How often do I need to head back to Canada?

[magentahaze 34]

Hey everyone!

My dad called me last night with a question that he was curious about.

I have my 10 GC, but I still have my Canadian passport, that I just renewed in 2012. He wondered how often I would need to come back into Canada to keep my residency "ongoing" I guess is what he meant.

I was just back for a two-week vacation end of October/early November last year.

Is there a time frame that I have to go back to keep things "fresh?"

Just wondered if anyone could help me.

Thanks buckets!

[Vinn 3]

You shouldn't be away for more than six months to keep your residency ongoing.

[NikLR 13,232]

When you got your Green Card you ceased to be a Canadian resident. Actually to be specific, after your POE'd with your visa you ceased to be a Canadian resident. You will always be a Canadian citizen though unless you submit in writing that you denounce it. Being a Canadian citizen is what lets you have a Canadian passport, not residency.

Edited March 27, 2014 by NLR

[magentahaze 34]

When you got your Green Card you ceased to be a Canadian resident. Actually to be specific, after your POE'd with your visa you ceased to be a Canadian resident. You will always be a Canadian citizen though unless you submit in writing that you denounce it. Being a Canadian citizen is what lets you have a Canadian passport, not residency.

Ok, that makes sense, then.

I'm still a Canadian citizen, but a US permanent resident. He was just curious as I just renewed my passport in 2012, just in case it was an issue.

But I guess it's not. I'll just head back when I can afford it then.

[NikLR 13,232]

Yep whenever plane tickets are cheap! Lol

[magentahaze 34]

For sure.

That was part of the reason I came home last year. Found a flight from my nearest airport to Vancouver, round trip, for less than $500! So I jumped on it.

[Marilyn. 340]

i found it is usually cheaper to fly to a border town and then drive across the border, if where you are going is close to the border. My parents live in Chilliwack so it is actually closer for them to pick me up in Bellingham than Vancouver

I am actually flying up with my daughter in a few weeks. the flight cost $260. I am flying From the LA area to Bellingham..

[magentahaze 34]

I used to fly to Seattle and my parents would drive down. We'd make a day of it. I've thought about flying into Bellingham, but I have to make sure that I can with the carrier I use.

[Marilyn. 340]

for me there is no non-stop flight to Bellingham. I have to fly to seattle and change planes and then fly to Bellingham..

[magentahaze 34]

Same for me. I always have to stop AT LEAST once to get to either Seattle or Vancouver. It's mostly what I can afford.

This year, it's not looking likely that I'll be doing any traveling.

Edited March 27, 2014 by magentahaze

[Marilyn. 340]

I got lucky my brother and SIL payed for my flight...They were going to come down here but it was cheaper for them to fly me up there and this way my daughter can meet the rest of her aunts and uncles and cousin...

[ricnally 259]

Hey everyone!

My dad called me last night with a question that he was curious about.

I have my 10 GC, but I still have my Canadian passport, that I just renewed in 2012. He wondered how often I would need to come back into Canada to keep my residency "ongoing" I guess is what he meant.

I was just back for a two-week vacation end of October/early November last year.

Is there a time frame that I have to go back to keep things "fresh?"

Just wondered if anyone could help me.

Thanks buckets!

wow.