Key Takeaways
• Canada requires permanent residents to submit annual residency declarations starting January 31, 2025.
• U.S. green card holders face stricter revocation rules for failing residency or submitting false information.
• Both countries enforce compliance strongly; failure may result in status cancellation and removal proceedings.
Permanent Residents Face Stricter Rules: Annual Declarations Now Critical in Canada and the United States
Permanent residents in both Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸 are facing new, tougher rules in 2025. If they fail to submit required annual declarations or do not meet residency requirements, they risk losing their permanent resident status. These changes reflect a shift toward stricter enforcement of immigration laws, with both countries aiming to ensure that only those who follow the rules keep their status. Here’s what you need to know about these changes, why they matter, and what steps you should take to protect your status.
What’s Changing and Why Now?
Who is affected?
Permanent residents in Canada 🇨🇦 and green card holders (lawful permanent residents) in the United States 🇺🇸.
What’s happening?
Starting in 2025, Canada 🇨🇦 has introduced new rules requiring permanent residents to submit annual declarations confirming their residency. If they fail to do so, they could lose their permanent resident status. The United States 🇺🇸 is also tightening its rules, making it easier to revoke green cards if residents do not meet their obligations or if problems are found with their original applications.
When does this start?
The new Canadian rules took effect on January 31, 2025, with official publication in the Canada Gazette on February 12, 2025. In the United States 🇺🇸, the stricter approach is already being applied in 2025.
Where are these changes happening?
Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸.
Why are these changes being made?
Both countries want to make sure that permanent residents are following the rules, living in the country as required, and contributing to society. These changes are meant to stop people from keeping their status if they are not really living in the country or if they got their status through false information.
How will this be enforced?
Immigration officers in both countries now have more power to check compliance and start revocation proceedings if residents do not submit required documents or meet residency rules.
Canada’s New Rules: Annual Declarations and the Risk of Losing Status
The 2025 Amendments: What Do They Say?
On January 31, 2025, Canada 🇨🇦 enacted the Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Cancellation of Immigration Documents) (SOR/2025-11). These changes were published in the Canada Gazette on February 12, 2025. The new rules give immigration officers the power to cancel immigration documents, including permanent resident status, if the holder does not follow the rules.
Key points from the amendments:
- Annual Declarations Required: Permanent residents must submit an Annual Declaration of Residency to confirm they are meeting their residency obligations. This usually means living in Canada 🇨🇦 for at least 730 days (about two years) within a five-year period.
- Failure to Submit = Risk of Revocation: If a permanent resident does not submit the annual declaration, or if they do not meet the residency requirement, immigration officers can start the process to cancel their status.
- Wider Powers for Officers: Officers can also cancel status if they believe the person is inadmissible (not allowed to stay), if requirements are not met, or if there is a reasonable belief the person will not leave Canada 🇨🇦 after their authorized stay.
What Happens If You Don’t Submit the Annual Declaration?
If you are a permanent resident in Canada 🇨🇦 and you do not submit your annual declaration, here’s what could happen:
- Investigation: Immigration authorities may start an investigation into your status.
- Notification: You will receive a notice telling you that you are not in compliance.
- Opportunity to Respond: You will have a chance to respond, explain your situation, or provide evidence that you meet the requirements.
- Decision: Immigration officers or a tribunal will decide if your status should be revoked.
- Possible Removal: If your status is revoked, you may have to leave Canada 🇨🇦.
It is very important to respond quickly and provide all required information if you receive a notice.
How to Submit the Annual Declaration
Permanent residents must use the official form to submit their annual declaration. The form and instructions are available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Make sure to use the latest version of the form and follow all instructions carefully.
Tip: Keep copies of all documents and proof of your time in Canada 🇨🇦, such as travel records, leases, or work documents.
United States: Green Card Revocation and Compliance
What Are the Rules for Green Card Holders?
In the United States 🇺🇸, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) must:
- Maintain Residency: Live in the United States 🇺🇸 and not spend long periods outside the country without permission.
- Respond to USCIS Requests: If the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) asks for information or documents, you must respond.
- Avoid Fraud: Do not provide false information or documents when applying for or renewing your green card.
While there is no universal annual declaration for green card holders, failing to meet these requirements can lead to revocation of your status.
2025 Legal Developments: Tougher Enforcement
In 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice made it clear that green cards can be revoked even years after they are issued if problems are found with the original application, such as fraud or missing information. This means that even long-term permanent residents are not safe if they do not follow the rules.
Process for Revocation in the U.S.:
- Notice of Intent to Revoke: USCIS will send a notice explaining why your status may be revoked.
- Chance to Respond: You can respond and provide evidence to defend your status.
- Formal Decision: USCIS will make a decision based on the information provided.
- Removal Proceedings: If your status is revoked, you may face removal from the United States 🇺🇸.
Legal help is strongly recommended if you receive a notice or are at risk of losing your status.
