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PR Card Validity and Obligation

H

hereicomecanada

Full Member
Oct 14, 2012
47
1
Hello

Does anyone know from when the PR card is valid. From the date they start processing? I am debating on whether I should land there mid of April (as I have planned) or close to end of my visa expiration date (end of August), so that the expiration date on PR card is much later. I am not planning on moving to Canada any soon.

Regarding obligation, say I move to Canada fifth year (last year of the PR validity period), can I renew my PR after it expires? Or if I want to continue living there, I should start a new immigration application?

Thank you
 
P

PMM

VIP Member
Jun 30, 2005
25,494
1,950
Hi


hereicomecanada said:
Hello

Does anyone know from when the PR card is valid. From the date they start processing? I am debating on whether I should land there mid of April (as I have planned) or close to end of my visa expiration date (end of August), so that the expiration date on PR card is much later. I am not planning on moving to Canada any soon.

Regarding obligation, say I move to Canada fifth year (last year of the PR validity period), can I renew my PR after it expires? Or if I want to continue living there, I should start a new immigration application?

Thank you
Click to expand...
1. Your RO starts the day you "land"
2. No, as you would not have resided in Canada for 2 years in the previous 5.
 
L

Leon

VIP Member
Jun 13, 2008
21,950
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hereicomecanada said:
Hello

Does anyone know from when the PR card is valid. From the date they start processing? I am debating on whether I should land there mid of April (as I have planned) or close to end of my visa expiration date (end of August), so that the expiration date on PR card is much later. I am not planning on moving to Canada any soon.

Regarding obligation, say I move to Canada fifth year (last year of the PR validity period), can I renew my PR after it expires? Or if I want to continue living there, I should start a new immigration application?

Thank you
Click to expand...
Like PMM says, the clock starts ticking for the RO as soon as you land so if you are not going to move to Canada soon, you should land close to the expiry of your visa to buy time.

The RO (residency obligation) is living in Canada at least 730 days in your first 5 years as a PR and after that, 730 days or more in any rolling 5 year period.

If you return in your fifth year, not having spent 730 days and being unable to complete 730 days before your first 5 years are up, you risk that you will be reported on entry for being in breach of the RO which can cause the loss of your PR.

If you are able to enter without being reported, you can put your PR status back in good standing by staying in Canada for 2 years straight, letting your PR card expire and only applying to renew once you have your 730 days in Canada in the past 5 years in which case you meet the RO again. Current immigration rules state that they will only look at the past 5 years upon your examination so if they did not catch you at a time that you were in breach of the RO and you later meet the RO and apply to renew your PR card, you are forgiven.

You could however face difficulties living in Canada without a valid PR card. Originally it was only a travel document but now it is being asked for by various parties in Canada as a proof of status, for example to gain or renew a drivers license, some employers may ask when you apply for a job etc.
 
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