Canadian Citizenship Application - Travelling

[Paolo]

Hi.

Its Paolo here.

I just wanted to hear some thoughts/answers about the matter that I’m having right now.

My parents and I applied for Canadian citizenship 3 months ago and we have not received a letter of invitation to take the test yet.

I was thinking all along before I agreed to my parents to apply for citizenship that it would only take a short while before we get an invitation.

I have booked a flight and will be leaving in 2 months (I am now aware that is not enough time for taking the test and the oath and everything else that comes with the citizenship application) I will be out of the country for 3 whole months.

Is there a way that I can request for my application, if ever they decide to send us an invitation to take the test while I’m out of the country, to be delayed until after I am back?

Any response would be very much appreciated.

Thank you.

[SettlementOrgMod]

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

You can find some detailed information regarding this type of situation on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Website in the Can I leave Canada after I mail my citizenship application? section.

Here is an excerpt,

Yes. There is not a requirement to stay in Canada while we process your application. Please also note that if you applied on or after June 11, 2015, you must also declare your intent to reside in Canada in order to be eligible.

If you need to leave Canada there are several risks you should be aware of.

If you leave Canada, you must continue to meet your residency obligation to keep permanent resident (PR) status. You must be a permanent resident to become a citizen and not just when you apply. If you lose PR status before you take the Oath of Citizenship, you cannot become a citizen. Bring your PR card with you when you leave Canada so you can return easily. Make sure the card will not expire while you are outside Canada. (If your PR card expires, it does not mean you have lost PR status.)

We generally only mail letters, notices and other material to addresses in Canada, although in some cases, you will receive an e-mail from us. You must reply to these letters within a certain amount of time. If you do not reply within the timeframe and do not provide an acceptable reason for not being able to keep your appointment with us, we will close your application.

You must attend meetings and other events at our offices, like your citizenship test, interview and ceremony. These events only take place in Canada. To reschedule these events or if you miss one, you must contact the CIC Call Centre. The Call Centre can only be reached from within Canada

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

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Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org