Will you lose your residency if you stay out of Canada too long?

Answer 1

Permanent residents of Canada are given a card valid for 5 years. Within every 5 years period, you need to be physically present for a total of at least 2 years (730 days) in order to be eligible for a renewal. Otherwise, you should satisfy the Immigration officials for your absence by 4 ways in order to renew your card:

• Be under employment of a Canadian company when outside of Canada, or
• accompany of a spouse who is a PR of Canada and under the employment of a Canadian company outside of Canada, or
• Accompany a Canadian citizen spouse outside of Canada, or
• Hold a valid returning resident permit for your duration of stay outside of Canada.

Failing to meet any of the above requirements or committing a major crime may cause individuals to lose their permanent resident status.