Purchasing real estate to maintain PR

[PRJuly2013]

Hi all,

I'm currently in the midst of my PR application process (I expect the visa to be issued around July this year, but that's obviously a best guess). I will, however, be going abroad to do my Masters degree starting this September. Though my program will be only one year long, I can't discard the possibility of staying abroad a bit longer should a good job opportunity arise (however much I'll miss Canada). I am obviously concerned about the 2 out of 5 years residency requirement - I've been in Canada nine years prior to getting my PR, love the country, and would hate to lose my hard-earned PR because I decided to spend a few years abroad for my Masters.

So basically what I'm wondering is: if I were to purchase real estate in Canada (meaning I'd be paying property taxes and what not, even while not being physically present in the country), would that count toward my PR requirement? Or do I actually have to be physically on Canadian soil for 2 out of 5 years to avoid losing PR status?

Thanks in advance!

 

[scylla]

So basically what I'm wondering is: if I were to purchase real estate in Canada (meaning I'd be paying property taxes and what not, even while not being physically present in the country), would that count toward my PR requirement?

No - it won't.

 

[zardoz]

Or do I actually have to be physically on Canadian soil for 2 out of 5 years to avoid losing PR status?

Yes - you do.

 

[Leon]

The only sure way of keeping your PR while staying outside Canada longer than 3 years would be if you have a Canadian spouse and they are living outside Canada with you.

Another way would be that you have been posted outside Canada full time by a Canadian employer but that is not a sure way because sometimes immigration refuses to accept the employer or posting.

 

[Msafiri]

Hi all,

.....So basically what I'm wondering is: if I were to purchase real estate in Canada (meaning I'd be paying property taxes and what not, even while not being physically present in the country), would that count toward my PR requirement? Or do I actually have to be physically on Canadian soil for 2 out of 5 years to avoid losing PR status?

Thanks in advance!

1. As advised no dice on the PR unless you are in the exempt categories - Assigned by a bonafide Canadian business (very tight regs), accompanying Citizen spouse or serving the country as a diplomat or in the military.

2. Your plan makes you a resident for tax purposes though as property is one of the (if not the ) strongest of ties and you can expect CRA to want their cut of your worldwide income...the tax man cometh!!!