Yes, you can leave Canada while your application for permanent residency (PR) is being processed, but there are several important considerations to keep in mind:

Travel Considerations:

• Maintaining Legal Status: If you are in Canada on a temporary visa (such as a work or study permit), you need to ensure that your visa remains valid and that you maintain legal status when leaving and re-entering Canada if your temporary visa expires outside Canada, you may need to apply for a new visa to return.
• Re-Entry into Canada: Leaving Canada does not guarantee re-entry. When you return, you must meet all the requirements for entry into Canada. This means you must have a valid passport, a valid temporary visa if required, and, if asked, proof of the ongoing processing of your PR application. Immigration officers at the border or airport can allow or deny entry based on their assessment of your situation.
• Impact on PR Application: Generally, traveling outside of Canada does not directly affect the processing of your PR application. However, if you are applying under specific programs that require physical presence in Canada (e.g., some Provincial Nominee Programs), time spent outside Canada could affect your eligibility or the outcome of your application. It’s crucial to check the specific requirements of your PR program.

How Long Can You Stay Outside Canada?

There is no set limit on how long you can stay outside Canada during the PR application process, but there are factors to consider:

• Communication with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): You must be available to receive communication from IRCC, attend interviews if required, and respond to requests for additional information or documents. Ensure IRCC has your current contact information and that you have arrangements to receive mail or electronic communication while you are away.
• Processing Times and Deadlines: Be aware of any deadlines for submitting documents or biometrics. Missing these deadlines can delay your application or lead to refusal.
• Permanent Resident Obligations (Once Approved): After receiving PR status, residency obligations exist to maintain your status as a permanent resident. You must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days every five years. However, this is relevant only after you’ve been granted PR status.

Recommendations:

• Consult with IRCC or a Legal Advisor: Before planning any travel, it’s a good idea to consult IRCC’s website for the latest guidance or seek advice from a legal advisor or immigration consultant to understand how travel might affect your situation.
• Travel Documents: Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including a valid travel document (e.g., a passport) and a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), if applicable, for your return to Canada.
• Keep Documents Handy: Carry copies of important documents related to your PR application, such as acknowledgment of receipt, to facilitate your re-entry into Canada if questioned about your immigration status.

Traveling while your PR application is being processed is possible. Still, it requires careful consideration of your current status, the implications for your PR application, and the requirements for re-entering Canada.