How to renew PR status

[thai/peg]

I don't know if my husband will go for citizenship due to the fact that he is just learning to read and write English.
Therefore I would like to know how does a PR renew his status. More specifically when does he have to do it by and how long does it usually take. Do we need to go through the same thing we went through on his first application in terms of proving we are a legitimate couple?

 

[dudebr]

What do you mean by renew PR status?

Once your have PR status you don't lose it, unless you get into some big trouble and have to be deported or if you stay out of the country for more than a certain number of days.

 

[thai/peg]

Hmmm, OK. I guess I don't really know what I mean.
Basically his PR card expires in 5 years right? So what happens after that if he doesnt go for citizenship?

 

[scylla]

thai/peg -

You're right. Your husband does have to renew his PR card since it has expired. Here's the link to the renewal process:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/prcard.asp

 

[dudebr]

Yes, he has to renew his PR CARD, not his status.

My in-law, didn't renew her PR card for 8 years and she was fine for the whole time. And when she finally renewed it she didn't have to go to any different process than the normal one.

So YES, he has to renew his card if he needs to leave and come back to the country, but there is not such thing as RENEW PR STATUS.

 

[thai/peg]

So you could just live in Canada forever as a PR and not have to get citizenship? You only have to renew your card every 5 years?

 

[HoneyBird]

why would you want to remain a PR?
its better to be a citizen..duh.

 

[dudebr]

So you could just live in Canada forever as a PR and not have to get citizenship? You only have to renew your card every 5 years?

Exactly!

 

[thai/peg]

HB- see my original post.
I get that citizenship is the best...duh.
But my question is what happens if you don't go for citizenship.

 

[thai/peg]

The "forever" post was hypothetical. Obvs if he was going to stay forever he would apply for citizenship. He does not necessarily want to stay forever. and as I said I just want to know what the alternatives are.

 

[kelKel]

My boyfriend will actually never become a citizen only remain a PR. His country Germany does not allow dual citizenship. He does not want to renounce his German citizenship. Could come in handy if we would like to move there in the future.

 

[kelKel]

He could remain a PR if he chooses. A friend of mine has been a PR for 35 years now

 

[thai/peg]

Thanks KelKel. So does that mean that all he has to do is renew his card every 5 years?

 

[rjessome]

Yes, if he wants to.

Once you've landed as a PR in Canada, you ARE a PR. The card just proves that. You can stay a PR forever if you want, assuming you meet the residency requirements and don't get convicted of a criminal offence that could make you lose your PR status.

It's like being a citizen but not having a passport. My parents are in their 60's and have never travelled outside of Canada and have never held passports. They are still citizens.

Once your husband lands in Canada, he IS a permanent resident. It's his choice whether or not he wants to renew his PR card after 5 years. He also doesn't have to apply for citizenship. Again, his choice.

 

[Karlshammar]

You do not even need to renew your PR card. The only time that card is required is when you travel internationally by commercial carrier.

That being said, it's best to renew it, since you may need to travel on short notice, and it is often the best way to prove your status to government agencies.

If his home country allows dual citizenship I advise getting that, though. It is only $200, and he will then never risk losing it like he could with PR.