For more information on maintaining your green card status, visit the USCIS Green Card page.
Why Are These Changes Happening Now?
Both Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸 want to make sure that permanent residents are truly living in the country and following the rules. In the past, there was more flexibility for late submissions or small mistakes. Now, the focus is on strict compliance and making sure the system is fair for everyone.
Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has said that these changes are needed to protect the integrity of the immigration system and to make sure that permanent residents are contributing to Canadian society and the economy.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and USCIS have also said they will enforce the rules more strictly, especially in cases of fraud or failure to meet legal requirements.
What Does This Mean for Permanent Residents?
For Individuals
- You must submit all required annual declarations on time.
- Keep records of your time in the country and any documents that prove you meet residency requirements.
- Respond quickly to any notices from immigration authorities.
- If you are unsure about your status or have missed a deadline, seek legal advice immediately.
For Families
- Family members who are also permanent residents must each meet the requirements.
- If one family member loses status, it can affect the whole family’s ability to stay in the country.
For Employers
- Employers who sponsor permanent residents should remind employees about compliance requirements.
- Losing permanent resident status can affect work authorization.
For Students and Other Stakeholders
- Students with permanent resident status must also meet residency and declaration requirements.
- Missing a declaration can affect your ability to study, work, or travel.
How Will Enforcement Work?
Immigration authorities in both countries are expected to use digital systems to track compliance. This means:
- Automated reminders may be sent to permanent residents about upcoming deadlines.
- Electronic records will make it easier for officers to check if declarations have been submitted.
- Fewer chances for late submissions or mistakes to be overlooked.
If you miss a deadline or fail to submit a required declaration, you are more likely to be flagged for investigation.
What Should You Do Now?
1. Check Your Status:
Make sure you know when your next annual declaration is due. Mark the date on your calendar and set reminders.
2. Gather Documents:
Keep all documents that show you live in the country, such as rental agreements, utility bills, work records, and travel documents.
3. Submit Declarations Early:
Do not wait until the last minute. Submit your annual declaration as soon as you can.
4. Respond to Notices:
If you receive a notice from immigration authorities, respond right away. Do not ignore it, even if you think it is a mistake.
5. Get Legal Help if Needed:
If you are unsure about your status or have missed a deadline, contact an immigration lawyer. Legal advice can help you avoid losing your status.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
In the past, both Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸 required permanent residents to meet residency and reporting requirements, but enforcement was less strict. Late submissions or small mistakes were sometimes forgiven. However, concerns about fraud and people keeping their status without really living in the country have led to these new, tougher rules.
The 2025 amendments in Canada 🇨🇦 and recent legal rulings in the United States 🇺🇸 show a clear move toward stricter enforcement. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes are part of a broader trend in immigration policy that puts more responsibility on permanent residents to prove they are following the rules.
What’s Next? Future Developments
Looking ahead, both countries are likely to:
- Expand the scope of mandatory declarations: More types of declarations or more frequent reporting may be required.
- Tighten deadlines: Less flexibility for late submissions.
- Use more digital tools: Automated tracking and reminders will become more common.
- Increase penalties for non-compliance: Losing permanent resident status may happen more quickly and with fewer chances to fix mistakes.
Permanent residents should expect that immigration authorities will continue to focus on compliance and may introduce new rules or systems to make enforcement even stricter.
Resources for Permanent Residents
- Canada Immigration and Citizenship:
Visit the official IRCC website for up-to-date forms, instructions, and compliance guidelines. -
USCIS for Green Card Holders:
The USCIS website has information on maintaining your status and what to do if you receive a notice. -
Legal Assistance:
If you have questions or face possible revocation, contact an immigration lawyer who specializes in permanent resident status.
Key Takeaways
- Permanent residents in Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸 must follow stricter rules in 2025, including submitting annual declarations and meeting residency requirements.
- Failure to comply can lead to investigation, loss of status, and removal from the country.
- Act quickly if you receive a notice or are unsure about your status.
- Use official government resources and seek legal help if needed.
By staying informed and taking action early, permanent residents can protect their status and avoid the serious consequences of non-compliance.
Learn Today
Permanent Resident → An individual legally allowed to live indefinitely in Canada or the U.S. with certain privileges.
Annual Declaration of Residency → A required yearly form confirming a permanent resident meets residency obligations in Canada.
Revocation → The official cancellation or withdrawal of permanent resident status by immigration authorities.
Green Card → U.S. lawful permanent resident document permitting an individual to live and work permanently.
Residency Obligation → The legal requirement to live a minimum amount of time in the country to keep status.
This Article in a Nutshell
In 2025, Canada and the U.S. tighten rules on permanent residents. Annual declarations in Canada and stricter U.S. enforcement protect immigration integrity, ensuring only compliant residents maintain status and avoid revocation, investigations, or deportation.
— By VisaVerge.com
