Residency Obligation for Permanent Residents
As a permanent resident of Canada, you are required to meet specific residency obligations to maintain your status. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in the loss of your permanent residency. At Precious Immigration Solution, we are here to help you understand and navigate these obligations to ensure you remain on the path to citizenship.
What is the Residency Obligation?
Permanent residents must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) within a 5-year period. These days do not need to be consecutive, and certain circumstances may allow you to count time spent outside Canada toward this obligation.
Exceptions to the Physical Presence Requirement
You may still meet your residency obligation while outside Canada under the following conditions:
- Accompanying a Canadian Citizen: If you are living with your Canadian citizen spouse, common-law partner, or parent.
- Employment by a Canadian Employer: If you are working for a Canadian business or the Canadian government outside Canada.
- Accompanying a Permanent Resident Employed Abroad: If your family member is a permanent resident meeting their residency obligations through employment outside Canada.
Consequences of Failing to Meet Residency Obligations
If you fail to meet the 730-day requirement, you may lose your permanent resident status. This could happen in the following scenarios:
- At the port of entry during re-entry into Canada.
- When applying for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to return to Canada.
How We Can Help
At Precious Immigration Solution, we have extensive experience assisting clients who face challenges related to residency obligations. Our services include:
- Residency Obligation Assessments: We review your time in and out of Canada to determine if you meet the 730-day requirement or qualify for any exceptions.
- Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds: If you fail to meet the obligation, we can help prepare an application on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, highlighting reasons such as family separation, medical conditions, or other exceptional circumstances.
- Guidance on Maintaining Status: We provide advice on steps to take to maintain your permanent resident status, including travel planning and documentation.
Success Stories
- Assisted a client who had been outside Canada for over three years due to caring for a sick parent. We successfully argued humanitarian and compassionate grounds to retain their permanent residency.
- Helped a permanent resident meet their residency obligation by proving their employment abroad with a Canadian company.
- Secured a PRTD for a client facing residency obligation issues by demonstrating valid exceptions and ties to Canada.
Why Choose Precious Immigration Solution?
- 6 Years of Expertise: Our team has a proven track record of successfully assisting permanent residents with residency obligation challenges.
- Tailored Strategies: Every situation is unique, and we provide customized solutions to meet your specific needs.
- Compassionate Approach: We understand the stress and uncertainty surrounding residency issues and handle each case with care and professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. an I lose my permanent resident status without being notified?
A. No, your permanent resident status is not automatically lost. It requires a formal decision by an immigration officer or tribunal.
Q. How can I calculate my days in Canada?
A. You can use IRCC’s physical presence calculator or consult us to ensure an accurate assessment of your residency days.
Q. What happens if I don’t meet my residency obligation?
A. If you don’t meet your residency obligation, you may lose your permanent resident status. However, you remain a permanent resident until an official decision is made on your status.
Protect Your Permanent Resident Status
At Precious Immigration Solution, we are dedicated to helping you meet your residency obligations and retain your permanent residency. Whether you need guidance with calculating your days, applying for a PRTD, or understanding your options, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward safeguarding your status in Canada.