When you become a permanent resident of Canada you have a residency obligation to live in the country. The time you spend living in Canada will affect your ability to apply for a permanent residence card renewal or citizenship.
However, if after becoming a permanent resident you end up not living in Canada there are certain criteria that, if met, will count the days spent outside of Canada towards your physical residency in the country.
If you are accompanying your spouse, common law partner or parent (only if the child is under 19 years old) who is a Canadian citizen the days spent outside Canada will count as days spent in Canada.
If you work outside Canada but your employment meets certain requirements the days spent outside Canada will count as days spent in Canada.
If you are accompanying a permanent resident who is your spouse, common law partner or parent (only if the child is under 19 years old) the accompanied person’s employment should meet certain requirements.
To meet any of these exceptions certain mandatory and supplementary documents must be submitted.
If you are outside of Canada and your permanent residence card expired, you will need to apply for a permanent resident travel document. You cannot enter Canada without a valid permanent residence card.
When your permanent residence card expires, you do not automatically cease to be a permanent resident. There might be avenues to help you keep your permanent resident status if your case meets exceptional humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
To learn more about how we can help you with your immigration needs you can write us an email, submit the consultation form or call us.
