READERS' LETTERS
Move to Canada
I am a businessman and am considering immigration to Canada, However I have an excellent business in my home country that I would like to keep for at least another five years. Is it possible for me to immigrate to Canada and still continue operating my business in my home country and may I return to my home country to do so?
Martin Butler, Manchester
I asked Brownstein, Brownstein & Associates, a firm of Canadian immigration specialists to respond. This is their reply:
Under Canadian immigration law, once an individual becomes a landed immigrant in Canada, in order to maintain their permanent resident status, they must remain in the country for a minimum of six months per year.
This flexibility would allow you to spend six months outside Canada, whether as a straight six month period or as separate visits.
In addition, should it be necessary for you to be out of Canada for more than six months, you may do so subject to obtaining a return residency permit. To obtain this permit you must provide good reasons to the immigration authorities.
After you have been in Canada as a permanent resident for a total of 36 months you will then be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship and will no longer have the requirement of physical presence in Canada to maintain your status.
For more information contact Brownstein, Brownstein & Associates, 1310 Greene Avenue, Suite 750, Montreal, Quebec, H3Z 2B2 - Editor.
