What is the permanent resident residency obligation in Canada?

Permanent residents of Canada must meet a federal residency obligation to keep their status. The general requirement is to be physically present in Canada for a minimum number of days within each five-year period. The specific threshold is set by federal law under IRPA. Days spent outside Canada can sometimes count toward the obligation if you are accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse, working for a Canadian company, or accompanying a PR spouse on assignment — but these exceptions have specific conditions.

If you travel abroad frequently or plan to live outside Canada for an extended period, your PR status can be at risk. When you apply to renew your PR card or attempt to return to Canada, a border officer or IRCC can assess whether you have met your residency obligation. If you have not, your PR status may be reported and you could lose it.

Losing PR status has serious consequences — you lose the right to live and work in Canada and your path to citizenship is interrupted. If you are at risk of not meeting the obligation or have been refused a PR card renewal, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Appeals are available in some circumstances.