(Below is a transcription of this video)
Hi. This is Michael Niren. I’m an immigration lawyer and founder of
VisaPlace.com. Today I’m going to talk to you about PR card renewals. We
handle a lot of PR card renewal applications, and generally speaking in
order to qualify for a PR card renewal, you have to remain in Canada for
two years in the last five years of obtaining a PR card.
When permanent residents come to Canada, they are typically issued a PR
card, which are valid for five years. In order to renew it, you have to
show physical residency in Canada for two out of those five years. Of
course, there are exceptions to that rule. For example, if you are married
to a Canadian citizen and you are traveling abroad, those days could count
towards your residency if you’re accompanying your spouse.
When Do I Need to Renew a Permanent Residence Card?
But these are for permanent residents, and the other thing you should know
is that PR cards are for travel. So technically speaking, that, you could
be a permanent resident, and remain in Canada indefinitely without a PR
card. But for those who need to travel and most of us do, you need a
permanent resident card to return to Canada as a permanent resident.
Now, there are situations where you may need an urgent PR card. For
example, if you have an emergency, a family emergency, or you have to leave
right away and you don’t have a PR card, there are situations where you
could be outside of Canada, and then apply for a travel document from your
local embassy in order to get back to Canada, even if you don’t have a PR
card.
Another situation is that even if you don’t meet the residency requirements
or the exceptions, you still could potentially get a PR card if you can
show that your absence beyond those two years is justified or there are
special circumstances. We call those Humanitarian PR Card Applications, or
PR Card Renewals. We do a lot of those.
So if you are abroad for a lengthy period of time and you don’t meet the
exceptions, you still could potentially get a PR card. But it’s more
difficult of course, and it’s lengthy, in terms of the process. So, if you
have any other questions about PR cards, feel free to go to our website at
www.VisaPlace.com, or give us a call and we’ll be happy to help. Thank you
and have a great day.
Do You Need Help with Renewing Your PR Card?
Like all legal immigration matters, the process for renewing a PR card can be complicated, and any errors on the application can mean a refusal. Enlisting the help of a professional lawyer with experience in Canadian immigration matters can make the difference of whether you are successful with renewing your PR card or not.
Contact our experienced team today, and let us help you renew your PR card.
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
