As a permanent resident of Canada, you must meet specific residency obligations to maintain your status. Understanding these requirements is essential to protect your permanent resident rights and benefits.

Basic Residency Requirement

To maintain permanent resident status, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within every 5-year period. This is often referred to as the "2 out of 5 years" rule.

How the 5-Year Period is Calculated

The 5-year period is a rolling period, meaning it is calculated backwards from the date your residency obligation is examined. This examination typically occurs when you:

  • Apply for a Permanent Resident Card renewal

  • Apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)

  • Return to Canada and are examined at a port of entry

Canada does not automatically revoke permanent resident status. A decision about whether you meet residency obligations is only made when an officer examines your status during one of the situations above.

If You Have Been a PR for Less Than 5 Years

If you became a permanent resident less than five years ago, you must demonstrate that you will meet the minimum 730 days of physical presence in Canada within five years of the date you became a permanent resident.

For example, if you became a permanent resident on January 1, 2023, you must show you will accumulate at least 730 days of physical presence by January 1, 2028.

Days That Count Toward Residency

Physical Presence in Canada

Each day you are physically present in Canada counts as one full day toward your residency obligation.

Days Outside Canada That Count

Certain days spent outside Canada may count toward your 730-day requirement:

Accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse or common-law partner

  • Each day you accompany your Canadian citizen spouse or common-law partner outside Canada counts as a day of physical presence in Canada

  • You must be in a genuine relationship

Working for a Canadian business or government

  • Days spent outside Canada working full-time for a Canadian business or the Canadian government count toward residency

  • The business must meet specific criteria as a qualifying Canadian business

  • You must be assigned to work outside Canada on a full-time basis

Accompanying a permanent resident spouse outside Canada

  • If your permanent resident spouse is working abroad for a qualifying Canadian business or the Canadian government, days you spend accompanying them count toward your obligation

Maintaining Ties to Canada

Beyond physical presence, maintaining ties to Canada demonstrates your intention to live in Canada as a permanent resident. These ties include:

  • Owning or renting a home in Canada

  • Maintaining employment or business connections

  • Having bank accounts and credit cards in Canada

  • Keeping a valid driver's license

  • Maintaining family and social connections

  • Filing Canadian income taxes

While these ties alone do not fulfill residency obligations, they support your case if your physical presence is close to the minimum requirement.

Special Circumstances and Exceptions

Protected Persons

If you obtained permanent residence as a protected person under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, different rules may apply. Consult with an immigration professional to understand your specific obligations.

Canadian Armed Forces

If you are a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, time spent abroad on official duties does not count against your residency requirement. Each day of service counts as physical presence in Canada.

Humanitarian and Compassionate Considerations

In exceptional circumstances, you may request consideration based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Examples include:

  • Serious illness preventing return to Canada

  • Family emergencies requiring extended absence

  • Other compelling circumstances beyond your control

Each case is assessed individually. You must provide detailed evidence supporting your circumstances.

Consequences of Not Meeting Residency Obligations

Loss of Permanent Resident Status

If an immigration officer determines you have not met your residency obligations, you may lose your permanent resident status. This typically occurs during:

  • PR card renewal applications

  • PRTD applications

  • Port of entry examinations when returning to Canada

The Examination Process

During an examination, the officer will:

  • Review your physical presence in Canada

  • Assess your ties to Canada

  • Consider any humanitarian and compassionate factors

  • Determine whether you have maintained or abandoned your permanent resident status

Right to Appeal

If an officer determines you have lost your permanent resident status, you will receive written notice. You have the right to appeal this decision to the Immigration Appeal Division within 60 days of receiving the decision.

Maintaining Your Status

Best Practices

Track your travel

  • Keep detailed records of all entries to and exits from Canada

  • Save boarding passes, passport stamps, and travel itineraries

  • Use the CBSA travel history or your passport stamps to verify dates

Plan your absences carefully

  • Calculate your accumulated days before planning extended trips

  • Ensure you maintain more than the minimum 730 days when possible

  • Return to Canada with sufficient time before your PR card expires

Keep supporting documents

  • Employment letters if working abroad for a Canadian employer

  • Proof of relationship if accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse

  • Medical records if unable to return due to health issues

  • Evidence of ties to Canada (leases, bills, tax returns)

Renew your PR card on time

  • Apply for PR card renewal at least 6 months before expiry

  • Ensure you meet residency obligations before applying

  • Keep your address updated with IRCC

When Traveling

If you need to travel outside Canada and may not meet residency obligations upon return, consider:

  • Consulting an immigration professional before leaving

  • Documenting circumstances that may support humanitarian and compassionate considerations

  • Understanding that you may need to apply for a PRTD from abroad if your PR card expires while outside Canada

Important Reminders

Status is not automatically lost

  • Your permanent resident status remains valid until an officer makes a formal determination that you have not met residency obligations

Each examination is independent

  • Previous successful renewals or entries do not guarantee future approvals

  • You must meet residency obligations at each examination

Seek professional advice

  • If you are close to not meeting your obligations, consult an immigration professional before applying for renewal or traveling

  • Early intervention may help you explore options to maintain status

Document everything

  • Keep comprehensive records of your time in and outside Canada

  • Maintain evidence of all exceptions that may apply to you

  • Save documents that demonstrate your ties to Canada

Understanding and meeting your residency obligations is essential to maintaining your permanent resident status in Canada. By carefully tracking your physical presence, planning your travel, and maintaining strong ties to Canada, you can ensure you continue to enjoy the rights and benefits of permanent residence.