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6/28/2017
Topic:
Request from CRA to Repay CCB

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

As you may already know, the Canada Child Benefit (“CCB”) is a benefit under the Income Tax Act (ITA).


Section 122.6 of the Income Tax Act states that you are eligible for child benefits if you are a parent “who primarily fulfills the responsibility for the care and upbringing of the qualified dependant” or, when in situations of shared custody it states, “when residing with” the eligible dependant child.


Here is an excerpt,

eligible individualin respect of a qualified dependant at any time means a person who at that time
  • (a) resides with the qualified dependant,
  • (b) is a parent of the qualified dependant who
    • (i) is the parent who primarily fulfils the responsibility for the care and upbringing of the qualified dependant and who is not a shared-custody parent in respect of the qualified dependant, or
    • (ii) is a shared-custody parent in respect of the qualified dependant,




and

shared-custody parent in respect of a qualified dependant at a particular time means, where the presumption referred to in paragraph (f) of the definition eligible individual does not apply in respect of the qualified dependant, an individual who is one of the two parents of the qualified dependant who
  • (a) are not at that time cohabitating spouses or common-law partners of each other,
  • (b) reside with the qualified dependant on an equal or near equal basis, and
  • (c) primarily fulfil the responsibility for the care and upbringing of the qualified dependant when residing with the qualified dependant, as determined in consideration of prescribed factors. (parent ayant la garde partagée)


According to the CRA website it defines shared custody as,


Generally, a shared-custody parent of a child is one of the two parents who:
  • are living in separate locations;
  • are living with the child on an equal or near-equal basis; and
  • are primarily responsible for the child's care and upbringing when living with the child.




We suggest that it is best to contact the nearest Community Legal Clinic for some information, clarification and advice regarding your situation.


I hope this 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, CIRS
Settlement.Org
6/29/2017
Topic:
Which PR card Should She Use?

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your wife's situation and question with us.

According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) Call Centre, she can use the one she has in her possession as long as it has not yet expired.

In terms of what happens to the older PR card once she returns to Canada and has both in her possession, there should have been some instructions sent along with the new PR card regarding what should be done with the older PR card.

If you have any questions or concerns, you should contact the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) Call Centre directly.

I hope this 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, CIRS
Settlement.Org
6/30/2017
Topic:
My Status in Canada & Documents for Daughter

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and questions with us.

We can appreciate that you would be concerned about this situation.

Regarding your question,

I wish to know the chances of continuation of my Permanent Residence status in Canada if I migrate to Canada now, as early as I can.


In terms of the process when re-entering Canada, each time you enter Canada, Citizenship and Immigration may calculate 5 years back from the date you have entered or re-entered Canada to see if you have fulfilled your residency obligation.

You can find information on the process that is followed when entering Canada in this Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ENF 23 - Loss of Permanent Resident Status manual.

Here is an excerpt from the manual on what happens at the port of entry here:



"7.8 Examining Permanent Residents at a POE (Port of Entry)

When a permanent resident appears at a POE for examination, the officer must confirm that the person is a permanent resident. Officers must remain cognizant of the fact the Act gives permanent residents of Canada the right to enter Canada at a port of entry once it is established that a person is a Permanent Resident, regardless of non-compliance with the residency obligation in A28 or the presence of other grounds of inadmissability.

Port of entry officers (POE) can refuse entry to a Permanent Resident only when the person has already lost the status in accordance with the provisions of A46 (such as when a final determination has been made that they have failed to comply with the residency obligations or when a removal order comes into force).

In other words, once a permanent resident's status is established, the person may enter Canada by right and the immigration examination under IRPA concludes.

If an officer has concerns that a permanent resident has not complied with the residency obligation of A28, the officer should advise the permanent resident when the examination is concluded that they are authorized to enter Canada; however, the permanent resident may wish to answer additional questions so the officer may determine whether their concerns are well founded or not.

In cases where:
- permanent resident status is established;
- the permanent resident refuses to provide any further information and enters Canada;
and
- the officer believes, on a balance of probabilities that the person is in non-compliance with the residency obligation, officers may report the person, pursuant to A44(1). if there is sufficient evidence to support an inadmissibility allegation. In the absence of sufficient evidence to support the writing of an inadmissibility report, officers may enter any available information into FOSS (date of entry, last country of embarkation, current address in Canada etc.).


and

If an officer has concerns that a permanent resident has not complied with the residency obligation of A28, the officer should advise the permanent resident when the examination is concluded that they are authorized to enter Canada; however, the permanent resident may wish to answer additional questions so the officer may determine whether their concerns are well founded or not.


