Please Advise: Expiring PR while having to stay in US

[veritasonly]

Hello,

I got my PR card and landed in Canada in June 2008. I left after only a few days to the States to study for a PhD degree.
I've stayed in the US since then.
I won't be able to finish the program and get my degree until May 2013

I want to go back to and stay in Canada after I get the degree so I have a couple of questions:

1. Is there anyway I can keep my PR status without re-applying if I go back to Canada after graduation? Is there anything I can do now?
2. I'll be applying for jobs in Canada this year and may be required for on-site interviews in winter 2012 or spring 2013. Will I be able to enter Canada for such interviews, especially if they are really close to the expiration of my PR card?

I'd greatly appreciate your answers or any advice you have for me.

BTW, I am single (so no sponsor in Canada).

Thanks a lot,
Regards.

 

[Leon]

I think it would be better that you do not risk going back and forth many times. Better to arrive once and state that you had good reasons for being gone and you are now back to stay for good.

It is up to the immigration officer if they report you for not meeting the requirements. If they don't, you can stay for 2 solid years and then apply to renew your PR card without a problem as you would then meet the requirements again.

If they do report you, you can appeal their decision and wait your judgment but by the time they get to your case, you probably will have found a job and if you do lose your PR, your employer could probably find a way to sponsor you for a work permit or something in order to keep you and you would be able to work at getting a new PR while on a work permit.

 

[veritasonly]

Thanks a lot for your advice! I'll try to come back to Canada for good before the PR expires.

I think it would be better that you do not risk going back and forth many times. Better to arrive once and state that you had good reasons for being gone and you are now back to stay for good.

It is up to the immigration officer if they report you for not meeting the requirements. If they don't, you can stay for 2 solid years and then apply to renew your PR card without a problem as you would then meet the requirements again.

If they do report you, you can appeal their decision and wait your judgment but by the time they get to your case, you probably will have found a job and if you do lose your PR, your employer could probably find a way to sponsor you for a work permit or something in order to keep you and you would be able to work at getting a new PR while on a work permit.