Maintaining Permanent Residency Status while living in another country

[tom_from_sk]

From what I understand, to maintain status a PR needs to be in Canada 3 out of 4 years once they gain status.

My fiance will apply for PR status (as a US citizen) once we get married this year. If I were to be transferred overseas, or even to the US with my company, would she be able to come with me?

I don't have clarity if she needs to be in Canada 3 out of 4 year, or if she can accompany me to an ex-pat position as long as she remains with me (husband/sponsor)? I am wondering whether it would be worth applying for any ex-pat positions that may come up, or to stay in Canada the first 4 years to keep her status valid.

Thank you!

 

[chakrab]

are you a canadian citizen? then if your spouse stays with you overseas, she can maintain her PR.

 

[SchnookoLoly]

You are mixing up citizenship and PR requirements.

The requirement to maintain PR status is for a minimum of 730 days in a 5-year period either:
a) Physically present in Canada
b) Abroad with their Canadian spouse

So if you get transferred wherever, if your wife goes with you she can maintain her PR status as she is living abroad with her Canadian spouse.

The requirement for citizenship is more strict. Right now, the requirement is 3 years in a 4 year period, and the PR has to be physically in Canada for that one - this is what you are thinking of! So for your fiance to get citizenship, she has to be inside Canada for 3 years in a 4 year period, and time living with you abroad does NOT count.

It is also worth noting that this requirement for citizenship is expected to change to 4 years of residency in a 6 year period, and is expected to come into effect in July of this year, though that's not confirmed yet.

Hope that helps clear it up!

 

[tom_from_sk]

Thank you for the clarification. I did not mean to mix up permanent residency and citizenship.

Yes, I am a Canadian citizen. So that should make it easier, given we would likely be transferred together!

Thanks again!