Family visa expiration question

[Nisekofc]

My Japanese wife and I got her Canadian spousal sponsorship and received her residency in 2007. About a year later her mother became sick and we returned to Japan as a family. We are know ready to return to Canada and wonder if we must reapply for h visa or if it still is valid.
Thanks

[canadianwoman]

PR cards are good for 5 years; she will probably have to apply for a new one - a new card, not a whole new PR visa application.
See CIC's website here for info:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/pr-card/index.asp

A Canadian PR has to stay in Canada 2 years out of every 5 to maintain status; however, if the PR is living outside Canada with a Canadian citizen spouse, that time is considered as part of the '2 years in Canada'. So if you are a Canadian citizen, your wife won't need to reapply for a PR visa.