Maple Leaf Card and Residency Obligations

If you can comply with the "residence obligation" stipulated in Canadian immigration law, or meet the corresponding exemption conditions, then living overseas for a long time does not mean that the Maple Leaf Card will automatically become invalid.

011. Overview of residence obligations

The Maple Leaf Card needs to be renewed every five years. Holders of the card need to live in Canada for a total of 730 days in any consecutive five years, which is two years. If you fail to meet this condition, you may face the loss of your permanent resident status.

022. Exemptions for overseas residence

If you cannot meet the residence requirements because you have lived overseas for a long time, but you meet any of the following circumstances, the length of your stay abroad can be regarded as the length of your stay in Canada:

Accompanying a Canadian citizen spouse or common-law partner while living overseas;

Being assigned to work overseas by a Canadian company, government or public institution;

Accompany a spouse who holds a Maple Leaf Card or a partner who holds a Maple Leaf Card to work overseas. The spouse mentioned here needs to be posted overseas for a Canadian company or the Canadian government.

Residence abroad for humanitarian reasons (e.g. health issues, family emergencies, etc.).

3. Methods to enhance the success rate of card guarantee

Even if you have not lived in Canada for 730 days within a five-year period, you can use the following methods to prove your close connection with Canada and increase your chances of retaining the card:

Continue to file taxes in Canada, even if there is no income;

Maintain financial connections such as Canadian bank accounts, real estate, and insurance;

Participate in community activities, volunteer services, etc. to build social connections;

One return to Canada is calculated on a regular basis. It is recommended to enter Canada once every 12 to 18 months, and each stop should be at least two weeks;

Properly keep all entry and exit records, boarding passes, rental contracts, and medical records as supporting materials.

034.Related matters needing attention

The expiration of your Maple Leaf Card does not mean that you have lost your permanent resident status, but it may affect your freedom of entry and exit. If your Maple Leaf Card has expired and you are still overseas, you need to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document, also known as PRTD, to return to Canada. In addition, if you plan to live overseas for a long time, naturalizing in Canada is a way to get rid of the residence restrictions. However, you must pay attention to meeting the naturalization conditions, which is to live for three years within five years.

Maple Leaf Card holders must live in the country for two years out of a five-year period, otherwise they may lose their status. If you live overseas for a long time, you still have the opportunity to keep your Maple Leaf Card, but you must ensure that you meet the relevant conditions, and you must apply and prepare materials in time.