730-day compliance and urgent travel options

[me_maha]

Hi, I have a query. I have two years left on my initial 5 years and I just moved to Canada. I just came to know about 730-day compliance rule. So if i need to travel in case of emergencyeven for a week of two outside canada, I become non-compliant. Would I have an issues when i get back. Would i be reported non compliant at the airport and a case of removal can start?

 

[Naturgrl]

As long as your PR card is valid, no.

 

[me_maha]

As long as your PR card is valid, no.

What I’m concerned about is whether, if I leave Canada and then try to re-enter, I could be questioned or reported at the border even though my PR card is still valid, if the officer determines that, based on the number of days I’ve already spent outside Canada and the time remaining in my initial five-year period, I would no longer be able to meet the 730-day residency obligation.

 

[Naturgrl]

What I’m concerned about is whether, if I leave Canada and then try to re-enter, I could be questioned or reported at the border even though my PR card is still valid, if the officer determines that, based on the number of days I’ve already spent outside Canada and the time remaining in my initial five-year period, I would no longer be able to meet the 730-day residency obligation.

You can be questioned if a citizen. You have valid PR card then you can enter. So if questioned then tell the truth, and if reported (unlikely) then you deal with it and don't leave until you meet RO.

 

[canuck78]

Hi, I have a query. I have two years left on my initial 5 years and I just moved to Canada. I just came to know about 730-day compliance rule. So if i need to travel in case of emergencyeven for a week of two outside canada, I become non-compliant. Would I have an issues when i get back. Would i be reported non compliant at the airport and a case of removal can start?

You can always be reported when entering Canada for not being compliant with your RO. Obviously there are genuine emergencies or occasions where it may be worthwhile taking the risk and leaving Canada. The risk of being reported is dependent on so many things and can change over time. For example the likelihood of being reported seems to have increased at the tail end of the Trudeau government and appears to have also increased under the Carney government. Although the laws have not changed whether enforcement is a priority and how much of a priority it is often what does change. This is typically related to who is in government and voter sentiment. When it comes to being reported and fighting to try to save your PR status that comes down to things like facts, reasons for travel and documentation. If you do travel due to an emergency make sure to collect proof of what made this an emergency. Proof can be important when the officer is deciding whether they should report you for not being compliant with your RO and will also be important if you are reported and you are appealing the loss of your PR status.