How long I can stay outside Canada to keep my permanent resident status?

[adilraja]

Hi Friends,

I landed as permanent resident in canada on October 2, 2014. I left Canada on November 18, 2014. Till that time time I am living outside of Canada. Please some help me out to provide the information:-

1- If I have a re-enter in Canada in June-July 2017. Will by PR status safe?
2- What is advise to re-enter in Canada so that I can keep my Permanent residesncy?
3- I have no house, no bank account, no family member there, should I have to declare my income during this period 18NOV2014 to re-entry date?
4- Should I have to pay income tax on that income?

 

[Leon]

You are allowed up to 3 years outside.

1) Yes but the immigration officer may remind you that as you have spend almost 3 years outside, you should be careful that you don't spend too much time outside in the next 2.

2) Re-enter before your 3 years are up, obviously, and make sure you stay in Canada long enough that you have no more than 1094 days outside Canada when it's time to renew your PR card.

3) and 4) No, if you never moved to Canada, you don't have to declare or file taxes on your income overseas. If you move in 2017, you don't have to declare income outside Canada before your moving date.

 

[adilraja]

Thanks Leon,

I need a little more clarification.

1. In Oct, 2014 when I along-with my family members first time landed as immigrant, we provided immigration officer Goods to Follow List (Form B4 / B4A) and Goods to accompanying List. I mentioned all the assets and money in B4 form. Then about after one month, I left for Africa and did job there. Should I again fill the form B4 at the time of re-entry and mention that money?

2- I have a plan to buy house there, If I transfer this money, then if I do not tell at the time of re-entry into Canada, could be issue of Income tax?

3- If I buy house as lump sum payment without mortgage, shall i have to pay more property tax, Shall I receive Child benefit?

4- I have money in my country so I believe I can buy apartment in Canada. Please tell me which is good option BUY-ON- CASH or Mortgage?

 

[torontosm]

1. In Oct, 2014 when I along-with my family members first time landed as immigrant, we provided immigration officer Goods to Follow List (Form B4 / B4A) and Goods to accompanying List. I mentioned all the assets and money in B4 form. Then about after one month, I left for Africa and did job there. Should I again fill the form B4 at the time of re-entry and mention that money?

2- I have a plan to buy house there, If I transfer this money, then if I do not tell at the time of re-entry into Canada, could be issue of Income tax?

3- If I buy house as lump sum payment without mortgage, shall i have to pay more property tax, Shall I receive Child benefit?

4- I have money in my country so I believe I can buy apartment in Canada. Please tell me which is good option BUY-ON- CASH or Mortgage?

1. Are you moving back to Canada permanently? If not, then you don't qualify to bring in goods on a tax-free basis, and don't need a form B4.
2. You don't need to declare your intention to purchase a house. However, if you rent your house out in your absence, then the rental income will obviously be taxed.
3. There is no difference in property tax whether you buy the house with cash or with a mortgage. You are not eligible for the child benefit unless you and your child both live in Canada. Buying a house here does nothing to qualify you for any benefits.
4. That is a personal choice.

 

[adilraja]

Hi torotosm,

In Oct,2014, I along with my family first time landed and now I want to come to Canada permanently. So during the time when I alongwith my family stayed outside Canada, I earned money. This money is in my bank account outside of Canada. Later I want to take that money to Canada. Should I fill the form of things to follow to mention this amount of money?

 

[torontosm]

Hi torotosm,

In Oct,2014, I along with my family first time landed and now I want to come to Canada permanently. So during the time when I alongwith my family stayed outside Canada, I earned money. This money is in my bank account outside of Canada. Later I want to take that money to Canada. Should I fill the form of things to follow to mention this amount of money?

No, you can bring money without paying and taxes on it. If you are carrying cash or cash-equivalent assets in excess of $10,000 per person, you must declare them at the airport. However, if you are just transferring the funds via bank transfer, you don't need to do anything.

 

[reikiprince]

Dear All

I landed in Canada with my wife and child in Sep 2014 and my 5 year started from 2014. My PR card expires on 4 Sep 2019. My question is can I enter Canada safely on Sep 3 2017 i.e. 2 years before the end of the PR card expiry without any problems.

Somebody told me that rules have changed and we have to stay immediately the first 2 years after PR card is issued. Therefore even I return to Canada in 2017 Sep i.e.2 years before the PR card expiry I will be reported.

please can someone urgently clarify if I am at risk if I return on Sep 3, 2017 i.e. 2 years before the end of the PR card expiry?

regards
prince

 

[Leon]

Dear All

I landed in Canada with my wife and child in Sep 2014 and my 5 year started from 2014. My PR card expires on 4 Sep 2019. My question is can I enter Canada safely on Sep 3 2017 i.e. 2 years before the end of the PR card expiry without any problems.

Somebody told me that rules have changed and we have to stay immediately the first 2 years after PR card is issued. Therefore even I return to Canada in 2017 Sep i.e.2 years before the PR card expiry I will be reported.

please can someone urgently clarify if I am at risk if I return on Sep 3, 2017 i.e. 2 years before the end of the PR card expiry?

regards
prince

There is no such rule and you can. You just have to keep in mind that your 5 year period started on the day you landed, not 5 years before your PR card was issued. In your case, you say you landed in September and your PR card is valid until September which is unusual as PR cards are usually issued at least a month or two after you land.

In any case, you may not have been outside Canada for more than 3 years since you landed. Actually 1094 days (3 years minus 1 day) is the maximum.

If you fully utilize this maximum, you know you will have to stay in Canada for at least 2 years straight so no matter what emergency happens in your family back home, it would be risky for you to leave.

 

[hrd123]

Dear Friends,

Kindly advice,

I am planning to do short landing at Toronto for 20 days initially then return to home country. After 2 years, I will plan to permanently land Toronto and will continue for minimum days PR card obligation ( 734 days ). can I plan in this way.

pls help

 

[Leon]

Dear Friends,

Kindly advice,

I am planning to do short landing at Toronto for 20 days initially then return to home country. After 2 years, I will plan to permanently land Toronto and will continue for minimum days PR card obligation ( 734 days ). can I plan in this way.

pls help

Yes, you can.