Expired PR, Residency obligations not met

[Venks88]

Hello Folks,

I got married to a Canadian and obtained a PR. I entered Canada and got it validated and received my PR card (total stay in Canada should amount to 60 days)

Prior to my wedding I was in the USA and continued to stay there till I finished my PhD + Post Doc. Now that it’s all done I”we wanted to return back to Canada.

I have been living with my husband in the USA for the last 6 years. In that time my PR card has expired (PR card expired on Oct 2024)

I have not met the residency obligations. What would be the next steps to return to Canada ? My message transactions/responses with IRCC always seems very automated and very incomplete.

I am not sure on what to do next. Any advice or information would be fantastic.

Thank you.

 

[Naturgrl]

Hello Folks,

I got married to a Canadian and obtained a PR. I entered Canada and got it validated and received my PR card (total stay in Canada should amount to 60 days)

Prior to my wedding I was in the USA and continued to stay there till I finished my PhD + Post Doc. Now that it’s all done I”we wanted to return back to Canada.

I have been living with my husband in the USA for the last 6 years. In that time my PR card has expired (PR card expired on Oct 2024)

I have not met the residency obligations. What would be the next steps to return to Canada ? My message transactions/responses with IRCC always seems very automated and very incomplete.

I am not sure on what to do next. Any advice or information would be fantastic.

Thank you.

Where has your Canadian spouse been the whole time. If in Canada then enter through a land border, and stay in Canada until PR is met to renew.

 

[Venks88]

My spouse has stayed with me in the USA for the entire duration (6 years).

 

[armoured]

My spouse has stayed with me in the USA for the entire duration (6 years).

Then your time together in USA should count towards the residency obligation.* You can return together, explain at border now returning, and apply for PR card upon arrival. You will see a section where you include time together abroad.

One caveat, it may take some time to get the PR card, and you may have some difficulty getting healthcare insurance until you get it. (Hope you already have a SIN card)

*There's a rather in-the-weeds discussion which might hypothetically be relevant, about whether you 'accompanied' one another abroad and the definition of exactly what that means. I'm inclined to say if you've lived together for last five+ years and are returning together this will not prove an issue.