Renouncing PR Status in Canada

Millions of people strive to become permanent residents of Canada. However, not every permanent resident (PR) is happy with what they have achieved. Some of them may reach a point they do not want their PR status. Consequently, renouncing PR status will be their best option. Is PR renunciation an option? If yes, why and how?

• Why renunciation?
• Who qualifies?
• How to renounce PR
• The processing fee
• Where to submit the package
• Inland applicants’ status after renunciation
• Outside Canada applicants
• PR renunciation and inadmissibility
• Let us help!

Why renouncing PR status?

While I cannot explain every scenario, the following situations could be reasons for renouncing PR status. Of course, the actual circumstances surrounding each applicant are different.

• You will lose a job or residency opportunity in another country because of permanent residency in Canada.
• You do not meet the residency obligations, and you do not want to apply for a PRTD. However, you have another opportunity to immigrate to Canada again. For example, your spouse will sponsor you to Canada.

As mentioned earlier, these examples do not represent all possible scenarios.

Who qualifies for renunciation?

You may renounce the PR status if you meet all the following requirements:

• Currently a permanent resident of Canada. Of course, it doesn’t matter if your PR card is invalid.
• Have the citizenship of at least one country other than Canada.

For children under 18, all the people who have their custody must sign the papers. Moreover, each family member must submit a separate application.

The process of renouncing PR status

You must prepare the following forms and documents. Of course, this list is subject to change. Thus, consult the official document checklist.

• Voluntarily Renounce Permanent Resident Status form (IMM 5782)
• The Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476), if you have a representative.
• Two immigration photos
• The PR card, if still valid. However, you do not need to send expired PR cards.
• Proof of citizenship to another country. For example, a copy of your passport.

For children, you need some documents to prove the relationship to parents and their custody.

How much does it cost?

IRCC does not charge a fee for voluntary renouncing your PR status. Of course, this could change in the future.

Where to send the PR renunciation package?

If you are inside Canada, send the package to the following address. However, the outside-Canada applicants must send their package to the visa office responsible for their country.

Renunciation of Permanent Resident Status
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Operational Support Centre
365 Laurier Avenue West
Ground Floor Mailroom, South Tower
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 1L1

Remember, this address is subject to change. Of course, we’ll do our best to keep this information up-to-date. Nevertheless, double-check everything on the IRCC website.

What happens if you are inside Canada and renounce your PR status

The inland applicants become visitors upon the approval of their application. They may also remain in Canada for up to six months. Nonetheless, if they wish to stay longer, they must apply for a visitor record.

Outside-Canada applicants

If you apply outside Canada or at a port of entry, you won’t have the privilege of remaining in Canada for up to six months. However, you may apply for a TRV or eTA or other options depending on your nationality and needs.

Does this process make me inadmissible?

Renunciation of the PR status on its own won’t make you inadmissible to Canada. However, you become a foreign national. Therefore, those inadmissibility reasons that do not affect permanent residents could affect you.  For example, criminality and medical issues are not off the table anymore.

Assisting you with renouncing PR status

If you intend to renounce your PR status, please book an appointment with me. This decision has significant consequences. Therefore, please do not take it lightly. Since you are voluntarily renouncing, reversing the decision is almost impossible. For other immigration issues, fill out the following form: