How to keep the permanent resident status

[beeth]

My parents landed Canada back in year 2009 for several days, then lived in Toronto for half year in year 2011(filed taxes that year). They stayed outside Canada due to health reason. Now their PR cards are expiring this August(about two months to go), and they decided to move back to Canada and stay for long. However, since they couldn't meet the requirement(730 days in the past 5 years), they wonder if they have already lose the PR status.
I have several questions(listed below), I really really appreciate if any comments and suggestions.

1. Their PR cards are expiring in August, and they couldn't meet the 730-day requirement at all in the past. Can they re-enter Canada? They can enter Canada from U.S. in car, will that help? I worry if the officer at the border may reject them from entering Canada.
2. If they can get into Canada, is it possible to apply health card(either in ON or BC) with expiring PR cards? Just want to make sure they can have health care coverage in the next 2 years time;
3. Most important, because the renewal of PR card requires the "730-day" of residen, they mostly can't apply the renewal after they get into Canada, but wait about 2 years then apply in year 2016, is that doable? Is there any risk that they can't renewal even after two years stay in Canadafrom 2014 to 2016? If so, then we should just give up now. Also, will it be fine for them to stay for two years with an expired PR card?

Thank you so much!

 

[Matt the Aussie]

Firstly, your parents cannot lose PR status until they are reported for breaching the RO. They are still PRs today and even after their cards expire. This all depends on how events go at the border.

1. There is no guarantee of what will happen at the border, and travelling by car may or may not help. If reported, your parents can appeal but it likely won't end well.
2. I know that in Ontario you do not require a PR card to apply for OHIP, but there is a wait period (3 months) which will apply as your parents have not been living in Ontario recently.
3. The requirement is that you live 730 days in any 5 year period in Canada. If your parents stick to that and send their renewal only after that time, they should be OK. And no, you do not need a PR card during the time you live in Canada - its only purpose is to show you belong back in Canada while travelling.