Status of PR while waiting for Citizenship

[kunishsa]

Hi All
My PR and my family PR cards have expired and I had recently applied for Citizenship. While I am waiting for the citizenship, is it OK to have the PR cards expired? Or Do I have to renew my PR cards as well? I am in Canada for most of my PR period and even after my PR card expiry. I didn't travel to any other country. Please suggest.

 

[k.h.p.]

If you don't need to travel out of Canada, you're fine. The cards have expired but your PR status has not.

 

[Dr_Midnite]

Hi All
My PR and my family PR cards have expired and I had recently applied for Citizenship. While I am waiting for the citizenship, is it OK to have the PR cards expired? Or Do I have to renew my PR cards as well? I am in Canada for most of my PR period and even after my PR card expiry. I didn't travel to any other country. Please suggest.

You are OK to remain in Canada, you do not have to renew although for a small cost I am renewing it as I do travel outside of Canada. The PR card is only required if you return to Canada using commercial travel. If you travel in a private car across the USA border you can return if you have a copy of your landing or COPR in absence of a valid PR card.

 

[kunishsa]

Thanks a lot for your response. So the 5 year validity that was given on the PR card is just for the PR cards, but not for PR status itself. Am I correct? Also I wouldn't be asked of any questions on my PR cards at the time of interview (or) any future communications related to my Citizenship application process. Is that a correct assumption?

 

[k.h.p.]

Thanks a lot for your response. So the 5 year validity that was given on the PR card is just for the PR cards, but not for PR status itself. Am I correct? Also I wouldn't be asked of any questions on my PR cards at the time of interview (or) any future communications related to my Citizenship application process. Is that a correct assumption?

Correct, the five year validity on the card is for the card. If you've stayed in Canada and not really left, you're fine for your residency obligation.

You will be asked to submit your most recent PR card as part of the process, but they won't care about it being expired.

 

[Dr_Midnite]

Thanks a lot for your response. So the 5 year validity that was given on the PR card is just for the PR cards, but not for PR status itself. Am I correct? Also I wouldn't be asked of any questions on my PR cards at the time of interview (or) any future communications related to my Citizenship application process. Is that a correct assumption?

Correct your status remains, you just have to renew your card and validate you have satisfied the requirements to remain a resident over the 5 years. Processing times are about 25 days at the moment. In Ontario we have to renew our Drivers License & Health Card on a 5 year cycle.

No questions asked at the time of the test, they did want to see my PR card when we entered the test room to validate your identify. Other than that no other questions.