How long do I have before I must settle in Canada?

[Omar34]

Hello guys,
I recently received my COPR (much earlier than I thought); I am really happy. But I have a question: how long (after doing the landing) can I remain in my home country before going to Canada permanently?
Is the 2 year out of 5 years strictly applied by Immigration? If I stay 3 years in my country then move to Canada permanently, will it be OK? or will this raise any suspicion of intent?
I do intend to move to Canada and settle there, but I feel that I need 2 or 3 more years here before I make that big move.
Thank you for your help.
Omar

 

[scylla]

Hello guys,
I recently received my COPR (much earlier than I thought); I am really happy. But I have a question: how long (after doing the landing) can I remain in my home country before going to Canada permanently?
Is the 2 year out of 5 years strictly applied by Immigration? If I stay 3 years in my country then move to Canada permanently, will it be OK? or will this raise any suspicion of intent?
I do intend to move to Canada and settle there, but I feel that I need 2 or 3 more years here before I make that big move.
Thank you for your help.
Omar

Yes - the 2 year out of 5 year rule is strictly applied. It's a very bad idea to remain outside of Canada for three years. If you do that, then once you return to Canada you must remain in Canada for 2 years without leaving which typically isn't realistic for most people.

 

[Omar34]

Yes - the 2 year out of 5 year rule is strictly applied. It's a very bad idea to remain outside of Canada for three years. If you do that, then once you return to Canada you must remain in Canada for 2 years without leaving which typically isn't realistic for most people.

Thank you Scylla for your quick reply. So If I stay 3 years and I go to Canada (with a PR card that has 2 years remaining validity), there won't be a risk that I get stopped at immigration or refused entry? I am certain that I can stay 2 years straight in Canada. I won't have a choice; and it's doable for me (unless there are things I am not aware of that forbid me from staying 730 days consecutively in Canada). Thank you v much once again for your expert advice.

 

[canuck78]

Thank you Scylla for your quick reply. So If I stay 3 years and I go to Canada (with a PR card that has 2 years remaining validity), there won't be a risk that I get stopped at immigration or refused entry? I am certain that I can stay 2 years straight in Canada. I won't have a choice; and it's doable for me (unless there are things I am not aware of that forbid me from staying 730 days consecutively in Canada). Thank you v much once again for your expert advice.

That means you won't be able to leave if there is a family emergency, illness or death. No vacation, marriage, marriage celebration, etc. That is why it is good not to cut it close. We see people who arrive at the 3 year mark then expect Canada to be understanding because a family member is sick or died.