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Last verified: March 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca← Back to IRPA ExplorerLast verified: March 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca
PART 1: Immigration to CanadaDIVISION 3: Entering and Remaining in Canada
§28

Application

Application

Permanent Residents
🍁 In Simple Terms

Permanent residents must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days in every 5-year period to maintain their status. Business trips abroad may count if employed by a Canadian company.

Affects: Immigration applicants (economic, family, humanitarian)
Legal Text — IRPA Section 28

(1)A permanent resident must comply with a residency obligation with respect to every five-year period.

(ii)outside Canada accompanying a Canadian citizen who is their spouse or common-law partner or, in the case of a child, their parent,

(iii)outside Canada employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business or in the federal public administration or the public service of a province,

(iv)outside Canada accompanying a permanent resident who is their spouse or common-law partner or, in the case of a child, their parent and who is employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business or in the federal public administration or the public service of a province, or

(v)referred to in regulations providing for other means of compliance;

In Practice
Official Source: Justice Canada — IRPA s. 28 (authoritative, may differ from this display)
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