It is important to note that in terms of loss of permanent residency, a person does not lose it until a final determination has been made.

According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ENF 23 - Loss of Permanent Resident Status manual,


It is important to note that a permanent resident does not lose their status under A46(1)(b) until there is a final determination of the decision made outside Canada that they have failed to comply with the residency obligation under A28.

Permanent residents are not finally determined to have lost their permanent resident status until the right of appeal has been exhausted.


It also states in relation to the process of loss of permanent residency,


5. Departmental Policy

When an officer believes a permanent resident has failed to comply with their A28 residency obligation, then that officer should report the permanent resident under the provisions of A44(1) and recommend the issuing of a departure order.

The form Questionnaire: Determination of Permanent Resident Status (IMM 5511B) has been developed specifically to assist officers in making decisions regarding the permanent residency obligation, keeping in mind that the questionnaire alone is not sufficient to determine compliance with the residency obligation, and a detailed interview including examining humanitarian and compassionate criteria under A28(2)(c) is needed.

Furthermore, the officer cannot seize the person’s documents (such as the IMM 1000, Immigrant Visa and Record of Landing and the IMM 5292B, for example) despite writing an A44(1) report and issuing a removal order unless the officer believes there are reasonable grounds to do so in accordance with A140. The rationale behind this is that the person has a right to appeal the removal order and, until final determination of status, they remain a permanent resident and are the lawful owner of said documents.


Regarding your question,

Further, I may need some time to get the travel documents ready for my younger daughter before moving to Canada.

In terms of your youngest child coming to Canada, you can find some details and suggestions in this previous Settlement.Org Permanent Resident - Child Born Overseas Discussion Thread.

I hope this 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, CIRS
Settlement.Org
6/30/2017
Topic:
Help please..divorce!

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing this situation and question with us.

You may want to try and contact the nearest Family Law Information Centre (FLIC).

According to the Ministry of the Attorney General website,


FLIC services are available in family courts across Ontario. At the FLIC you can find information about separation and divorce and related family law issues, family justice services, alternative forms of dispute resolution, local community resources and court processes.

Information and Referral Coordinators (IRCs) are available at designated times to help you understand your needs and to make referrals to appropriate services. IRCs can give you information about family mediation and other ways to solve your issues without going to court.







I hope this 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, CIRS
Settlement.Org
7/1/2017
Topic:
Temporary Resident - Pregnant

Moderator
Moderator
Hello Tatyana,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be interested in this type of information.

Unfortunately, as you may already know, most private insurance companies do not cover costs related to pregnancy as in most cases they consider it a pre-existing condition.

However, you may want to try and contact some of the private insurance companies to find out what their policies are. You can find some information in our Settlement.Org Where can I buy private health insurance for newcomers and visitors to Canada? article.

In terms of what you can do until you receive your coverage through OHIP, you can find some options and helpful information in our Settlement.Org I am pregnant and don't have OHIP. What health care can I get? and our How much does it cost to get care from a midwife? articles.

I hope this 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, CIRS
Settlement.Org
7/1/2017
Topic:
Student status on BSF186 form

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,


Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.


You may want to contact the Border Information Services directly for specific information and a definitive response. You can contact them here:

Border Information Services (BIS) from outside of Canada (long-distance charges apply):

(204) 983-3500 or (506) 636-5064.

I hope this 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, CIRS
Settlement.Org
7/2/2017
Topic:
Claim EI if Dismissed Without Cause? - Possible?

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be concerned about this.

It is best if you contact Service Canada directly to find out what your options are in your situation at:

1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232)
TTY: 1-800-926-9105

You can call Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., local time. Information officers offer services in English and in French.

I hope this 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, CIRS
Settlement.Org
7/7/2017
Topic:
Not met Residency requirement & PR has expired

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and questions with us.

We can appreciate that you would be interested in some information regarding this situation.

