Outside canada for 2.5 years. What will I be questioned at the border? What documents to show?

[empower]

I did soft landing in Canada in November 2023 and left in 5 days. I have my PR card too. I am planning to go back to canada in April 2026 so that's 2.5 years outside. Based on people's actual experiences in similar situations, what questions were you asked by the officers when entering Canada? Were you allowed inside without any issues? What documents did you provide? Please guide, I'm worried.

 

[armoured]

I did soft landing in Canada in November 2023 and left in 5 days. I have my PR card too. I am planning to go back to canada in April 2026 so that's 2.5 years outside. Based on people's actual experiences in similar situations, what questions were you asked by the officers when entering Canada? Were you allowed inside without any issues? What documents did you provide? Please guide, I'm worried.

Haven't faced this but still fairly clear: if you've been outside Canada less than 3 years in last five (discarding any days before you became a PR, i.e. since you became a PR in your case), you are in compliance with the residency obligation and nothing to worry about. Tell the truth and you'll be fine.

 

[empower]

Haven't faced this but still fairly clear: if you've been outside Canada less than 3 years in last five (discarding any days before you became a PR, i.e. since you became a PR in your case), you are in compliance with the residency obligation and nothing to worry about. Tell the truth and you'll be fine.

I understand but the officers mostly do question the PRs who are entering Canada after a long absence. I need to know what questions they ask and what documents they ask to provide to prepare accordingly.

 

[armoured]

I understand but the officers mostly do question the PRs who are entering Canada after a long absence. I need to know what questions they ask and what documents they ask to provide to prepare accordingly.

I'm not sure I agree with your assumption but: repeat that you are in compliance with the residency obligation. If they ask where you were, you tell the truth - you were [whatever.] Other questions you might get asked might be about your stuff, plans to stay, etc. Unless you're admitting outright to a crime or smuggling something in that you're not allowed to bring into the country, there's no issue - or put better, there's no issue related to your PR status/residency.

For someone who's been away a lot - they really are only out to determine whether you're in compliance. Since three years since the day you became a PR have not yet passed - you are by definition/construction in compliance with the residency obligation.

It's possible at the end they'll say something like "be careful with your residency obligation." That will be good advice (and consider it a warning) - but not a problem.

 

[empower]

Below is what Gemini responded. Most LLMs gave me similar responses.

"You will be flagged and likely reported for a breach even though you have time left.

• Reason: The CBSA officer's duty is to assess your future intent and ability to stay in Canada. Your past pattern (leaving immediately for 2.5 years for a non-exemptible reason) creates a reasonable suspicion that you lack the permanent intent required of a PR and might leave again.
• The Result: The officer issues a Breach Report (Section 44 Report). This report forces your case to be reviewed by the Immigration Division (IRB), months after you enter Canada. This is the government's way of formally intervening."