Vol. 547 No. 1
183 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the procedure involved, whereby an Irish citizen, who has resided for more than 30 years in Canada, but who has not taken out Canadian citizenship, and who has returned to Ireland for a short time, can retain his right to return to Canada; the circumstances in which the six month period within which such a person must return to Canada, can be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1960/02]
My Department has obtained the following clarification from the Canadian authorities on the aspect of Canadian immigration procedures raised by the Deputy.
Permanent residents of Canada who have been outside Canada for six months or more in any 12 month period must demonstrate at a Canadian port of entry that they have not abandoned residence in Canada. This requirement applies whether the absence has been a series of trips or one extended absence from Canada.
To facilitate re-entry to Canada, a person should obtain a returning residence permit which can be issued at a Canadian visa office abroad. An application for a returning residence permit will require the presentation of documentation explaining the absence, such as a contract showing employment by a Canadian company abroad, school certificates if studying abroad, medical certificates indicating extended treatment or hospitalisation outside Canada, and/or documentation confirming that the individual has maintained ties to Canada, such as paying taxes. Further information regarding this matter is available on the following internet address www.canada.org.uk.
Application forms for a returning residence permit can be obtained by post from the Canadian High Commission, Immigration Section, 38 Grosvenor Street, London W1K 4 AA, United Kingdom with the code RRP marked in the top left hand corner of the envelope. The telephone and fax numbers from Ireland for the Immigration Section are 00 44 20 7258 6600 and 00 44 20 7258 6506 respectively. The processing fee for a returning residence permit is Canadian $75 which is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of an application.
