Obtaining a Canadian maple leaf card and immigration status is not a one-time solution, and the permanent security of the identity cannot be guaranteed. In recent years, Canadian immigrants have lost their permanent resident qualifications due to their failure to successfully renew their maple leaf card. Although many people have successfully immigrated to Canada and obtained permanent residence, they still need to know more about the relevant regulations of the Maple Leaf Card.

Canadian maple leaf card introduction

The Canadian permanent resident identity certificate, also known as the Maple Leaf Identity Card, has officially been launched on June 28, 2002. As the ID card of a permanent resident in Canada, its function is similar to that of the US green card. In the early days of Canada, immigrants needed to hold immigration papers. Since the outbreak of 9/11, given that the U.S.-Canada border is the longest fortified border in the world, the Canadian government has begun to issue maple leaf cards to permanent residents at the advice of the US government.

The Canadian Maple Leaf Card has a five-year service life from the date of its release. However, there are some special circumstances, such as if the residence requirements are not fulfilled abroad and are eventually judged to be denied permanent resident qualifications, the applicant is eligible to apply for a maple leaf card valid for one year. This new plastic card has multiple security features, especially the maple leaf card. Its built-in high-tech design is more sophisticated than the tape of a bank financial card, which contains all the information needed to confirm permanent resident status. Only authorized officials can access this information, and it will not be used to track cardholder behavior, effectively protecting cardholder's privacy.

Things to note about Canadian immigration

Canada has not imposed any restrictions on leaving the country. Regardless of whether you hold a maple leaf card, residents can leave the country at any time without any restrictions. In addition, even as a permanent resident of Canada, even if the maple leaf card has expired, its entry rights are still valid. According to the official website of the Canadian Immigration Department, if the maple leaf card has expired but the residents are abroad, they need to apply for a one-time permanent resident travel document from the Canadian visa agency to return to Canada. Canadian immigration regulations clearly state that after arriving at the border, individuals can confirm their permanent resident status through a variety of channels, without the need to be limited to the maple leaf card.

If the maple leaf card has expired and does not apply for renewal, will it automatically lose the qualification of a permanent Canadian resident?

Many people firmly believe that the maple leaf card and the permanent residence identity complement each other. Once the maple leaf card fails, it means the loss of the permanent residence identity. Indeed, the Maple Leaf Card is an authoritative certificate of permanent residence identity, but even if the Maple Leaf Card is overdue, it cannot be inferred that the permanent residence identity will disappear.

It should be noted that according to relevant regulations, every person with permanent resident status must display a maple leaf card to confirm his identity when he arrives in Canada on a commercial flight or cruise. Whether entering the country by air, land or sea, CBSA officials will require adequate proof of identity, and holding a valid maple leaf card is undoubtedly the best way to prove it. Not only the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), many government departments also frequently need to verify the permanent identity of the resident to determine whether the resident is eligible to apply for a specific service.

Is it illegal to apply for a new card before the maple leaf card expires?

If the maple leaf card is not replaced within the deadline, it does not constitute an illegal act. Individuals can even choose not to apply for a new maple leaf card. However, if permanent residents plan to go abroad and return to Canada in the future, the immigration department recommends that the best practice is to apply for a replacement of the maple leaf card so that their permanent residents can be displayed at any time.

Once the maple leaf card expires, if the new card is not applied for in time, individuals will not be able to enter and exit the Canadian border. Despite this, they still have the freedom to travel to other countries. Before returning to the motherland, individuals need to apply to Canadian visa agencies abroad to obtain a "permanent resident travel certificate" for only a single round trip to Canada.

Holding a maple leaf card allows you to freely enter and exit many neighboring Canadian countries without visa, without additional visa processing.

Maple Leaf Card is not the equivalent of a passport or visa, and holding a maple Leaf Card cannot be used directly to those countries that require a visa. The original intention of this card is to facilitate cardholders to quickly enter Canada, not as a visa. As for the visa requirements of other countries for persons holding specific passports, there are differences between countries and need to be inquired in detail.

According to Canadian immigration regulations, the maple leaf card has a five-year validity period from the date of issuance. All Canadian permanent residents must live in Canada for a total of 730 days. Those who hold maple leaf card must live for a total of two years within the five-year validity period, and must continue to fulfill their residence obligations unless they become citizens. Whether you apply for a maple leaf card for the first time or apply for a second maple leaf card after the five-year period expires, you must pass the "residence test". All persons with permanent residence status in Canada must complete a residence requirement of at least 730 days within any five-year period.

Should I be naturalized after getting the maple leaf card?

If you frequently return to the motherland for work or family affairs, it is wise to keep the maple leaf card. If you choose to become a Canadian citizen, it means that you will permanently lose Chinese citizenship and you will also need to apply for a Chinese visa when you return to China. Some people even encountered visa rejection for the reason that they were ridiculous: they were considered to have an immigrant tendency. Although the process of applying for a Chinese visa is not complicated, the cumbersome procedures can still make people feel inconvenient.

If you plan to stop returning to your homeland frequently and plan to settle in Canada, then I suggest you apply for nationality as soon as possible. Given the relaxation of the naturalization threshold by Bill C-6, it is believed that the process of applying for and obtaining Canadian citizenship will be easier.

Quebec investment immigration in 2017

Restart in May!!!

1. Have a family net worth no less than 1.6 million Canadian dollars;

2. Assets obtained through legal commercial efforts;

In the past five years, he has had more than two years of business management background and recognized the management qualifications of the department manager.

Several key points you need to know about Canadian maple leaf cards have been explained here. After some introduction, have you developed a strong interest in immigrating to Canada? With its rich immigration experience and extremely high success rate, Bang Overseas is undoubtedly the best choice for you to immigrate. For more detailed information, please visit the official website of Bang Overseas, or call our hotline for consultation. We promise to provide you with all-round service.