Skip to main content

PR Renewal & Residency Obligations

Maintain your permanent resident status and protect your future in Canada

By law, permanent residents are required to spend at least 730 days in Canada in a 5-year period unless certain situations apply. If you're worried about meeting your residency obligations or need to renew your PR card, we're here to help you navigate the process successfully.

Check Your Eligibility

Understanding Residency Obligations

By law, permanent residents are required to spend at least 730 days in Canada in a 5-year period unless certain situations apply, such as when you are working for a Canadian company abroad or traveling abroad with your spouse who is a Canadian citizen. If you are a permanent resident who does not meet the above requirements, you may not be fulfilling your residency obligations.

It is possible for the Government of Canada to take away your permanent residency if you are not meeting your residency obligations. However, because Canada is a nation of laws, the government is not allowed to arbitrarily take away your permanent residency even though you have not met your residency obligations. Due process must be followed, in which case you will be afforded an opportunity to present your case as to why you did not meet your residency obligations.

If you are a permanent resident and you are worried that you might lose your status, do not panic. Contact us and let us discuss your situation, including how we can help you to keep your status.

730 Days Required
Due Process Protection
Expert Guidance
PR Renewal & Residency

Key Residency Requirements

Understanding what's required to maintain your permanent resident status

730 Days Requirement

730 Days Requirement

Permanent residents must spend at least 730 days (2 years) in Canada within a 5-year period to maintain their status.

Exceptions Apply

Exceptions Apply

Working for a Canadian company abroad or traveling with a Canadian citizen spouse may count toward residency obligations.

Due Process Protection

Due Process Protection

Canada follows due process - you'll have opportunity to present your case before any status removal decision is made.

Expert Assistance

Expert Assistance

If you're worried about losing your status, contact us to discuss your situation and explore options to maintain your PR.

Important Information

The 730-day requirement is calculated over a rolling 5-year period. This means that at any point in time, you must have been physically present in Canada for at least 730 days during the previous 5 years to maintain your permanent resident status.

Certain exceptions may apply if you are accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse or common-law partner abroad, or if you are employed full-time by a Canadian business or the Canadian government while outside Canada. These situations may count toward your residency obligation even though you are not physically in Canada.

At Crest Immigration Services Inc., we help permanent residents understand their residency obligations, assess their compliance, and provide expert guidance on maintaining or restoring their PR status. If you're concerned about your residency obligations, contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Eligibility Requirements

Ensure you meet these requirements before applying for PR card renewal

Permanent Resident Status

You must currently hold valid permanent resident status in Canada to be eligible for PR card renewal.

Residency Obligation Met

You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within the last 5 years, or meet exception criteria.

No Removal Order

You must not be subject to a removal order or under investigation for serious inadmissibility issues.

Valid Documentation

You must have valid travel documents and be able to provide proof of your time spent in Canada.

Our PR Renewal Process

We guide you through every step of maintaining your permanent resident status

1

Status Assessment

We review your travel history, time spent in Canada, and calculate whether you meet the residency obligation requirements.

2

Exception Analysis

We identify any applicable exceptions such as employment with Canadian companies abroad or accompanying Canadian citizen family members.

3

Document Preparation

We gather all supporting documents including travel records, employment letters, and evidence of ties to Canada.

4

Application Submission

We prepare and submit your PR card renewal application with comprehensive documentation to support your case.

5

Response to Concerns

If IRCC raises concerns about residency obligations, we prepare detailed responses and supporting evidence on your behalf.

6

Status Maintenance

Upon successful renewal, we provide guidance on maintaining your PR status and planning future travel to ensure compliance.

Benefits of Maintaining PR Status

Maintain your permanent resident status in Canada
Continue to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada
Access to Canadian healthcare and social benefits
Pathway to Canadian citizenship eligibility
Sponsor eligible family members to Canada
Protection under Canadian law and Charter of Rights

Processing Time

PR card renewal applications typically take 30-90 days to process when all documentation is complete and residency obligations are clearly met. If there are concerns about residency obligations, the process may take longer as additional review and documentation may be required. Our experienced team ensures your application is thorough, well-documented, and addresses any potential concerns upfront to minimize delays and maximize your chances of successful renewal.

Concerned About Your PR Status?

Don't wait until it's too late. Let our experienced immigration consultants assess your residency obligations and help you maintain your permanent resident status. Book a consultation with us today.