SIN card and other queries

[Schmutz]

Let me first brief you on my status. I received my permant residence in May 2010 and landed in September 2010 and stayed for 15 days. As i planned to return to Canada in 3 months and hence did not apply for my SIN card.However, I have received my PR card. Due to personal reasons my plan to return to canada has been delayed for another year and i now plan to settle by december 2011. I would like some help in clarifying issues with regards to the following concerns.

1. since i do not have my SIN card, will this pose problems while reentering Canada.
2. Can i apply for my SIN card in December 2011 when i reenter
3. Do i have to reenter Canada within 6 months/ Can i stay out of Canada for over 6 months period
4. My passport is expiring and i will be renewing it in my home country, will this in anyway hinder my re-entry?


I would really appreciate all the help i could get on this matter as all the concerned websites do not shed light on these issues.

 

[Leon]

1. Nobody will ask for your SIN card when entering Canada so no problem

2. Yes

3. You only have to be present in Canada for a total of 730 days in your first 5 years as a PR and each rolling 5 year period after that. It does not matter when those days as so you can stay outside up to 3 years in one go but then you have to stay in for the next 2.

4. No, it will not matter for your re-entry.

 

[toby]

Speaking of SIN cards, should a PR apply for one upon landing in Canada, where the PR will not be residing in Canada immediately?

 

[Leon]

It doesn't matter. You can get your SIN number in one day whenever you go to apply for it although the card takes a couple of weeks. If you have time during your landing trip, you can stop by and get your SIN. If you want to open a bank account, it's good to have.

 

[steaky]

Another reason is maybe to enrol in RESP for your child education.

 

[j2m]

It doesn't matter. You can get your SIN number in one day whenever you go to apply for it although the card takes a couple of weeks. If you have time during your landing trip, you can stop by and get your SIN. If you want to open a bank account, it's good to have.

I got my SIN and health-care cards in the mail on the same day, they took 1 week to arrive, now impatiently awaiting my PR card so I can fly to the states for a visit!