Pathway finder
Keep my permanent resident status: A PR card renewal or a letter from IRCC in Canada
Deadline
Appeals and court reviews have short deadlines, often 15 to 60 days from the day you receive the decision. Call early.
Routes people usually look at
1
Answering IRCC's request
A PR card renewal can trigger questions about your days in Canada. A clear, documented answer is the first chance to resolve it.2
An appeal of a departure order
If an officer finds you have not met the residency obligation, a report can lead to a departure order. You can appeal it to the Immigration Appeal Division within 30 days after you receive it.3
Judicial review in Federal Court
For some decisions that cannot be appealed to the IAD. The deadline is generally 15 days for a decision made in Canada.
What’s usually involved
- Read the letter closely and note any response deadline.
- Count your days in Canada for the five years the officer is looking at.
- Reply with documents, not just a statement.
- If a departure order is made, file the notice of appeal within 30 days.
- Prepare humanitarian evidence: family, work, community ties, and hardship if you had to leave.
Documents you’ll typically need
Timing
Respond by the date in the letter. Appeal and Federal Court deadlines are short and strict. For PR card processing, see IRCC’s processing times page.
Common pitfalls
- Ignoring a procedural fairness letter (a letter from IRCC explaining a concern and giving you a chance to answer before it decides) or replying late
- Leaving Canada while the matter is open without advice
- Counting days from memory
- Missing the 30-day appeal deadline
This is general information, not legal advice about your situation.
Talk it through with Manny
Deadlines are short, so book or call early. Bring this summary. Consultations in English, Punjabi and Hindi.