As you already know, as a permanent resident, you may travel outside Canada after you arrive. However, you must meet certain residency obligations to maintain your status as a permanent resident.

To meet these residency obligations, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) in every 5-year period. The 5-year period is assessed on a rolling basis. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will look back at your time in Canada over the previous 5 years.

In terms of the process when re-entering Canada, each time you enter Canada, Citizenship and Immigration may calculate 5 years back from the date you have entered or re-entered Canada to see if you have fulfilled your residency obligation.

You can find information on the process that is followed when entering Canada in this Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ENF 23 - Loss of Permanent Resident Status manual.

Here is an excerpt from the manual on what happens at the port of entry here:



"7.8 Examining Permanent Residents at a POE (Port of Entry)

When a permanent resident appears at a POE for examination, the officer must confirm that the person is a permanent resident. Officers must remain cognizant of the fact the Act gives permanent residents of Canada the right to enter Canada at a port of entry once it is established that a person is a Permanent Resident, regardless of non-compliance with the residency obligation in A28 or the presence of other grounds of inadmissability.

Port of entry officers (POE) can refuse entry to a Permanent Resident only when the person has already lost the status in accordance with the provisions of A46 (such as when a final determination has been made that they have failed to comply with the residency obligations or when a removal order comes into force).

In other words, once a permanent resident's status is established, the person may enter Canada by right and the immigration examination under IRPA concludes.

If an officer has concerns that a permanent resident has not complied with the residency obligation of A28, the officer should advise the permanent resident when the examination is concluded that they are authorized to enter Canada; however, the permanent resident may wish to answer additional questions so the officer may determine whether their concerns are well founded or not.

In cases where:
- permanent resident status is established;
- the permanent resident refuses to provide any further information and enters Canada;
and
- the officer believes, on a balance of probabilities that the person is in non-compliance with the residency obligation, officers may report the person, pursuant to A44(1). if there is sufficient evidence to support an inadmissibility allegation. In the absence of sufficient evidence to support the writing of an inadmissibility report, officers may enter any available information into FOSS (date of entry, last country of embarkation, current address in Canada etc.).


and

If an officer has concerns that a permanent resident has not complied with the residency obligation of A28, the officer should advise the permanent resident when the examination is concluded that they are authorized to enter Canada; however, the permanent resident may wish to answer additional questions so the officer may determine whether their concerns are well founded or not.


It is important to note that in terms of loss of permanent residency, a person does not lose it until a final determination has been made.

According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ENF 23 - Loss of Permanent Resident Status manual,


It is important to note that a permanent resident does not lose their status under A46(1)(b) until there is a final determination of the decision made outside Canada that they have failed to comply with the residency obligation under A28.

Permanent residents are not finally determined to have lost their permanent resident status until the right of appeal has been exhausted.


It also states in relation to the process of loss of permanent residency,


5. Departmental Policy

When an officer believes a permanent resident has failed to comply with their A28 residency obligation, then that officer should report the permanent resident under the provisions of A44(1) and recommend the issuing of a departure order.

The form Questionnaire: Determination of Permanent Resident Status (IMM 5511B) has been developed specifically to assist officers in making decisions regarding the permanent residency obligation, keeping in mind that the questionnaire alone is not sufficient to determine compliance with the residency obligation, and a detailed interview including examining humanitarian and compassionate criteria under A28(2)(c) is needed.

Furthermore, the officer cannot seize the person’s documents (such as the IMM 1000, Immigrant Visa and Record of Landing and the IMM 5292B, for example) despite writing an A44(1) report and issuing a removal order unless the officer believes there are reasonable grounds to do so in accordance with A140. The rationale behind this is that the person has a right to appeal the removal order and, until final determination of status, they remain a permanent resident and are the lawful owner of said documents.


You mentioned that your "PR expired". If you are referring to your PR card expiring, as you may know, a valid PR card is required in order to enter Canada.
You can find some information regarding re-entering Canada on the IRCC website in the I am outside of Canada and do not have a PR card. How can I return to Canada? section.

Here is an excerpt,

I am outside of Canada and do not have a PR card. How can I return to Canada?

