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How long can an immigrant stay outside Canada?

GerryG

Newbie
May 20, 2013
5
0
Hi, I just want to ask, can an immigrant stay outside Canada for more than 6 months? I am a PR card holder and I went to Canada last November 25, I went back to my home country in December. I have a return ticket this May 23, but as it happens, I'm still not yet done with the things I have to finish. Is it okay for me to extend until June 25? Or is there going to be a problem if I don't return to Canada within the 6 month period?
 

Leon

VIP Member
Jun 13, 2008
21,950
1,318
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
There is no problem being gone for more than 6 months.

The residency obligation used to be 6/12 months but it was changed in 2002 and since then, you only have to stay in Canada 2/5 years.
 

Lozada

Member
Jul 14, 2013
15
0
Hi! In connection with this topic, I just want to be clarified on how long can I stay in the Philippines. I landed in Vancouver last April 16, 2013. I need to go back to Manila this July 23, 2013 to fulfill work related issues. I need to finish my work contract in Manila. I was told that I am only allowed to stay out of Canada for only 6 months. I think this is impossible in my case since my contract ends in April of 2014. In total, I will be out of the country for 8 months. How can I be clarified as to how long can I stay out of Canada? Will I still be allowed to enter Canada if I exceed the 6 month absence? Thanks!
 

Leon

VIP Member
Jun 13, 2008
21,950
1,318
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
Lozada, as seen in the previous replies, the 6 months rule was discontinued in 2002. The only rule we have now is that you must accumulate at least 730 days (2 years) in Canada in your first 5 years as a PR and after that in any rolling 5 year period. That means that once you have been a PR for more than 5 years, they will always check if you have at least 730 days in the past 5 years.
 

barley

Member
Oct 7, 2011
10
0
We were also informed at landing that living outside of Canada, if your Canadian citizen spouse is with you, still counts as time in Canada.
This could mean remaining outside of Canada for any extended period of time, even 10 years. We didn't realize this until the landing officer clarified it for us.
 

Dela Paz

Newbie
Dec 8, 2016
1
0
Does this 2 year rule apply for all ages? I am 17 and am am going to Canada next year for the first time after our family got permanent residence.

Me and my 12 year old sibling are only planning to stay there for atleast three months, then go back here in the Philippines to study on June and stay until narch 2018 (10 moths). Can we do that?
 

zardoz

VIP Member
Feb 2, 2013
13,304
2,166
Canada
Category........
FAM
Visa Office......
London
App. Filed.......
16-02-2013
VISA ISSUED...
31-07-2013
LANDED..........
09-11-2013
Dela Paz said:
Does this 2 year rule apply for all ages? I am 17 and am am going to Canada next year for the first time after our family got permanent residence.

Me and my 12 year old sibling are only planning to stay there for atleast three months, then go back here in the Philippines to study on June and stay until narch 2018 (10 moths). Can we do that?
Yes. It applies to everyone.