Welcome to your go-to guide on permanent residency (PR) in Canada! While having PR gives you great rights, it's important to remember that your status isn't forever guaranteed. In this post, we’ll explore how you can keep your PR status safe and sound.

First things first, to maintain your PR, you need to spend at least 730 days in Canada over any five-year period. This doesn’t mean you can’t travel. In fact, some of your time spent abroad can still count! If you work full-time for a Canadian company while living abroad, or if you’re traveling with a Canadian citizen or PR who’s working outside Canada, those days can add up towards your residency requirement.

It’s helpful to track your travels too! The IRCC has a handy downloadable travel journal you can use to record your trips, including the reasons and dates of your travels.

Now, let’s face it, sometimes things happen. You could lose your PR status if you become inadmissible, which can happen for serious reasons—like criminality. Or you might make a mistake in your application, leading to misrepresentation. Be honest and thorough to avoid tough consequences!

But there's good news! Once you become a Canadian citizen, your PR will transform into full citizenship. You’ll gain loads of rights, including the ability to vote and run for office, access to various job opportunities, and even the chance to apply for a Canadian passport for easier travel. That’s a win!

So there you have it—a breezy guide to protecting your PR status in Canada. If you’re looking to become a citizen or want more personal advice, consider scheduling a free consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm. Happy travels!