Can my time abroad count toward my permanent resident status?

It depends on what you do and who you travel with. Your time outside of Canada may count toward your permanent resident status if you meet 1 of these conditions:

You work outside Canada

You need to work full-time for:

• a Canadian business or organization, or
• the Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government

You travel with a spouse or common-law partner

Your spouse or common-law partner needs to be:

• a Canadian citizen, or
• a permanent resident working outside Canada, full-time for:
  • a Canadian business, or
  • the Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government

You’re a dependent child and travel with your parent

Your parent needs to be:

• a Canadian citizen, or
• a permanent resident working outside Canada, full-time for:
  • a Canadian business or
  • the Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government