A permanent resident of Canada is issued a PR Card, which while traveling offshore proves that they are a permanent resident of Canada. However, this card is required only if they travel in and out on a flight, commercial vehicle, airplane, boat, train or bus. A permanent resident does not need a PR Card to travel to Canada if they are in a private vehicle.
It is the responsibility of the permanent resident to ensure that their PR card is still valid when they return from travel outside Canada, and to apply for a new PR card when their current card expires.
Permanent residency status can be renewed every five years, but there are certain requirements which need to be fulfilled in order to retain the PR status. A permanent resident must be physically present in Canada for at least two years (730 days) in a five year period before the application of PR Card renewal. If they live outside of Canada for a longer period of time, they may lose your permanent resident status.
Days outside of Canada can be counted towards the 730-day requirement, only in the following conditions:
- The permanent resident is employed by a Canadian business or the public service of Canada or a province or a territory and they are assigned a full-time position outside Canada. They need to be working with the employer in Canada after the assignment.
- Accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse, common-law partner or parent (under 19 years of age) outside of Canada
- Accompanying a permanent resident spouse, common-law partner or parent (under 19 years of age) outside of Canada, if they are employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business or in the public service of Canada or of a province or territory.
PR Card Renewal
You can apply for the renewal of PR Card, at least six months before the validity date. This is because the processing of PR card can take longer time (3-4 months) and if you have to travel outside Canada in an emergency, you can be in trouble. You won’t be allowed to enter Canada with expired PR Card.
It may seem that it is quite easy to prepare your application and submit to the immigration office, but there are various complexities. Many people fail to justify that they have met all the obligations of a permanent resident, resulting in a rejection of their case. A well-planned and complete application will increase your likelihood of acceptance and will save you from hassle.
