How long must I stay in Canada to keep my permanent resident status?

To keep your permanent resident status, you must have been in Canada for at least 730 days during the last five years. These 730 days don’t need to be continuous. Some of your time abroad may count towards the 730 days.

Can my time abroad count toward my permanent resident status?

It depends on what you do and who you travel with. Your time outside of Canada may count toward your permanent resident status if you meet 1 of these conditions: You work outside Canada You need to work full-time for:

• a Canadian business or organization, or

• the Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government

You travel with a spouse or common-law partner Your spouse or common-law partner needs to be:

• a Canadian citizen, or

• a permanent resident working outside Canada, full-time for:

  • a Canadian business, or

  • the Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government

You’re a dependent child and travel with your parent Your parent needs to be:

• a Canadian citizen, or

• a permanent resident working outside Canada, full-time for:

  • a Canadian business or

  • the Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government