Will I be eligible to renew my PR card

[nikspr]

Hi ,

I got my PR in Oct 2008 based on my wife being Canadian Citizen (By Birth). My PR is expiring in Nov 2013.
Since I have got my PR I have been working in US with a US firm since then. I do visit Canada occaionally.
Also My wife moved with me to US since I have my PR.
My wife does have a small business there for which we do pay taxes.
Please suggest me how can I go about applying for my PR renewal.

Thanks

Nik

 

[Leon]

Time spent outside Canada accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse counts as time spent in Canada towards the PR residency obligation so you meet the requirements. In order to renew your PR card, you are generally expected to be in Canada but they do state that you being outside Canada can not be used as the sole reason to deny you your renewal.

Since you are in the US and you go to Canada sometimes, you should mail your PR card renewal application from inside Canada on your next trip. Write a cover letter giving them a Canadian mailing address (I am sure your wife has relatives whose address you can use) and explain that you are living in the US with your Canadian wife. Provide marriage certificate and copy of wife's Canadian passport. Provide some proof that you are living together like official mail to you sent to the same address.

Renewal usually takes around 100 days these days. Because you are living in the US, they may be more likely to ask you to pick up your PR card in person. If they do, you have to go yourself and pick it up.

Since November is less than 6 months from now, you may apply for your PR card renewal right away if you want to. Increases the odds that you will get the new card before the old one expires.