Permanent Residency in Canada Requires Staying in Canada

For many people, notably international students, temporary foreign workers, and families hoping to reunite, obtaining permanent residency (PR) in Canada is a dream come true.

You can still have family, obligations, and connections in your native country even if you are granted permanent residence status in Canada.

Consequently, you would have to make frequent trips back and forth and possibly stay longer than anticipated. 

But as soon as you sign your landing paper to become a permanent resident, you are bound by a residency requirement.

Therefore, it is imperative that all Canadian permanent residents, especially those who have recently arrived, have a few key pieces of knowledge.

What actions are available to permanent residents?

You are eligible for the majority of social benefits, including health care coverage, that are available to Canadian citizens as a permanent resident.

If you fulfill further qualifying requirements, you can apply for Canadian citizenship in addition to being able to live, work, and study anywhere in the country.

In addition, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Canadian legislation also provide you with legal protection in Canada.

Permanent residents are not, however, permitted to vote, run for office, or work in certain positions requiring a high degree of security clearance.

The Requirement for Permanent Residents to Remain in Canada

You need to have lived in Canada for at least 730 days throughout the previous five years in order to keep your status as a Permanent Resident (PR).

It's not necessary for these 730 days to occur in order. You might be able to apply some of the time you spend away from Canada toward the necessary 730 days.

How Are Your Days of Obligation for Permanent Residency Calculated?

In the last five years (counting back five years from the day you signed your application to renew your PR card), have you lived in Canada for at least two years (730 days)?

If you fulfill this requirement, you are in compliance. Please remember that accumulated days over the previous five years can be counted; residency in Canada for two consecutive years is not required.

Once more, it can only be the five years that preceded the date on which you signed your application.

You can extend your permanent resident status and card for an additional five years if you fulfill this residency requirement.

Do you have insufficient days required for residency?

If any of the following situations apply to you, you can fulfill your residence requirement while remaining outside of Canada: You are or were employed full-time by a Canadian company or organization, or by the federal, provincial, or territorial government of Canada.

You traveled with a Canadian citizen spouse or common-law partner.

You traveled with a permanent resident's spouse or common-law partner who was employed full-time outside of Canada by a Canadian company or government agency.

Days spent outside of Canada in the scenarios mentioned above may also be applied toward the requirement of permanent residency.

How Can Your Status of Permanent Residency in Canada Be Lost?

Even if your PR card expires, you will still maintain your PR status. The only way you can lose your PR status is if an officer decides, through an inquiry or PRTD appeal after a denial, that you are no longer a PR.

Renouncing your PR status freely is another option.

In the event that a removal order is issued against you, your status may also be withdrawn.

You will remain a permanent resident (PR) until your status is officially decided, even if you do not meet the residency requirement.

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