Can You Lose Your Permanent Residency in Canada?

Becoming a Permanent Resident (PR) of Canada is a major milestone — it allows you to live, work, and study anywhere in the country, and provides a pathway to citizenship. However, permanent residency is not unconditional.

There are specific circumstances under which a person can lose their PR status.
Understanding these risks is essential for maintaining your right to live in Canada.

In this blog, we explain how and when someone can lose their PR status, and what you can do if you are facing a loss of status.

1. Failing to Meet the Residency Obligation

One of the most common reasons for losing permanent resident status is not meeting the residency requirement.

Residency Obligation Rule

• A permanent resident must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) within every 5-year period.
• These 730 days do not have to be continuous.
• Some time spent outside Canada may count if:
• You are accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse or parent.
• You are employed full-time by a Canadian business.
• You are working abroad for the Canadian government.

 

If You Don’t Meet This Requirement

• You may be issued a reportindicating a breach of your residency obligation.
• You could then face loss of PR statusafter a final determination by an immigration officer or Immigration Appeal Division.
• You have the right to appeala negative decision within 60 days.

 

2. Voluntarily Renouncing Your Permanent Residency

Permanent residents can voluntarily give up their status if they no longer wish to live in Canada.

Why Someone Might Renounce PR

• They are permanently moving to another country.
• They are having difficulties meeting the residency obligation.
• They want to avoid delays when applying for a visitor visa to Canada in the future.

How It Happens

• You must apply to renounceyour permanent resident status using a formal application.
• It is a voluntary process– no one can force you to give up your PR unless the legal grounds for revocation are met.

 

3. Losing PR Status Due to Misrepresentation

If you misrepresent yourself during your immigration process (including giving false information, withholding facts, or submitting fraudulent documents), you may face loss of status even after receiving permanent residency.

Examples of Misrepresentation

• Fake work experience letters
• Concealing a criminal history
• Falsifying marital status

Consequences

• You could be found inadmissibleto Canada for misrepresentation.
• A finding of misrepresentation can result in a five-year banfrom reapplying for permanent residency or entering Canada.

 

4. Serious Criminality or Security Issues

Permanent residents can lose their status if they are found inadmissible due to serious criminality, organized crime involvement, or security grounds (e.g., terrorism, espionage).

Serious Criminality Includes:

• Being convicted of a crime punishable by a maximum term of 10 years or morein Canada.
• Being convicted of a crime and sentenced to more than six months in prisonin Canada.

If found inadmissible, a PR can face removal orders. However, in some cases, they may appeal depending on the circumstances and length of time spent in Canada.

 

5. Becoming a Canadian Citizen

Once a PR becomes a Canadian citizen, they no longer hold permanent resident status because they have upgraded to full citizenship. This is the only positive way to “lose” PR status.

Canadian citizens cannot be deported for failing residency requirements or future criminal offenses (unless they committed misrepresentation during the citizenship process itself).

How Do You Know If You’ve Lost Your PR Status?

• You do not lose your PR status automaticallyif your PR card expires.
• You remain a PR until an official decision is madeby an immigration officer or tribunal.
• A PR card is simply a travel document, not proof of status expiration.
• However, without a valid PR card, you may have difficulty re-entering Canada if you travel abroad.

If the government believes you no longer meet the requirements to be a permanent resident, they will formally initiate a process to revoke your status. You will have an opportunity to appeal or contest the decision.

 

How Our Immigration Law Firm Can Help

If you are concerned about maintaining your PR status, facing inadmissibility issues, or needing to appeal a decision, Fridman and Company Law Office is here to support you. Contact us today at 204-944-8889 or email us at lawoffice@fridman.ca for personalized support.

 

References

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Understand permanent resident status
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Voluntarily Renounce PR Status
• Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) – Section 40 – Misrepresentation
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Reasons you may be inadmissible to Canada
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Become a Canadian Citizen