each day you were physically present in Canada as an authorized temporary resident or protected person before you became a permanent resident counts as half a day (up to a maximum of 365 days);

each day you were physically present in Canada after you became a permanent resident counts as one day;

To be eligible under 5(1), since becoming a permanent resident, you must have:

been physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days in the five years before you apply
filed income taxes (if required by the Income Tax Act) for any three taxation years that are fully or partially within the five years before you apply

How old are your kids? Is it possible that your wife could go back home for a few weeks holiday on her own? I can fully understand that Canada can seem a pain from time to time, but if your wife is big time unhappy the kids are quite likely picking up on that too.

The leaving home, coming to Canada scenario is incredibly long and tiring and takes so much mental effort that it’s going to take a toll. I know there are a few people on here who have ping ponged a bit before finding themselves in a happy place.

If you could reach a compromise to try to stay as a happy and united team until you get Citizenship it would ensure you’ve got more choices in the future, and that all of the efforts you’ve made have a positive end result.

Have you thought about thistlehollyberries suggestion for moving to somewhere different? I know that I would have been happier had I not moved here, but it has been a real success for my family here, just not me personally as I just can’t hack the weather, it seriously effects me. We are planning to move to BC, where my husband is from in four years when my son finishes his first bit of uni and is independent...it’s a goal and gives us all something to work towards...might that be possible for your family with Citizenship?

Very best of luck finding what’s the best solution for all of you long term, it can be hellish working out what’s best