Expired P R status - should I take a chance?

[Garth Bedford]

Hi,

My P R status expired because I failed to meet the 730 day obligation. Therefore I obtained a travel document last year and was able to enter Canada without any questions. After just a couple of weeks, due to personal circumstances, I returned to the UK, knowing that in doing so I risked not being allowed re-entry. However, during my brief stay in Canada, I was able to renew by driving licence which is valid for another 4 and a half years.

My question is:- I don't have a travel document, but if I arrive in Canada with my driving licence, SIN card etc, would that be enough to allow me entry? I have been offered full-time employment verbally, at my former employer's. ( My previous experience of Immigration Officers has been good - I have never been questioned/interviewed about my P R Status. )

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Leon]

If you are a UK citizen, you don't actually need a travel document to enter Canada. You can fly on the strength of your visa exempt passport and then deal with immigration as you arrive.

However, if you don't meet the residency requirements, there are no guarantees. The immigration officer could report you on entry and have you appeal for your PR.

 

[Garth Bedford]

Thanks. I feel fairly confident that I should be okay. Last time I went through Immigration without any questions being asked at all. I wasn't asked for any information about my P R status etc.

Thanks again.

 

[Garth Bedford]

Will the previous travel document be on the Immigration database? Its been fixed in to my passport - will the details show upon landing? I was told that it permitted me one entry, and i would have to stay for 2 years. Obviously I didn't meet that requirement when I returned to the UK. I'm worried that because my pr status has expired, that I will be refused. My wife is a canadian citizen.

 

[scylla]

If you have been living outside of Canada with your Canadian citizen wife then the days spent outside of Canada living with her count towards your PR residency obligation.

 

[Garth Bedford]

No, we're separated. I have been in the UK for the past 3 years. We're on speaking terms as friends, but I haven't worked or lived in Canada for 3 years +. She is a Canadian Citizen since 2012.

 

[Msafiri]

Hi,

My P R status expired because I failed to meet the 730 day obligation. Therefore I obtained a travel document last year and was able to enter Canada without any questions. After just a couple of weeks, due to personal circumstances, I returned to the UK, knowing that in doing so I risked not being allowed re-entry. However, during my brief stay in Canada, I was able to renew by driving licence which is valid for another 4 and a half years.

My question is:- I don't have a travel document, but if I arrive in Canada with my driving licence, SIN card etc, would that be enough to allow me entry? I have been offered full-time employment verbally, at my former employer's. ( My previous experience of Immigration Officers has been good - I have never been questioned/interviewed about my P R Status. )

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

If you got a TD despite failing the Residence Obligation you should have taken the chance you got to bring your PR Status back to good standing. You now depend on the mood of the CBSA agent when you return as to if you are reported. The PR Obligation is minimal at 40% (2/5 years) so if you fail it without good reason then the courts side with CIC.