How to Maintain Canadian Residency
As a permanent resident in Canada, you are entitled to most of the benefits that a Canadian citizen enjoys, including health care coverage. You can live, study or work anywhere in Canada and are protected under the Canadian laws. You can also apply for Canadian citizenship. You cannot, however, vote or run for political office and hold jobs that require a high level of security clearance. Your permanent residence status allows you to live outside of Canada, but you have to make sure you don't lose your residency.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Live in Canada for at least two out of every five years. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) requires you to live in Canada for at least two years out of every five. You can move in and out of Canada, but there is a limit on how long you can be away from the country.
-
2
Do not commit a serious crime. If you have committed or been convicted of a crime in or outside of Canada, you will be deported from Canada or will not be allowed to visit the country. If you are declared not guilty, you will be allowed to reenter Canada.
-
-
3
Know that you can reside longer outside Canada for special reasons. Your days outside Canada would also be counted as residency days if you are accompanying a family member who is a permanent resident and is employed by a Canadian business or by the Canadian and provincial government.
-
4
File an appeal. If you lost your residency because you lived outside Canada for more than three years within a five-year period, you may file an appeal with the Immigration Appeal Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board within 30 days after you receive your removal order. You will not be deported from Canada until the Immigration Appeal Division makes a decision. Consider getting legal help.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The wallet-sized Permanent Resident Card is required for all permanent residents of Canada seeking to reenter Canada through an airplane, boat, train, bus or car. Permanent residents receive this card automatically as part of immigration process.
When you become a Canadian citizen, you are no longer subject to residency requirements.
The Permanent Resident Card expires after five years. Apply for a new one before expiration date.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit flag. flag of canada. canadian flag image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
