Permanent ResidenceBack
About PR Status: A permanent resident is someone who has been given permanent resident status by immigration to Canada but is not a Canadian Citizen. Permanent residents are citizens of other countries. Permanent residents have the right to live, work, study and access social services in Canada. Permanent Resident card also gives the holder an opportunity to apply for Canadian Citizenship once they fulfill the requirements. They cannot however, vote or hold government office. Also, they cannot obtain a Canadian Passport. There are many different programs that can be used to acquire this status:
- Family Class Immigration
- Business Immigration
- Skilled worker/professional
- Canadian Experience Class
At Mehta and Bansal Law, we can help you decide the category that you might be most likely to be eligible. Come in for a consultation so that we can share our expertise and experience with you in applying for PR Status in Canada.
PR Card Renewal: If you have a PR card that has expired or is about to be expired or your card is lost or stolen or damaged, you can apply for a card renewal. Most new cards are valid for 5 years. Those who need to apply for a Permanent Resident Card fall under three categories:
- Applying for a first Permanent Resident Card
- Replacing a lost, stolen, or expired Permanent Resident Card
- Requiring urgent processing of Permanent Resident Card application
You must submit a Canadian Permanent Resident Card Renewal application to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). On the application you will submit information regarding your travel outside of Canada, address, and employment history for the past five years. Based on the information you provide an immigration officer will determine if you meet the Canadian Residency Requirements. In some cases, the renewal can be expedited, especially if you need to travel outside of Canada and your card has expired. At Mehta and Bansal Law we are well versed in the process and can help you renew your PR card. Give us a call today!
PR Residency Requirements: In order to renew your Canadian PR Card, you must meet the requirements for permanent residency in Canada:
- Have been a permanent residence of 5 years or more, and have lived in Canada for 2 years (730 days) in that 5-year period. The 730 days need not be continuous and some of your time abroad may count towards the 730 days.
- If you have been a permanent resident for less than 5 years, you must show how you will meet this requirement.
It is important to keep your residency obligation in mind each time you travel abroad, especially if you do so frequently. You must be careful that you spend at least half of your time living in Canada, or you risk losing your permanent resident status. There are some exceptions for travel that might be considered while applying for the PR status. At Mehta and Bansal Law we are aware of all the exceptions and intricacies of these laws and help you navigate the process. Come in for a consultation today!
Loss or Expiration of PR Status: You don’t lose your permanent resident status when your PR card expires. You can only lose your status if you go through an official process.
However, you can lose your permanent resident status if:
- An adjudicator determines you are no longer a permanent resident after an inquiry or PRTD appeal;
- You voluntarily renounce your permanent resident status;
- A removal order is made against you and comes into force; or
- You become a Canadian citizen.
Even if you don't meet the residency obligation, you are still a PR until an official decision is made on your status
PR status can be a complicated matter. At Mehta and Bansal Law, we can answer all your questions regarding the obtaining, maintaining and loss of PR status. Give us a call today!
