Maple News reports that while Canadian permanent residents enjoy many of the rights and benefits of citizens, maintaining their residency status depends on meeting a specific physical presence requirement.
To retain permanent residency in Canada, individuals must be physically present in the country for at least 730 days (equivalent to two years) within a five-year period. This time does not need to be continuous and is calculated on a rolling basis.
However, not all of those 730 days must be spent inside Canada’s borders. Under certain conditions, time spent abroad can count toward the residency requirement:
– If you’re employed full-time by a Canadian business or a government body (federal, provincial, or territorial) and working outside of Canada.
– If you accompany a spouse or common-law partner who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident working overseas for such an employer.
– If you’re a dependent child traveling with a parent who meets these criteria.
Maple News notes that these exceptions are strictly applied and rely on the Canadian connection of the employment or the accompanying family member.
You may travel outside Canada for extended periods, including more than six months, as long as you continue to meet the 730-day rule. However, it’s advisable to travel only after obtaining your Permanent Resident (PR) Card. This official card proves your PR status and is required for re-entry into Canada by air or land.
If your PR Card is lost, expired, or yet to be issued while you’re outside Canada, you must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD). This temporary document allows eligible PRs to return to Canada, but it is not a substitute for holding a valid PR Card.
Maintaining your legal status as a permanent resident also demonstrates your commitment to living in Canada, an important factor if you eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.
For those planning significant time outside the country, careful planning and documentation are key to avoiding issues with re-entry or potential loss of permanent resident status.