entering Canada before PR card expiry, applying to renew 5 years later? HELP!

[ribbedwings]

i'm hoping someone can please help me find my way through this maze.
I became a landed immigrant in September 2008 right in time for university.
i started off in a canadian university for about a year and then decided to go to the UK to pursue a four year professional degree instead as the cut-off requirements for the same degree in Canada were very competitive and I couldn't take the stress.
I've just completed my third year in the UK and will graduate in June 2013. My pr card expires in October 2013. I have plans to spend Easter break in March in Canada, then I plan to immediately jet off to Canada upon receiving my degree and not leave for the next 5 years.

I know that I will be eligible to apply to renew my PR card in 5 years, but I am wondering what the risks are in entering in July when my card expires in October. Will I be stopped by immigration officers? Will they question where I've been? I would only have left for a few months considering I'm spending Easter Break in Canada.

I will also have to sit for licensing exams to convert my degree and become a part of the professional boards of Canada.. and after this hope to look for a job. My question is: will employers care that my pr card has expired? I have a valid SIN of course, and landing papers etc. I'm just wondering what my chances are of settling in Canada. I would definitely have liked to have studied in Canada and fulfill the residency requirements but the system is different in the UK and suited me more. ALl help much appreciated!

 

[newtone]

You wont have any problems as long as you enter Canada before your PR expires, most people are doing that nowadays.

 

[Leon]

It is not certain that you will walk through the border without a problem. The immigration officers can ask where you have been and if you meet the residency requirements. If they believe you don't meet them, they can report you and you might have to appeal for your PR. However, they don't seem to report people very often.

If you do get into Canada without getting reported, you can renew your PR card after staying for a full 2 years.

Employers will not care to see your PR card. They just want to see your SIN.

 

[Hasher]

Not sure, but I read some where that there is some concession for those residence living abroad for education or training purpose.

 

[Leon]

No, there are no exceptions for those who have been abroad studying. There are exceptions for PR's who were transferred to a position outside Canada by their Canadian employer, same as for the spouses and minor children of such people who have been living with them abroad, same as for spouses and children of Canadian citizens.

There are also Humane and Compassionate grounds on a case by case basis, say you were abroad taking care of your seriously ill close relative and you can prove this.