Residency Requirements for Maintaining Canadian PR

Achieving Canadian permanent residency (PR) is a cherished aspiration for many, particularly international students, temporary foreign workers, and families eagerly anticipating reunification. According to Canada PR visa consultants in Ludhiana, many Indians show interest in obtaining PR in Canada from India nowadays.

Even upon attaining PR status in Canada, individuals may still maintain connections, familial ties, and responsibilities in their home country. Consequently, the need to travel back and forth regularly and potentially extend stays may arise.

However, a crucial aspect to be mindful of is the residency obligation, which commences on the day permanent resident status is officially granted upon signing the landing paper. Therefore, being well-informed about certain key aspects is imperative for all permanent residents in Canada, especially those who have recently arrived.

What are the privileges of permanent residents?

Permanent residents enjoy a range of social benefits similar to those available to Canadian citizens, including access to healthcare coverage. They have the flexibility to reside, study, or work anywhere in Canada, with the option to apply for Canadian citizenship, provided they meet the necessary eligibility criteria. Additionally, permanent residents are entitled to legal protection in Canada under both Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

However, there are certain limitations for permanent residents. They cannot participate in voting, run for political office, or hold specific jobs requiring high-level security clearance.

Obligations for Permanent Residents to Stay in Canada

 

To maintain Permanent Resident (PR) status, individuals must have spent a minimum of 730 days in Canada within the last five years. These days need not be consecutive, and some time spent outside of Canada may count towards the required 730 days.

Calculating Your Permanent Residency Obligation Days

Compliance with the residency obligation involves living in Canada for at least 730 days within the last five years (counted back from the day of signing the PR card renewal application). The requirement does not mandate a consecutive two-year stay; instead, cumulative days over the preceding five years are considered. It's crucial to note that the five-year period should align with the timeframe leading up to the signing of the renewal application.

Meeting this residency obligation qualifies individuals for the renewal of their PR card and status for an additional five years.

Do you fall short on meeting your residency obligation days?

You can still fulfil this requirement while residing outside Canada if any of the following situations apply to you:

·        You are or were employed full-time by a Canadian business, organization, or the Canadian federal, provincial, or territorial government.

·        You travelled with a spouse or common-law partner who is a Canadian citizen.

·        You travelled with a spouse or common-law partner of a permanent resident working full-time outside Canada for a Canadian business or Canadian government organization.

Days spent outside Canada under these circumstances can be included in the count towards meeting the permanent residency obligation.

What are the circumstances that could lead to the loss of Canadian Permanent Residency Status?

You won't lose your Permanent Resident (PR) status simply because your PR card expires. The loss of PR status can occur only if an immigration officer determines, following an inquiry or a PRTD (Permanent Resident Travel Document) appeal after a refusal, that you are no longer a PR.

Alternatively, you have the option to voluntarily renounce your PR status. Another scenario involves the revocation of your status if a removal order against you comes into force. Even if you fail to meet the residency obligation, your PR status will be maintained until an official decision is made regarding your status.

If you are looking to study, work, or live in Canada by applying from India, you may take advantage of the best immigration consultants in Punjab for Canada who guide people and support them in obtaining visitor visas, study visas, work visas, family sponsorship visas, and getting PR through PNP and Express Entry.