Guide 5781: Applying to Voluntarily Renounce Your Permanent Resident Status

• Overview
• Before You Apply
• Step 1. Gather documents
• Step 2. Complete the application
• Step 3. Pay the Fees
• Step 4. Submit the application
• What happens next
• Appendix A: Photo specifications

Before You Apply

Who may use this application?

This application is for persons who want to voluntarily renounce their status as a permanent resident of Canada.

Who is eligible to renounce their permanent resident status?

To renounce your status as a permanent resident, you must:

• be a permanent resident of Canada;
• have citizenship or valid legal permanent resident status in another country.

Note: In cases where the client is under 18 years of age, all legal guardians must consent in writing to the client renouncing their permanent resident status.

Why would I renounce my permanent resident status?

There are multiple situations in which a person might wish to renounce their permanent resident status including:

• You want to accept a diplomatic or official position with a foreign government; or
• You want to obtain citizenship or permanent resident status in another country and that country requires you to renounce permanent resident status in Canada; or
• You only want to visit Canada and you know you have not met the residency obligations because you have been outside of Canada for a long period of time and
  • You don’t want to wait for a visa officer to assess whether or not you are still a permanent resident of Canada; or
  • You would like to apply for a temporary resident visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA); or
  • You would like to avoid delays at the Port of Entry.
• You no longer want to live in Canada permanently.

Note: You do not need to renounce your permanent resident status in order to become a Canadian Citizen.

What happens if I renounce my permanent resident status?

If you renounce your permanent resident status, you will permanently change your status in Canada as of the day your application is approved by an officer. You will not be able to appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). You will no longer be a permanent resident of Canada. You will no longer be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. Any application for Canadian citizenship that is still in process will be refused.

How will renouncing my permanent resident status affect my family?

Your family members do not need to renounce their permanent resident status if you do. They can remain permanent residents.

However, when IRCC receives your application to renounce your permanent resident status, it will suspend any active family class sponsorship applications you may have already submitted. If your application to renounce your permanent resident status is approved, any sponsorship application that is still in process will be refused. The applications for permanent residence of any family you have sponsored that are still in process will also be refused. The processing fees will not be refunded.

Can I still get social services or federal benefits if I’m not a permanent resident?

If you renounce your permanent residence in Canada, you will lose access to social and health services provided to permanent residents by the Government of Canada or your province or territory of residence. You may still qualify for certain benefits such as those related to the Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security, but there may be exceptions.

If you receive or plan to receive social services or benefits from the Government of Canada or from a province or territory, you should contact the appropriate authorities within the federal government or the province or territory. They can tell you if you have to be a permanent resident to receive the service.

If my request to renounce is granted, can I still remain in Canada?

If you are inside Canada and your renunciation has been approved, you will be considered a temporary resident (visitor) in Canada. You are allowed to remain in Canada for six months as a temporary resident. If you would like to remain in Canada longer than six months, you must apply to extend your stay in Canada. You will no longer be allowed to work or study without authorization from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

If my request is granted, can I still apply to come to Canada?

Yes. However, you may need to apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on your country of citizenship and the purpose of your visit and the travel document you will be using.