Loosing PR status and re-applying

[bobaz]

Hello all,

I have studied Engineering in Canada for 6 years on a student permit and got my bachelors and masters degree from a Canadian University.

I then applied for immigration and got my PR status in Canada in late 2004 and landed. I worked with a well reputed construction firm untill mid 2006

In mid 2006 i left Canada to work in the middle east.

Now, i am married with a child (not canadians), my PR card is expired, and i cannot apply for a Travel document to return to canada for 2 reasons:

1- i do not meet the residency requirements
2- i cant leave my family behind.

My question is : What is the best way to proceed forward with going back to Canada as a family.

Is it better if i re-apply all over for myself and my family? will i have problems because i lost my status the first time?
Is there a way to re-instate my PR status and get PR-status for my family at the same time?


I would appreciate your feedback.

Regards,

Bobaz

 

[Alabaman]

I dont have an answer to your question but I think Canada Immigration should introduce a "Status Re-instatement Program" for people with situations like yours. The program should be similar to re-applying for PR only that it should be very quick... say one or two months and with less documentation since they have all (or almost all) your info anyways.

 

[PMM]

Hi

I dont have an answer to your question but I think Canada Immigration should introduce a "Status Re-instatement Program" for people with situations like yours. The program should be similar to re-applying for PR only that it should be very quick... say one or two months and with less documentation since they have all (or almost all) your info anyways.

1. The OP has to voluntarily relinquish his PR status (although it is invalid) before he can apply for PR if he qualifies.
2. Why, the idea of permanent residence is to make Canada your home. Not to come and go as you please, you either reside in Canada permanently or you don't emigrate. Canada is pretty generous in allowing you to be outside Canada for 3 years in every 5, compared to the previous no longer than 6 months in a year. The US lifts green cards after 1 years absence.

 

[Alabaman]

Hi

2. Why, the idea of permanent residence is to make Canada your home. Not to come and go as you please, you either reside in Canada permanently or you don't emigrate. Canada is pretty generous in allowing you to be outside Canada for 3 years in every 5, compared to the previous no longer than 6 months in a year. The US lifts green cards after 1 years absence.

Yes, Canada is generous we all know and appreciate that.

If I may ask, what is the idea of Citizenship? Dont people stay for three years get citizenship and dissapear? Afterall, this individual lived in Canada for 6 years or thereabout but had to leave for work. Even natural born citizens leave Canada to go settle in other countries.

Anyway, not trying to generate a debate but just suggesting a common sense approach to stream lining and perhaps improving the process. If you think it's perfect then fine.