Canada’s entry requirements are changing

Permanent residents (PR) of Canada must carry and present their valid PR card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD) when boarding a flight to Canada, or travelling to Canada on any other commercial carrier. If you do not carry your PR card or PRTD, you may not be able to board your flight, train, bus or boat to Canada.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your PR card is still valid when you return from travel outside Canada, and to apply for a new PR card when your current card expires.

Returning by private vehicle

There are other documents you can use to enter the country.

When you return to Canada, apply for a PR card if you plan to travel outside Canada again.

Some examples of private vehicles include, but are not limited to: a car, truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle that you own, borrow, or rent, and that is not available for public use.

Returning by commercial vehicle: airplane, bus, train, or boat

You must apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD), valid for one entry. Otherwise you may not be able to travel to Canada.

You can apply to replace your PR card when you return to Canada.


Once you apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD), they will look into whether or not you have met your residency requirements.
This will start the process of reviewing whether or not you have met your residency requirements.

I hope this 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, CIRS
Settlement.Org
7/10/2017
Topic:
PR application - Immediate family members

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be interested in this type of information.

As you may have noticed in our Settlement.Org Discussion Forum Terms and Conditions/User Agreement, unfortunately, we are unable to provide specific information regarding this type of immigration application process.

We suggest that it is best to contact a reputable immigration consultant or lawyer who is familiar with Canadian immigration application processes.

We hope this information is helpful.


=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
7/10/2017
Topic:
Sponsoring Spouse moving from USA

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

You may be able to find some helpful information in our previous Settlement.Org Discussion Thread - Which Is Better For Sponsorship Inside Or Outside?.

I hope this 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, CIRS
Settlement.Org
7/10/2017
Topic:
Sponsored Parent

Moderator
Moderator
You are very welcome!

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, CIRS
Settlement.Org
7/10/2017
Topic:
Maintaining my PR Status

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

As stated on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website in the Can I count any time I’ve spent outside of Canada toward the physical presence requirement when applying for citizenship? section,


Can I count any time I’ve spent outside of Canada toward the physical presence requirement when applying for citizenship?



Time spent outside Canada does not count towards the physical presence requirement except in certain circumstances.

You can count time spent outside Canada toward the physical presence requirement for citizenship if you:

-Were a permanent resident employed in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, federal public administration, or public service of a province or territory; or

-Resided outside Canada with your:

-Canadian spouse or common-law partner, or
-permanent resident spouse, common-law partner, or parent
who was employed in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, federal public administration, or public service of a province or territory.

Employment as a locally engaged person is not included.



I hope this 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, CIRS
Settlement.Org
7/10/2017
Topic:
Maintaining my PR Status

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

As stated on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website in the Can I count any time I’ve spent outside of Canada toward the physical presence requirement when applying for citizenship? section,


Can I count any time I’ve spent outside of Canada toward the physical presence requirement when applying for citizenship?



Time spent outside Canada does not count towards the physical presence requirement except in certain circumstances.

You can count time spent outside Canada toward the physical presence requirement for citizenship if you:

-Were a permanent resident employed in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, federal public administration, or public service of a province or territory; or

-Resided outside Canada with your:

-Canadian spouse or common-law partner, or
-permanent resident spouse, common-law partner, or parent
who was employed in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, federal public administration, or public service of a province or territory.

Employment as a locally engaged person is not included.



I hope this 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, CIRS
Settlement.Org
7/10/2017
Topic:
Returning Permanent Resident- OHIP rules

Moderator
Moderator
Hello Nalini,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us in such great detail.

We can appreciate that you would be concerned about this situation and would be interested in what you are eligible for.

It is difficult for us to provide a definitive response regarding your situation.

In this case it is best to contact ServiceOntario directly for a definitive response.

Please note that you do not have to provide personally identifying information in order to get some general information when contacting ServiceOntario.

We apologize for not being able to provide you a definitive response regarding this.

I hope this 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, CIRS
Settlement.Org
7/11/2017
Topic:
Query Regarding Sponsorship Times

Moderator
Moderator
Hello there,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

Also, for your kind words about the Settlement.Org Discussion Forum.

According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Call Centre, if you submitted your application through China, they are currently working on applications received before December 7, 2016.

They stated that all they can say definitively is that this means that your application should be completed before December 2017.

We hope that others who have gone through a similar experience can share their timelines and suggestions with you.

I hope this 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, CIRS
Settlement.Org