. You must live in Canada for 2 out of every 5 rolling years to retain PR status.

 

[scylla]

Can you elaborate on 'special circumstances'? Does not finding a job matching your profile/ask (whilst searching for it from another country) count?

No - this certainly doesn't count. Failing to find a job in Canada won't be accepted as a special circumstance.

 

[Heathcliff77]

While we're discussing the subject I have a question, say for example someone got his PR card, left canada, and returned like a month before it expires, will they let him in? (it's still valid)

now if he got in, stayed for 2 years and then applied for renewal will that work?

 

[alxms10]

While we're discussing the subject I have a question, say for example someone got his PR card, left canada, and returned like a month before it expires, will they let him in? (it's still valid)

now if he got in, stayed for 2 years and then applied for renewal will that work?

No

Because it's valid for 5 years and if he lands within the last month of the 5-year validity of the PR and assuming they let him in, in order to renew it they will look at your 5 year period of your PR and will see that you've only stayed a month or two during these 5 years, which doesn't meet the requirement!

 

[scylla]

While we're discussing the subject I have a question, say for example someone got his PR card, left canada, and returned like a month before it expires, will they let him in? (it's still valid)

now if he got in, stayed for 2 years and then applied for renewal will that work?

The short answer is maybe. One of two things will happen. He may be allowed into Canada without being reported for failing to meet the residency obligation. If that happens, he can remain in Canada for two years straight (without leaving) and then apply to renew his PR card. However it's quite possible that when he enters Canada he will be reported at the border for failing to meet RO. If that happens, he will have to appear at a hearing to argue why she should be allowed to keep his PR status (it will be extremely difficult to argue why you should be allowed to keep your PR card if you haven't bothered to live in Canada for 5 years). If the hearing does not turn out in his favour, his PR status will be revoked and he will be ordered to leave Canada (departure order).

 

[jamezmoran]

It is 2 years, not 3.

If you have been a permanent resident for five (5) years or more you must have been physically present in Canada for a minimum of 730 days within the past five (5) years.

Ah, I stand corrected. For some reason I read it as 3.

 

[Alexander80]

You must renew your PR card every 5 years, and to be eligible for renewal you must have lived in Canada for at least 3 2 of the preceding 5 years, unless you have special circumstances.

Thank you very much.