PR Maintenance
Permanent residence isn't permanent without meeting the residency obligation — 730 days physical presence in Canada within every rolling 5-year window. This pillar covers PR card renewal, the residency obligation, PR travel documents, residency questionnaires, and how to defend a PR card refusal.
Reminder: IRCC.com is an independent news and information site — we do not handle applications or give advice. Verify all program details on canada.ca. For personal advice, contact a CICC-licensed consultant or a Canadian immigration lawyer.
What this section covers
- PR card renewal — first time and replacement
- Residency obligation: 730 days in 5 years
- Time abroad that counts: accompanying a Canadian citizen, working for a Canadian employer abroad
- PR travel document (when stranded abroad without a card)
- Urgent PR card processing
- Residency Questionnaire (RQ) responses
- H&C grounds to retain PR after non-compliance
- IAD appeals on residency-obligation refusals
- Voluntary renunciation of PR
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to keep my PR status?
Permanent residents must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days within every rolling 5-year period. Time spent accompanying a Canadian citizen abroad, or working full-time for a Canadian business or the public service abroad, can count toward the 730 days.
Latest in PR Maintenance
2 articles — sourced from canada.ca and explained.
PR card renewal in Canada: complete 2025 guide for permanent residents
Permanent residents must renew their PR card every 5 years to maintain proof of status and ability to travel. This guide covers the renewal application process, residency obligation (730 days in 5 years), required documents, processing times (4-6 months standard, faster urgent se
Permanent Resident (PR) Card and the Residency Obligation
A Canadian PR card is the official identity document for permanent residents and is required to re-enter Canada by commercial transport. PRs must meet the residency obligation: at least 730 days of physical presence in Canada within every rolling 5-year window.
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