I submitted my PR card renewal application this April. And got a letter for an interview in local office. My background:
Landed in July 2003, went back to US for school
Aug 2003 to June 2006 school in U.S.
came back to Canada in July 2006
almost 3 years out of Canada
Started my own company in Aug 2006, but didn't go very well
found a full job in March 2007, still working there
was out of Canada for abount 5 weeks, could be counted as buinss trip or working from home. Have paycheck stub for the period out of Canada

wife and kid are still in U.S., spent 5 weeks mentiond above with my kid

in CIC letter, they indicated that I didn't meet 730 days requirement. But I am going to argure:
1. 5 weeks for business trip, I am still under company's payroll
2. even CIC treats 5 weeks as working from home, I can use visiting kid as a reason

Anyone has experience, please let me know what chance do I have? what kind of question CIC is going to ask? Given the fact I imported my car, have a full time job and an intention to stay in Canada. Really appreciate your help. Thanks!

Sincerely,

Vancouver 2007

Those 5 weeks are not valid under PR timescales. If your company sent you abroad on business it would be one thing, but you were visiting your family abroad not being sent on business so it doesn't count. Does matter if you were being paid for that time or not, it was vacation time and you choose to be out of Canada not were sent out of Canada by the company.

CIC has actually made it easier for you to retain your PR status with the current requirements.

Previous to 2002, PRs had to be in canada at least 6 months per year. Period. The only way to gain an exemption was to request a returning resident permit in advance of leaving Canada.

I am not certain if there is a similar procedure for the new requirements, but I do know that certain exemptions are taken into consideration.

This is the most likely reason for the interview, to determine if your absence from Canada fits in to the exemptions.

The officers are not specifically trying to boot you from the country. They are, however, bound by specific laws and regulations that require them to ensure you continue to meet the requirements of permanent residence status.

I wouldn't panic too much about the interview. I am certain they will do all they can to help you remain in Canada, particularly if they believe you have the intent to remain in Canada.

If there is a specific option as the Returning Resident permit under the new Immigration and Refugee act, they will have more details for you.

If you are allowed to remain, make sure you know inside and out, all the residence requirements as it is unlikely they will be so accomodating if the same thing happens again.

I went to the interview last Friday and talked with officer for about 1 hours. They did asked:
1. why my family is not here
2. verify my company is real

as for the 5 weeks, they didn't pay a lot of attention. Finally, I got my PR card back. Hope this info will help someone else

Sincerely,

Vancovuer2007