✈️
Last verified: March 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca← Back to IRPA ExplorerLast verified: March 2026 · Source: justice.gc.ca
PART 1: Immigration to CanadaAdmissibility Hearing by the Immigration Division
§46

Permanent resident

Permanent resident

EnforcementPermanent Residents
🍁 In Simple Terms

A permanent resident loses their PR status when: a removal order is made against them, they renounce their status, or they become a citizen. Loss of PR status is not automatic — it only happens in specific legal circumstances.

Affects: Persons subject to removal or detention
Legal Text — IRPA Section 46

(1)A person loses permanent resident status(a) when they become a Canadian citizen;

(b)on a final determination of a decision made outside of Canada that they have failed to comply with the residency obligation under section 28;

(c)when a removal order made against them comes into force;

(d)on a final determination under section 109 to vacate a decision to allow their claim for refugee protection or a final determination to vacate a decision to allow their application for protection; or

(e)on approval by an officer of their application to renounce their permanent resident status.

Cross-References
In Practice
Official Source: Justice Canada — IRPA s. 46 (authoritative, may differ from this display)
Explore More Sections
Browse all 309 sections of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Explore More Sections