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Canadian Permanent Residence: Two Years in Every Five
Global Immigrate consultants · Published · Updated
Written by Global Immigrate consultants · Reviewed by Oscar Yip, Founder & Managing Director
Summary
Canadian permanent residents must be physically present for at least two years (730 days) in every five to keep their status. How it is calculated, days abroad that can count, how it differs from citizenship, and planning advice.
The basic requirement
Canadian permanent residents must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (two years) in every five years. The days need not be consecutive.
How it is calculated
Based on the most recent five years
If you have been a PR for less than five years, it counts from when you became one
Some situations (such as accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse abroad) can count as days in Canada under the rules
Keeping PR vs applying for citizenship
Keeping PR
Citizenship
Requirement
730 days in five years
1,095 days in five years
Other conditions
—
Tax filing, language and citizenship test (ages 18–54)
If you fall short
Your status may be questioned when renewing your PR card or entering Canada; this is handled case by case.
Planning advice
Record each family member’s travel dates.
Families still working in Asia can have some members live in Canada first.
If you plan to naturalise, plan to the higher 1,095-day requirement.
Check your running totals regularly, not just near the end.
FAQ
Do I lose PR status if my PR card expires?
No — status depends on the residence requirement, but you need a valid document to travel.
Vietnam
Hong Kong
Taiwan