Learn if you can keep your U.S. Green Card while becoming a Canadian permanent resident. Discover the rules, risks, and how to maintain both statuses.
Can You Keep Your U.S. Green Card If You Become a Canadian Permanent Resident?
Yes, it is legally possible to hold U.S. permanent residency (Green Card) and Canadian permanent residency (PR) at the same time. However, doing so requires careful planning and strict compliance with the residency obligations and immigration rules of both countries. If you fail to meet these requirements, you risk losing one or both statuses.
What Is Dual Permanent Residency?
Dual permanent residency means you are officially recognized as a permanent resident in two different countries at the same time. While this is not the same as dual citizenship, it is allowed under both U.S. and Canadian immigration laws — but only if you meet each country’s residency conditions.
Keeping Your U.S. Green Card While Living in Canada
To keep your Green Card after becoming a Canadian PR, you must continue fulfilling your U.S. residency responsibilities, even if you now live in Canada part-time or full-time.
Key Green Card Requirements:
- Maintain residence in the U.S.
- You must show ongoing intent to live in the U.S. permanently.
- Owning or renting a home, having a U.S. driver’s license, job, or family ties can support this.
- Avoid long absences
- If you stay outside the U.S. for more than 6 months, U.S. border agents may question whether you’ve abandoned your residency.
- An absence longer than 12 months without a Reentry Permit almost always leads to automatic loss of Green Card status.
- File U.S. tax returns
- You must continue to file taxes as a U.S. resident. Failing to do so may signal abandonment.
- Use a Reentry Permit if needed
- If you plan to live in Canada for over 6 months, apply for a Reentry Permit (Form I-131) before leaving the U.S.
- This permit allows you to stay outside the U.S. for up to 2 years without losing your Green Card.
Meeting Canadian Permanent Residency Requirements
To keep your Canadian PR, you must meet Canada's residency obligation:
Canadian PR Rules:
- You must live in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) in every 5-year period.
- These 730 days do not have to be consecutive.
- Time spent outside Canada may count toward your residency if you are:
- Traveling with a Canadian citizen spouse
- Working for a Canadian business
- Employed by the Canadian government
Failing to meet this residency requirement can result in losing your Canadian PR when you apply for renewal or citizenship.
Balancing Both: The Challenge of Dual PR
Holding both U.S. and Canadian PR is possible, but logistically difficult. Here’s why:
| Factor | U.S. Green Card | Canadian PR |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum time in country | Should not be abroad >6 months (1 year max) | Must be in Canada 730 days every 5 years |
| Risk of status loss | Abandonment if absent too long or no U.S. ties | PR loss if you don’t meet 730-day rule |
| Tax obligations | File U.S. tax returns every year | File Canadian taxes if considered a resident |
| Travel flexibility | Limited unless using Reentry Permit | Flexible if residency met |
You’ll need to carefully track your time in each country and potentially plan your movements months or years in advance.
Example Scenario:
Maria, a U.S. Green Card holder, moves to Canada and becomes a Canadian PR in 2025. To keep both statuses:
- She travels to the U.S. every few months to maintain physical presence and avoid abandonment.
- She applies for a Reentry Permit to stay in Canada for up to 2 years without risking her Green Card.
- She tracks her time to ensure she’s in Canada for at least 730 days in every 5-year window.
- She files both U.S. and Canadian tax returns as required.
By planning carefully, Maria legally maintains both residencies.
What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Rules?
- If you stay in Canada too long and rarely return to the U.S., border agents may determine you’ve abandoned your Green Card and may confiscate it.
- If you spend too much time in the U.S., you may fail to meet the Canadian PR 730-day rule and risk losing your PR during a renewal or citizenship application.
Final Tips for Keeping Both PRs:
Apply for a U.S. Reentry Permit before leaving for long periods.- Keep detailed travel records of all trips.
- Maintain strong ties (housing, job, financial accounts) in both countries.
- Consult a cross-border immigration attorney and tax professional.
Make a long-term plan to balance both residency obligations.
Summary: Can You Keep Your U.S. Green Card if You Get Canadian PR?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can you legally hold both PRs? | Yes |
| Can you lose your Green Card if you move? | Yes, if you're absent too long |
| Can you lose Canadian PR? | Yes, if you don’t meet the 730-day rule |
| Are there tools to help (e.g., permits)? | Reentry Permit for U.S. |
| Does it require careful time management? | Absolutely |