Reviewed by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (licensed by the CICC)Last updated:
Short answer
To keep permanent resident status you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (two years) in every five-year period. The days do not need to be continuous. You can renew your PR card when it expires within nine months, or if it has already expired, as long as you meet the residency obligation.
How the 730 days are counted
- Any part of a day in Canada counts as a day.
- Days abroad with a Canadian citizen spouse, common-law partner or parent can count.
- Days abroad working full-time for a Canadian business or the Canadian public service can count, in certain conditions.
- The five-year window looks back from the day you apply (or from the day you became PR if that was less than five years ago).
When and how to renew
- Apply when your card expires within nine months, or if it has expired.
- Apply online and include your travel history for the past five years.
- Keep evidence of your presence in Canada: tax returns, employment records, leases and school records.
If you are outside Canada without a valid card
You need a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to fly back. An officer will check your residency obligation. If you fall short, humanitarian and compassionate reasons can sometimes be considered.
Common problems
- Travel history with missing trips or wrong dates
- Confusing an expired card with lost status: an expired card does not end PR status by itself
- Applying for citizenship when you actually only meet the PR rules, which are different
Frequently asked questions
Do I lose PR status when my card expires?
No. Status is lost only through a formal decision, but you need a valid card or a PRTD to return to Canada by air.
Is the citizenship requirement the same?
No. Citizenship needs 1,095 days of physical presence in the five years before you apply.
Information on this site is general and is not legal advice. We never guarantee approvals. Only Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) makes decisions on applications.