Hi, I didn't really know where to post this thread because of the complexity of my situation, but I am currently an International Student in Ontario so I wondered if there was anyone else in a similar situation or if experienced forum members could help me out. This may be a little long, but please bear with me.
In 2001, I was a Canadian PR residing in Vancouver for 1.5 years, but then my parents split up and I moved back to my home country with my mother. Up until now, my family and I thought that my PR status was gone. In 2015, I decided I wanted to pursue a degree in Canada, and while pursuing said degree I've decided that I would like to live and work here, and eventually regain my PR status.
When I entered Canada in 2015, by pure chance, I entered the day before eTAs became mandatory for visitors, so my Study Permit did not automatically come with an eTA. I retroactively applied for one while studying in Canada and everything went smoothly.
Last week, I renewed my passport, and I re-applied for an eTA for my new passport and expected a smooth process just like the first time around. I am planning to travel for the winter break, and from what I've been told as long as I have my old passport, study permit, and new passport with approved eTA, then everything should go fine at immigration.
However, I received a reply from IRCC stating that "A review of your file shows that you may still be or once were a Canadian permanent resident (PR)." My current eTA application is put on hold, and will be cancelled if I don't respond with one of their options within ten days:
A) Give up my PR status and continue with my eTA application
B) Maintain my PR status by applying for a PR card, but only if I've met the PR obligations
I did not know that PR status in Canada does not expire, but remains until formally relinquished.
So, I've been advised to pick option A and relinquish my expired PR status to continue with my eTA application. To be honest, I'm fine with this option, however I do have my concerns:
1. Will this effect my status as a student? I'm worried that this may effect my Study Permit in some way and I'll be deported when I'm just about to be finished with my degree.
2. Since my long term goal is to get a PR, will relinquishing my expired PR status now effect my future PR application? I.e. will I have penalties or will I be barred from re-applying for a certain amount of time?
3. Is option A really my best option, or are there other alternatives that have a good chance at success (such as renewing my expired PR status since I've been a temporary resident since 2015, but obviously haven't met PR obligations prior to that)?
In 2001, I was a Canadian PR residing in Vancouver for 1.5 years, but then my parents split up and I moved back to my home country with my mother. Up until now, my family and I thought that my PR status was gone. In 2015, I decided I wanted to pursue a degree in Canada, and while pursuing said degree I've decided that I would like to live and work here, and eventually regain my PR status.
When I entered Canada in 2015, by pure chance, I entered the day before eTAs became mandatory for visitors, so my Study Permit did not automatically come with an eTA. I retroactively applied for one while studying in Canada and everything went smoothly.
Last week, I renewed my passport, and I re-applied for an eTA for my new passport and expected a smooth process just like the first time around. I am planning to travel for the winter break, and from what I've been told as long as I have my old passport, study permit, and new passport with approved eTA, then everything should go fine at immigration.
However, I received a reply from IRCC stating that "A review of your file shows that you may still be or once were a Canadian permanent resident (PR)." My current eTA application is put on hold, and will be cancelled if I don't respond with one of their options within ten days:
A) Give up my PR status and continue with my eTA application
B) Maintain my PR status by applying for a PR card, but only if I've met the PR obligations
I did not know that PR status in Canada does not expire, but remains until formally relinquished.
So, I've been advised to pick option A and relinquish my expired PR status to continue with my eTA application. To be honest, I'm fine with this option, however I do have my concerns:
1. Will this effect my status as a student? I'm worried that this may effect my Study Permit in some way and I'll be deported when I'm just about to be finished with my degree.
2. Since my long term goal is to get a PR, will relinquishing my expired PR status now effect my future PR application? I.e. will I have penalties or will I be barred from re-applying for a certain amount of time?
3. Is option A really my best option, or are there other alternatives that have a good chance at success (such as renewing my expired PR status since I've been a temporary resident since 2015, but obviously haven't met PR obligations prior to that)?
