Pathway finder

Keep my permanent resident status: At the border, coming back to 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
Being allowed in with a report
A permanent resident has the right to enter Canada. An officer who thinks you have not met the residency obligation may still let you in but write a report, which can lead to a departure order.
2
An appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD)
If a departure order is made, you can appeal it. The notice of appeal must reach the IAD within 30 days after you receive the order.
3
Humanitarian grounds at the appeal
The IAD can allow the appeal on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, even if you were short of the 730 days.

Stay calm at the counter and answer questions truthfully.
Ask for copies of anything you sign or are given, and note the date.
Do not sign a form giving up your PR status unless you understand it and have decided that is what you want.
If a departure order is made, file the notice of appeal within 30 days.
Build evidence of your days in Canada, your ties here, and why you were away.

Your passport and any old passports, with entry and exit stamps
The officer’s report or departure order, with proof of the date you received it
Proof of time in Canada: leases, pay stubs, tax returns, school or medical records
Evidence of why you were away, such as caring for a sick relative

The 30-day IAD appeal deadline is strict. IAD hearings are scheduled by the Board; see the IRB’s appeal page.

What’s usually involved

Stay calm at the counter and answer questions truthfully.
Ask for copies of anything you sign or are given, and note the date.
Do not sign a form giving up your PR status unless you understand it and have decided that is what you want.
If a departure order is made, file the notice of appeal within 30 days.
Build evidence of your days in Canada, your ties here, and why you were away.

Documents you’ll typically need

Your passport and any old passports, with entry and exit stamps
The officer’s report or departure order, with proof of the date you received it
Proof of time in Canada: leases, pay stubs, tax returns, school or medical records
Evidence of why you were away, such as caring for a sick relative

Timing

The 30-day IAD appeal deadline is strict. IAD hearings are scheduled by the Board; see the IRB’s appeal page.

Common pitfalls

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.