Permanent Residence Renunciation

Individuals who no longer wish to maintain their Canadian permanent resident (PR) status may apply for voluntary renunciation. This voluntary process formally ends permanent resident status and its associated rights, including the ability to live, work, and access certain services in Canada.

At Zohil-Morton Law, we provide expert legal advice to individuals considering voluntarily renouncing their permanent residence status, ensuring their full understanding of the legal and personal implications of doing so before proceeding.

Who Can Apply for Permanent Residence Renunciation?

To renounce permanent resident status in Canada, individuals must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a permanent resident of Canada; and,
• Hold citizenship or valid legal permanent residence in another country.

If an individual meets these two criteria, they are eligible to voluntarily renounce their permanent residence in Canada.

Why Would I Renounce My Permanent Resident Status?

There are several situations in which an individual may wish to renounce their permanent resident status in Canada, some of which may include:

• Accepting a diplomatic or official position with a foreign government;
• Obtaining citizenship or permanent resident status in another country that requires renouncing permanent resident status in Canada;
• No longer meeting residency obligations but still seeking to visit Canada, and,
  • Interested in applying for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA); or,
  • Looking to avoid lengthy wait times for a visa officer to assess whether or not an individual is still a permanent resident in Canada; or,
  • Wishing to avoid delays at the Port of Entry; or,
• No longer interested in living in Canada permanently.

Consequences of Renouncing Permanent Residence

Renouncing permanent resident status is a permanent decision that carries significant legal implications, which take effect on the day the renunciation application is approved. Once approved, an individual will no longer be a permanent resident of Canada and will lose the right to appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). Additionally, an individual who renounces their permanent residence will become ineligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. If a Canadian citizenship application is in process at the time of renunciation, it will be refused.

If there are any family class sponsorship applications in progress at the time of renunciation, these applications will be refused. This includes any applications for permanent residence for family members who have been sponsored.

If an individual is a protected person and chooses to renounce their permanent resident status, they will not lose their protected person status.

Legal Assistance for Permanent Residence Renunciation

Understanding the full legal and personal implications of renouncing permanent resident status is crucial before making such a significant decision. At Zohil-Morton Law, we offer legal support to ensure that individuals make informed choices and complete the renunciation process correctly.

If you are seeking professional advice on Canadian immigration matters, we are here to offer professional guidance and trusted, personalized support. With expertise in Canadian Immigration Law, we provide tailored legal services to ensure your immigration process is seamless and stress-free. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward your Canadian immigration journey.