Leaving Canada After Applying for Citizenship: What You Need to Know
The short answer is: Yes, you can leave Canada after applying for citizenship, but there are important caveats to consider. Your physical presence in Canada is a key requirement, both before and during the processing of your application. However, you are not required to remain in Canada continuously once you’ve submitted your citizenship application. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you remain compliant with the rules while also managing your life outside the country.
1. Meeting the Physical Presence Requirement
To apply for Canadian citizenship, one of the most important conditions you need to meet is the physical presence requirement. You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) in the five years immediately before your application date. This means that you can spend up to two years outside of Canada during this period.
Important tip: These 1,095 days do not need to be consecutive, and days spent outside Canada before your application won’t impact your ability to leave the country after applying. However, once the application is submitted, ensure that your absence doesn’t interfere with the rest of the process.
2. Important Notifications and Returning for the Test and Interview
Crucial step: After applying, you’ll be required to complete several steps in Canada before citizenship is granted. This includes attending a citizenship test, an interview, and possibly a hearing with a citizenship judge. Leaving Canada doesn’t excuse you from attending these. If you receive a notification while abroad, you may have limited time to return to Canada. Failure to attend can lead to delays or the outright denial of your application.
Pro tip: If you know you’ll be outside Canada for an extended period, regularly check your email or mailbox for correspondence from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If necessary, you can request to reschedule your test or interview, but this must be done in advance and requires a valid reason, such as an emergency.
3. The Risks of Extended Absence
Leaving Canada for short trips or work-related travel is common, but an extended absence may raise questions about your intent to reside in Canada after becoming a citizen. Canadian authorities expect that new citizens maintain a genuine connection to the country. Therefore, an applicant who spends excessive time abroad could be seen as not planning to make Canada their primary home. This could potentially complicate your case, especially if your absence is unexplained or prolonged.
Legal nuance: While the citizenship application does not legally bind you to Canada, spending significant time abroad might invite scrutiny. Applicants should keep detailed records of their travels and maintain their permanent residence during the entire application process.
4. Re-entering Canada and Permanent Resident Status
While waiting for your citizenship application to be processed, your legal status in Canada remains that of a permanent resident (PR). This means you can freely re-enter Canada after trips abroad, as long as your PR card is valid. If your card is about to expire, you should renew it before any international travel.
Note: If your PR card expires while abroad, re-entering Canada could become complicated, as you would need to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD), which can delay your return. It’s advisable to keep your PR card updated, especially if you anticipate frequent travel.
5. Impact on Application Processing Times
Traveling outside Canada doesn’t generally delay the processing of your citizenship application, provided you meet all the required steps and return for your scheduled appointments. However, if you need to reschedule your test, interview, or ceremony due to travel, this could lead to additional delays.
According to recent data, the average processing time for Canadian citizenship applications is 27 months. While this may seem lengthy, IRCC recommends staying on top of your application status, even while abroad. Traveling responsibly and keeping communication with IRCC can help avoid unnecessary delays.
6. Keeping Your Canadian Connections Active
Another way to ensure a smooth process is to maintain strong connections in Canada, even if you’re traveling abroad. These might include:
- Maintaining a Canadian bank account
- Keeping your provincial health insurance active
- Filing your Canadian taxes on time
- Maintaining a permanent address in Canada, whether it's through family or renting a property.
These actions help demonstrate to Canadian authorities that you plan to make Canada your home, strengthening your case for citizenship even if you spend time outside the country.
7. Final Citizenship Ceremony
Finally, after your application is processed and approved, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony, where you will take the Oath of Citizenship. This ceremony must be attended in person in Canada, and failing to show up can result in your citizenship application being closed. Make sure to plan your travels accordingly, so you don’t miss this significant and celebratory step.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line
Leaving Canada after applying for citizenship is permitted, but it comes with responsibilities. While you may travel freely as a permanent resident, you must still meet all the requirements for physical presence, attend your citizenship test and interview, and show up for the final ceremony. If you manage your travels and responsibilities carefully, you can still achieve your goal of becoming a Canadian citizen while maintaining your life abroad.
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