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PR Renewal: Proof of Accompanying Canadian Citizen 

upgsw191
upgsw191
Posts: 3


Posted On: 7/30/2019
upgsw191
upgsw191
Posts: 3
Hello,
I have been outside Canada for the last five years living in Sri Lanka with my husband who got Canadian citizenship nearly 5 years ago.

My problem is in getting supporting documents as proof of living in the same address.
Will the following documents be sufficient?
1. Deed of the house we are living: it is joint ownership (it doesnt give the house number)
2. Extract of the elections register for each year
3. A few letters from bank delivering my supplementary credit card. (about 3 letters for the last 5 years)

Since I am planning to to apply for PR renewal soon (expires in February 2020) we both are getting panicky.

Please advise.
Thanks
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Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4075


Posted On: 8/19/2019
Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4075
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be interested in finding out what your options are.

You can find some detailed information in the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Operational Manual ENF 23 - Loss of Permanent Resident Status.

According to the
Operational Manual ENF 23 - Loss of Permanent Resident Status,


7.5. Accompanying a Canadian citizen outside Canada

R61(4) provides that each day a permanent resident is outside Canada accompanying (that is,ordinarily residing with) a Canadian citizen constitutes a day of physical presence in Canada,provided that the Canadian citizen they are accompanying is a spouse or common-law partner or parent. In the case of a permanent resident outside Canada accompanying a Canadian citizen, it is not necessary to determine who is accompanying whom, nor is it necessary to determine for what purpose. In other words, under A28(2)(a)(ii) and R61(4), as long as a permanent resident is accompanying a Canadian citizen, the intent and purpose of their absences are not relevant as the residency obligation is met.


So from the situation described, each day a permanent resident is accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse or common-law partner outside Canada, constitutes a day of physical presence in Canada for your permanent residence requirement. It is interesting to note that it also states,

In the case of a permanent resident outside Canada accompanying a Canadian citizen, it is not necessary to determine who is accompanying whom, nor is it necessary to determine for what purpose.

In other words, under A28(2)(a)(ii) and R61(4), as long as a permanent resident is accompanying a Canadian citizen, the intent and purpose of their absences are not relevant as the residency obligation is met.
(Italics and Bold ours)


You can find some additional information in the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada -How long must I stay in Canada to keep my permanent resident status? FAQ. Here is an excerpt,
Residency Requirement

To maintain your status as a permanent resident, you must live in Canada for at least two years within a five-year period. During this time you must be here physically.The two years may not need to be continuous.

An officer can confirm if your time in Canada counts when you:
  • re-enter Canada, or
  • apply for a permanent resident card.

Time spent outside Canada may also count towards the two years if you are:

  • travelling with your spouse or partner who is a Canadian citizen,
  • a child travelling with his or her father or mother who is a Canadian citizen,
  • an employee of (or under contract to) a Canadian business.

It may also count if you are:

travelling with your spouse or partner who is a permanent resident and works full-time for:

  • a Canadian business, or
  • the public service of Canada or a province,


We hope this additional information is helpful.


Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CRS, CRS-DC

Settlement.Org
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