Canada has always been an immigration destination that Chinese people yearn for. This is due to its superior natural environment, complete social security, and a relaxed pace of life. Among them, a sound social security system is a key factor in its attracting immigrants. Many people desire permanent resident status in Canada in order to enjoy the social benefits there. So, how can I get a Canadian maple leaf card? What are the common questions people have about this?

Canadian Maple Leaf Card FAQ

If the maple leaf card exceeds the validity period and does not apply for an extension, will it lose the permanent resident qualification of Canada?

Many people think that the maple leaf card and the permanent resident status are the same. If the maple leaf card expires, the permanent resident status will also be terminated. Although the maple leaf card is indeed a valid certificate for permanent resident status, even if the maple leaf card is no longer valid, it does not mean losing its permanent resident status.

It should be noted that, in accordance with regulations, all permanent residents must provide maple leaf cards to identify information when arriving in Canada by commercial aircraft or by boat. Whether entering the country by air, land or sea, Canadian Border Services (CBSA) personnel will request sufficient identity documents, and a valid maple leaf card is the best credential. When reviewing resident qualifications, government agencies often need to verify permanent resident status, not only CBSA, but other departments are the same.

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

After the maple leaf card loses its timeliness, it will not violate the laws and regulations without going through the update procedures, and it has the right to decide not to renew the new card. But if permanent residents have plans to leave Canada and come back, it is recommended to apply for an update of the maple leaf card so that they can prove their identity status at any time.

The maple leaf card is ineffective and has not submitted an application for renewal, so it is prohibited to leave or enter Canada, but it is still possible to travel to other countries. Before returning to China, be sure to apply for a one-time "Canadian Permanent Resident Travel Certificate" to visa agencies in various regions of Canada.

Holding a maple leaf card, you can go to all countries that are visa-free to Canada without applying for another visa. Is this a fact?

Maple Leaf Card is not equivalent to a passport or visa, and you cannot use this card to enter countries that require a visa. The card is designed primarily to facilitate the entry of the holder into Canada and is not used as a visa. As for the visa requirements for different passport holders in other countries, each country has its own regulations and needs to be understood clearly in advance.

According to the Canadian immigration regulations, the Canadian green card is valid for five years from the date of issuance. All Canadian permanent residents need to live in the country for a total of 730 days. People with green cards must reside for a total of two years within the validity period of the card. As long as they do not obtain citizenship, they must continue to fulfill this residence requirement. For the first application or renewal of Canadian permanent resident status, you must complete the residence requirements assessment. All people with permanent Canadian status must have a total of more than 730 days of residence within any five years.

Should I be naturalized after getting the maple leaf card?

If you have to travel to and from China frequently due to professional or family reasons, it is best to maintain your permanent resident status in Canada. You cannot choose to join the nationality of that country, otherwise you will completely lose your Chinese citizenship and you must apply for an entry permit when you return to China. Some people have had the experience of being rejected. The reason for refusal is extremely absurd: you suspect that you have the intention to move. Although the procedures for applying for a Chinese entry permit are not complicated, many details of the regulations will still cause inconvenience. If you cannot or do not want to stay in Canada for a long time and do not intend to become a citizen of the country, you may lose the qualification to stay in Canada for a long time.

The maple leaf card has expired, can I enter the country by land from the United States?

Immigration Department spokesman Karen said that individuals who hold maple leaf cards have expired their permanent resident qualifications are still valid and will not lose their status due to the invalidity of their documents.

According to the provisions of the Canadian Immigration Law, there are two situations for permanent residents to lose their identity. The first situation is that after trial by the Immigration and Refugee Bureau, the permanent resident is ruled that the permanent resident no longer has the identity. The second situation is that the immigration official realizes that he has lost the permanent resident qualification during the process of applying for a permanent resident's travel document, and the permanent resident will also lose his identity.

Karen pointed out that the reason why the Tribunal or immigration officers identified the permanent resident status was mainly because they were unable to prove that they had lived in Canada for two years in the past five years, or that they had committed serious crimes and were ordered to leave the country.

In most cases, especially when entering by land via the United States, as long as sufficient reasons and additional identity documents, such as driver's licenses, indicate that they have a fixed residence in Canada, border personnel will usually be allowed to pass, and it is recommended to re-issue the national card in a timely manner. However, if there is a lack of reasonable explanation and corresponding proof, it may also be blocked by customs.