stay outside canada after landing

[pantear]

dear all,
i have landed in canada on June 31,2010 and after 10 days left the canada.i would like to know how long i can stay outside canada after landing to keep my residency status?by the way i have received my PR card in August.
thank you for your reply in advance
pantea

[Sihs]

Dear Pantear;

Form all the posts I've read before, I understand that you need to be present in Canada a total of 2 years out of 5 years which is the validity of the PR card. But yoy can find the exact information on [size=12pt]www.cic.gc.ca[/size].

And can I ask you what address did you provide on landing for the delivery of your PR cards? was it a friend's or a hotel?

Thanks, Sihs

[pantear]

friend address...so you mean no matter how long after first landing to stay outside of canada,only 2 years has to be completed out of 5 years?! i mean no need like usa to enter every 6 month to keep the residency valid?

[Sihs]

Yes that's what I mean, no need to enter every 6 months like the States. on the cic website it tells you exactly how many days in the last 5 years you have to be present, and I suggest you read it as it's very informative.

[pantear]

thank you so much for your help...

[Sihs]

Your welcome, but remember staying 2 years out of 5 in Canada is only in order for you to be able to renew your residency, but if you want to apply for citizenship, then you must be there for a minimum of 3 years in the last 5 years. Good luck

[pantear]

thanks again!

[scylla]

Actually, to apply for citizenship, you need to be in Canada for 3 years out of the last 4 (not 5).

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/become-eligibility.asp#time