renew permanent residency card expiring Feb, 2016 - haven't met RO yet

[alexwink]

Dears

Many thanks in advance for your help and I`m already for sorry for the bunch of questions below.

I landed in Canada in Oct 2010. Since then I have worked overseas for non - Canadians companies and also for Canadians companies (full time, under contract for 272 days in 2012 and 74 days in 2014).
I understand that the period overseas working for a Canadian company can be counted for RO, is that correct?

I also have worked in Canada in 2013 for 206 days (although some traveling overseas for few days). Since 2013 I have a rented appartment in the city where I lived in 2013 and to where I go everyime I come to Canada.

At the moment I`m working overseas for a non-canadian company, so I come here once and a while for few days.

My PR will expire in Feb15,2016 and I intend to come back in January or in the begining of February 2016.
Until today I have counted around 580 days (counting the employments overseas+days working in the country+days traveling to Canada for short time in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015)

What should I do regarding the renewal of the PR Card? I believe I have to arrive before the date of expiration, but coming in January or even begining or February will not be a problem??
How long should I stay? Must I stay for 2 years or can I stay for enough time to complete 730 days in the last 5 years?

Can I work in Canada legally during the period, even with PR Card expired?
Do I need a PR to live in Canada once if I come back before its expiration date? Do I need the PR only for travel purposes?

Sorry for so many doubts..thank you very much.

 

[scylla]

Your work for Canadian companies outside of Canada will only count if you were first hire for a role within Canada and then at a later date transferred to a permanent role outside of Canada. If you were hire directly for the role outside of Canada - then no dice (you can't count these days towards your residency obligation).

If you want to have the best chance of retaining your PR status, you should return to Canada as soon as you can and then remain in Canada without leaving until you have 730 days of residency in Canada within the last 5 years.

Yes - you will be able to work legally in Canada during this time even once your PR card has expired.

Note that there is some chance (likely very low) you may be reported for failing to meet the residency requirement when you enter Canada. If this happens, you will have to appear at a hearing to argue why you should be able to keep your status. If this happens to you, you should expect to have your PR status revoked since working outside of Canada is not accepted as a reason for failing to meet the residency obligation. The longer you wait to return to Canada the higher the chances become that you may be reported.

 

[alexwink]

Thank you