The Canadian resident card is a card given to show that you have been granted the permanent resident status in Canada. This card serves as a sort of identification for non-Canadian residents who are now regarded as a permanent resident. So, because of this, once you travel out of Canada, you would need to show your permanent resident card once you’re returning by whatever means of transportation you choose. This card given to non-Canadians or Canadian immigrants is really helpful because you get to enjoy certain privileges and benefits you normally would not have enjoyed or benefits that would overlook you. They include:
- Social benefits and health coverage
You get to enjoy the social benefits that citizens of Canada enjoy, and you also get to enjoy their infrastructures and amenities that have been provided by the government. You also enjoy health coverage.
- You can study anywhere in Canada.
- You can apply for Canadian citizenship. This is only possible if you have been in the country for about 1,095 days during the course of the 5 year which your permanent resident card covers.
- You are protected under Canadian law.
There are certain things you would not be allowed to do or certain privileges you can’t enjoy even with the permanent resident card. Such as:
- You can’t contest for any political office or vote during elections. You have to wait until you’re accepted as a Canadian citizen before you can start enjoying that privilege.
- You might not be able to work at some high-security clearance office.
This card that would be given to Canadian immigrants lasts for 5 years and for you to keep enjoying that status, you need to be in the country for at least 730 days out of the 5 years. If you travel, your time abroad might also be included in the 730 days.
There are certain things an immigrant can do that would cost him his permanent resident status. They include:
- If you personally decide to renounce your status in Canada as a permanent resident.
- If you become a citizen of Canada.
- If you have committed a crime and a removal order is issued, and it comes into action, this might make you lose your permanent resident status. The removal order might require you leaving the country for a certain period of time, depending on the gravity of your crime. You might have to leave forever or for a year or probably for about 30 days, which is roughly a month. Failure to comply with this order might lead to deportation.
What could make you renounce your permanent resident status?
- Perhaps you know that you have not met up with the obligations of being a permanent resident in Canada by staying in the country for at least 730 days.
- You might not want to wait until your Visa officer has done a thorough assessment of you.
You would need to resolve your residency issues before you are allowed in the country if you have traveled.