Permanent Resident card renewal, Applied last April,

[Irish Colleen]

I did my renewal for PR Card in April, it said 66 days on the website, so I went ahead and booked a flight to see my kids in UK for the end of August. I had child care commitments for my granddaughter . I was then put in review, probably for my days out of Canada over the 5 year Period . I go to Florida for winters, but I’m always with my Canadian husband, so as per the CIC website, those days should not be counted.

I’m in Florida and looking to enter Canada next month with my husband. I have all my immigration docs, proof of filed taxes, marriage certificate, etc. Do I need a lawyers letter, what good would it do?

Thanks

 

[Rob_TO]

I did my renewal for PR Card in April, it said 66 days on the website, so I went ahead and booked a flight to see my kids in UK for the end of August. I had child care commitments for my granddaughter . I was then put in review, probably for my days out of Canada over the 5 year Period . I go to Florida for winters, but I’m always with my Canadian husband, so as per the CIC website, those days should not be counted.

I’m in Florida and looking to enter Canada next month with my husband. I have all my immigration docs, proof of filed taxes, marriage certificate, etc. Do I need a lawyers letter, what good would it do?

Thanks

So you are currently in Florida, without a PR card?

In this case, you can't board an airplane back to Canada. To do so, you'd need to apply for a PR Travel Document: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5529-applying-permanent-resident-travel-document.html
You'll need to mail this along with your passport to one of the USA Visa Application Centres (I think in LA, NY and Washington). So would budget several weeks for the process.

Else, the only other option is to drive across the border into Canada. CBSA can look up your PR status on the spot.

 

[Irish Colleen]

No, but we are driving in our own car, that document is only for commercial travel?

So you are currently in Florida, without a PR card?

In this case, you can't board an airplane back to Canada. To do so, you'd need to apply for a PR Travel Document: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5529-applying-permanent-resident-travel-document.html
You'll need to mail this along with your passport to one of the USA Visa Application Centres (I think in LA, NY and Washington). So would budget several weeks for the process.

Else, the only other option is to drive across the border into Canada. CBSA can look up your PR status on the spot.[/QUOTE

 

[Irish Colleen]

We are driving home to Canada in our own car, so we don’t need a travel document as per CIC website.

 

[Irish Colleen]

We are driving home to Canada in our own car, so we don’t need a travel document as per CIC website.

How long does a review take? What is it for?

 

[Rob_TO]

We are driving home to Canada in our own car, so we don’t need a travel document as per CIC website.

Yes in that case you are fine. Just show passport, plus can show expired PR card, COPR, proof of renewal in progress etc to help expedite CBSA looking up your PR status.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

How long does a review take? What is it for?

Secondary review can take many, many months. There is no official timeline. Apps are generally sent to secondary when the person is close to not meeting the RO. As you spent a significant amount of time outside of Canada and are claiming that time was with your Canadian spouse, further investigation is needed to make sure that your claim is genuine.

 

[Rob_TO]

How long does a review take? What is it for?

Did you submit evidence that you were living with your Canadian spouse for the times spent outside Canada?

 

[Irish Colleen]

I have approached a lawyer, but the fee for a letter is $600 and HST. Is it worth it. I have my MP in Canada calling for updates, as I can’t connect to CIC by phone from US. Not sure a letter from a lawyer who has no access to my case will do any good?

 

[mats]

I have approached a lawyer, but the fee for a letter is $600 and HST. Is it worth it. I have my MP in Canada calling for updates, as I can’t connect to CIC by phone from US. Not sure a letter from a lawyer who has no access to my case will do any good?

Lawyers letter what for? To cross into Canada, a valid passport and expired PR card is enough as you are driving in by your own car.

 

[Irish Colleen]

When I did my renewal app, it asked for every movement during the 5 year period up to my renewal. I’m sure that the paperwork asks who you travel with?? Here in Florida we have to complete an 8840 to US Government. This document states our ‘closer connection to Canada ‘ where we file taxes etc? We have all those forms. Would it do any good to send it now? They have not asked for any more evidence so would they accept this now?

 

[Rob_TO]

I have approached a lawyer, but the fee for a letter is $600 and HST. Is it worth it. I have my MP in Canada calling for updates, as I can’t connect to CIC by phone from US. Not sure a letter from a lawyer who has no access to my case will do any good?

No. As I said, CBSA can simply verify your PR status on the spot. No letter is required, literaly thousands of PRs have crossed the land border with no PR card, with no issues at all. You are overcomplicating this and don't need to call IRCC or your MP.

Bring expired PR card, COPR, etc as extra proof if you want.

 

[mats]

When I did my renewal app, it asked for every movement during the 5 year period up to my renewal. I’m sure that the paperwork asks who you travel with?? Here in Florida we have to complete an 8840 to US Government. This document states our ‘closer connection to Canada ‘ where we file taxes etc? We have all those forms. Would it do any good to send it now? They have not asked for any more evidence so would they accept this now?

If I remember the PR renewal application, the days absent from Canada ask to detail, if you have been outside with Canadian spouse if the days were less than 730. Anyways, if CIC requires more documentation they will definitely ask.

 

[Irish Colleen]

Mats The days out were approx 670 in the 5 year period. Most of them to Florida with my Canadian husband. A few short trips to Europe to visit family in Ireland and uk alone. But majority to Florida with husband.

Should I send the copies of our 8840 in?

 

[Irish Colleen]

Thanks Rob_TO