When does 5 year period for PR in Canada begin?

[VermiciousKnish]

Does the 5 year period for a PR begin on the date of landing in Canada? Or does it start from the date the COPR is issued?

 

[scylla]

Landing.

 

[VermiciousKnish]

So if one plans to land and then return to the USA to finish school, since they are not sure whether they will meet the residency requirement at the end of 5 years, is it best to wait until closest date to COPR expiration to land?

 

[Hurlabrick]

So if one plans to land and then return to the USA to finish school, since they are not sure whether they will meet the residency requirement at the end of 5 years, is it best to wait until closest date to COPR expiration to land?

Yes, it is from the date you land and 'activate' your PR status using the COPR (you may do a later 'landing' for the purposes of actually settling once you say, sold your house abroad etc. but that is more of a landing for customs purposes).

You do the maths - you need to PROVE 2 years in EVERY 5 years residence in Canada (i.e. it is a ROLLING five years) to maintain PR. So land when you like, as long as it is within the expiry date of the COPR! I have to say, I was personally surprised at how modest the requirement is - 2 years in any 5 is seems pretty easy I would have thought - I am surprised it is not much higher!

 

[VermiciousKnish]

Yes, it does seem like a pretty low threshold.

 

[Aquakitty]

So if one plans to land and then return to the USA to finish school, since they are not sure whether they will meet the residency requirement at the end of 5 years, is it best to wait until closest date to COPR expiration to land?

In that case, yes, because the longer you wait the closer you are to finishing school. You should be able to calculate this easily.