Hi. It depends how long ago you applied for residence. Although you have not been back to Canada since then, if the time is more than 24 months, you will definitely need another one. Residence applications usually require a new one, but this is a partnership application and you aren't the actual applicant, so it might be possible for you to use the previous one if it is less than 24 months old. If not, I think I would get on with it. I have heard people talk about 3 months for the USA - not sure about Canada. I am sure others on the forum can help you. See Ops manual A5.10 d.iv. If oyu live anywhere near an INZ office I would pop in and ask. (I wouldn't necessarily rely on what you get told by the Contact Centre!)