PR renewal, how easy is it? Can it be done early?

[OhCanadiana]

Hi everyone...

Just curious about the "730 day in 5-rolling year" assessment: I assume it's done whenever a PR is entering Canada from another country?

In other words, whenever a PR comes to Canada from another country, the immigration officer will look at his travel history for the past 5 years, and will check whether during the past 5 years, he/she was physically in Canada for 730 days?

They can, and if they have any questions they will refer the case to the Board for review.

In your friend's case that you outlined in the OP, since he's been a PR less than 5 years the question they would check - either at the border, or when he makes an application to CIC (renew PR, sponsor family, etc) will be whether he can still get to 730 days before the first 5 years expire? As long as he can, he's still fulfilling his responsibilities as a PR.

There are a couple exceptions (if he was accompanying a Canadian citizen, working for a Canadian company abroad, etc) which are detailed in the link I had posted so if his case isn't straightforward have him look at that link with instructions on how to apply for a PR - the appendix has the PR obligation details.

 

[TSauretBaxter]

I have a similar question. When you are issued the PR, you had to land within a certain time frame. If you don't.. you start back at square one right? I know the PR is issued initally for 5 years. If you need more time before moving to Canada. Can you land within the time frame given and then leave shortly after? Will there be any issue when you come back?

 

[OhCanadiana]

I have a similar question. When you are issued the PR, you had to land within a certain time frame. If you don't.. you start back at square one right?

Yes, if your PR visa and/or COPR expire before you land you need to re-apply (from square one)

I know the PR is issued initally for 5 years.

Not quite - the PR card is issued for 5 years, but the PR card validity doesn't really have a ton of relevance to status. You need to abide by status requirements to have status.

If you need more time before moving to Canada. Can you land within the time frame given and then leave shortly after? Will there be any issue when you come back?

Yes, you can land and then go settle your affairs before actually 'moving.' Depending on your nationality (and whether you are visa exempt) and whether you are flying commercially or driving over the border you may need to get a travel document before returning to Canada (from the closest Canadian Embassy/Consulate) so that the airline lets you get on the plane. But, once you land you are a PR and as long as you can meet the requirements (stay in Canada 2 years before 5 years are up) you continue to have the right to enter Canada as a Canadian PR.

 

[TSauretBaxter]

Thank you! It's so hard to make plans, when you have no idea for sure when things will happen!!

 

[OhCanadiana]

Thank you! It's so hard to make plans, when you have no idea for sure when things will happen!!

Which is why they let you go back and settle your affairs after landing It's still best to turn in your B4 upon initial landing so try to prepare it ahead of time to avoid questions later.