Applying for Canadian Citizenship

Upon your official arrival in Canada to become a Permanent Resident (referred to as a "Landed Immigrant"), you won't immediately receive your PR Card. It can take several weeks or even months to obtain it. In case you need to travel before receiving your PR Card, it's crucial to contact us at info@amnimmigration.ca as there are intricate rules regarding re-entry to Canada.

Having a Canadian PR Card is mandatory for air, sea, bus, and train travel (commercial carriers). However, it is not required by private car or on foot when entering Canada. Additionally, please bear in mind the general requirement of living in Canada for at least two years within five years to be eligible for PR Card renewal. Remember that time spent abroad with a Canadian citizen spouse is considered time spent in Canada. Similarly, working for a Canadian company overseas technically counts as time spent in Canada. However, merely incorporating an inactive company with minimal employees or income won't suffice.

The criteria for Canadian citizenship differ, with a need for physical presence in Canada for at least 3 out of 5 years. Time spent abroad with a Canadian spouse or working for a Canadian company does not count towards the citizenship requirement.

If you are not currently a Permanent Resident but are interested in becoming one, our team of consultants is available to assist you. Please reach out to us for further assistance.

Canadian Citizenship Services
Expired PR Card – Inside of Canada

We advise applying for your PR Card at least nine months before its expiration date at AMN Immigration. Processing times have fluctuated, and possessing a valid PR Card for re-entry into Canada is crucial.

Our team can assist you in accurately documenting your compliance with the residency obligation test. Generally, you must reside in Canada for at least 2 out of 5 years to be eligible for PR Card renewal. It's important to note that time spent abroad with a Canadian citizen spouse is considered as time spent in Canada. Furthermore, technically, time spent working for a Canadian company overseas also counts as time spent in Canada. However, it should not be assumed that incorporating an inactive company with minimal employees or income would be sufficient to fulfill the requirement.

Renewing Expired PR Cards – Outside of Canada (Travel Documents)

If your PR Card has expired and you are currently outside of Canada, a couple of options are available to you. If you don't require a visa to enter the United States or already have one, you may be able to enter Canada through the US-Canada border by private car. Another alternative is to apply for a Travel Document at the visa office responsible for your location. This document serves a purpose similar to a PR Card but has a shorter validity period, typically less than five years.

At AMN Immigration, we can assist you in properly documenting your compliance with the residency obligation test. The general requirement is to reside in Canada for at least 2 out of 5 years to be eligible for PR Card renewal. It's important to note that time spent abroad with a Canadian citizen spouse is considered as time spent in Canada. Similarly, time spent working for a Canadian company overseas is technically counted as time spent in Canada. However, it's crucial not to assume that incorporating an inactive company with minimal employees or income would be sufficient to fulfill the residency requirement.

Citizenship Applications

You may be eligible for Canadian citizenship if you were born to a Canadian parent. Alternatively, if you are at least 18 years old and have resided in Canada for three years as a permanent resident, you may also qualify for citizenship. In certain circumstances, up to one year of time spent in temporary residence status can be counted towards meeting the 3-year requirement.

Canadian Citizenship Frequently Asked Questions

Indeed, there is a distinction between the expiration of your PR card and your permanent resident status. While a PR card is necessary for travel purposes, some permanent residents may choose not to travel outside of Canada but still maintain their full permanent resident status. However, it's important to note that a valid PR card can be essential for accessing certain services like healthcare.

To return to Canada on a commercial plane, bus, train, or boat, you would require a valid PR card or Travel Document. However, it is possible to travel by private car from the United States without a valid PR card.

If your Canadian PR card expires while you are overseas, we can assist you in applying at the appropriate time and with the necessary documentation. We understand the significance of being able to travel by plane for many of our clients, as a valid PR card or Travel Document is required for permanent residents to enter Canada by plane.

You can indefinitely renew your Canadian PR card if you fulfill your residency obligations.

We are here to assist you with the application process at the right time and with professional guidance, ensuring you have the proper documentation. We understand the importance of being able to travel by plane for many of our clients, and a valid PR card or Travel Document is required for permanent residents to enter Canada by plane.

Yes, there is a distinction between the expiration of your PR card and your permanent residence status. While a PR card is needed for travel purposes, some permanent residents choose not to travel outside Canada but are still considered total permanent residents. Nevertheless, having a valid PR card to access certain services, such as healthcare, is essential.
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