Renewing my PR after overstaying BUT getting back into Canada.

[frankib]

Hi all,

I posted a while back worried about whether I would get back into canada after overstaying in the UK having moved back there for uni.

I entered prepared for the worst based on the fact my only real reason was that I wanted to go to university there.
As I landed at about 3AM the person who needed to make the decision about me wasn't there and I had to leave my passport and (expired) PR card and come back the next day for a meeting with immigration.

Luckily, they decided that I could be allowed back in as a PR as when I became and PR and left canada I was young and didn't even really know about the number of days required in canada. (Also my parents stayed in Can) I got a stamp in my passport saying I was entering as A PR and the date. The guy said it was like it never happened and that I could basically go about my new life in canada.

That was in August and I've since got a job and plan on staying here for good now! However I want to plan a holiday in the new year (just for 2 weeks) and I'm unsure as to how I can go about applying for a new PR card (seeing as I still won't meet the requirements)

Did having the meeting with the immigration official and his decision mean I was officially 'forgiven' for lack of a better word? Or was it just him letting it go? He did say it would all be on the 'system' but I don't want to apply and open up a new can of worms for myself.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer

 

[scylla]

To the best of my knowledge you would only be able to safely apply for a new PR card now if you were allowed to keep your PR status as a result of a formal H&C decision. I definitely don't think this is what happened to you. Some kind immigration official just gave you a break.

If you want to make sure you can keep your status, you should wait until you have 730 residency days in Canada (in the last 5 years) before reapplying. You really shouldn't leave Canada during this time. If you apply for a new PR card early or if you leave Canada before you've stayed 730 days - then I think it's anyone's guess if you'll be successful retaining your PR status.

 

[Leon]

Definitely stay in Canada. You could say that you were forgiven and allowed to enter but your sins were not forgotten all the same. If you apply to renew your PR card now, your application will take the scenic route and when forced to make an official decision on your case, immigration might still decide that you get to keep your PR but by that time, your application has taken so long you already have your 2 years.

Better take your vacations in Canada for the next two years. It's a big country. Lots to see. After 2 years, you can apply to renew your PR card and go see the rest of the world.