In-Canada spousal sponsorship application. Can I leave the country for short trips?

Question

I am applying for permanent residence through in-Canada class spousal/common-law sponsorship. I currently hold a post-graduate work permit for 3 years and a multiple-entry visa for 3 years. My common-law partner is a citizen and is currently working.

I talked to another lawyer and she said that while an application is in process, the sponsored spouse must stay in status and reside with the sponsor in Canada. As such, trips outside of Canada during processing are not usually advised. She said I cannot leave at all, not even for work purposes.

I am in the consulting field and cannot be bound down for long -part of my job is to travel. Is it true that leaving the country even for short trips would nullify my permanent application?

Answer 1

By applying for PR, you are saying that you want to stay in Canada.  Immigration is not supposed to let you in on a temporary permit unless they are sure you are planning to leave Canada when your permit expires so that's where your problem lies.  I am not sure how it would affect your application but what could happen is you leave and they will not let you come back.