How to maintain PR while living in the US?

[Airbus320neo]

I am a US Citizen and Canadian PR (FSW). I got a job offer in the US but still want to maintain my Canadian PR.

Is it possible to fly to Canada during the weekends (Fri-Mon) and have that count towards my residency requirement? If so, would I need to maintain a residence in Canada, or could I just book a hotel each time?

 

[scylla]

I am a US Citizen and Canadian PR (FSW). I got a job offer in the US but still want to maintain my Canadian PR.

Is it possible to fly to Canada during the weekends (Fri-Mon) and have that count towards my residency requirement? If so, would I need to maintain a residence in Canada, or could I just book a hotel each time?

Sure, you can do that. Make sure you keep track of every single entry and exit and also evidence of your stay in Canada (e.g. keep each hotel bill).

 

[Ponga]

I echo @scylla in suggesting you keep very accurate entry/exit records, since U.S. Citizens may NOT have complete and accurate exit records available to them from CBSA.

In your example above, entering Canada on a Friday (at any time) and leaving on a Monday (at any time), will give you 4 full days in Canada per week towards the Residency Obligation.

 

[Airbus320neo]

Thanks @Ponga and @scylla ! One further question- would I be liable to file Canadian income taxes if I go this route? My assumption is no because I do not live in Canada and do not earn money from Canada, but would I have to maintain a "de jure" resident status (and therefore file taxes) in order to maintain PR/apply for citizenship?

 

[scylla]

Thanks @Ponga and @scylla ! One further question- would I be liable to file Canadian income taxes if I go this route? My assumption is no because I do not live in Canada and do not earn money from Canada, but would I have to maintain a "de jure" resident status (and therefore file taxes) in order to maintain PR/apply for citizenship?

Short answer is yes if you want citizenship.

I think you could maintain your status as a non-resident (and not have to file taxes) provided you're not using any benefits like provincial health care. This isn't an issue for maintaing your PR status.

For citizenship I believe you need to provide 3 CRA tax returns. So there would need to be 3 years where you file your taxes in Canada, declaring your worldwide income.

 

[Airbus320neo]

Short answer is yes if you want citizenship.

I think you could maintain your status as a non-resident (and not have to file taxes) provided you're not using any benefits like provincial health care. This isn't an issue for maintaing your PR status.

For citizenship I believe you need to provide 3 CRA tax returns. So there would need to be 3 years where you file your taxes in Canada, declaring your worldwide income.

Got it, so for the citizenship tax returns requirement, I believe the wording is "Must have filed personal income taxes for at least 3 years within the 5 year period, if required under the Income Tax Act." so seems like if I can prove I have the physical presence but was never required to file the taxes due to my non-residency status, I could still acquire citizenship?

 

[scylla]

Got it, so for the citizenship tax returns requirement, I believe the wording is "Must have filed personal income taxes for at least 3 years within the 5 year period, if required under the Income Tax Act." so seems like if I can prove I have the physical presence but was never required to file the taxes due to my non-residency status, I could still acquire citizenship?

Don't know. I'm not familiar enough with the current rules. My husband applied under older ones.