Can I leave Canada while I am applying for citizenship?
Applying for Canadian citizenship is one of the most important steps in every person's immigration journey. However, life does not stop while an application is being processed, and many applicants find themselves needing to travel outside of Canada for personal, professional, or family reasons. The question of whether it is possible to leave Canada while your citizenship application is being processed is one that concerns many prospective citizens and requires careful consideration.
IRCC's official position on leaving during the citizenship process
According to official information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you may leave Canada after your citizenship application has been received. This is confirmed by the fact that the physical presence requirement for citizenship is verified at the time of application, not throughout the application process. If you met the residency requirements before applying — meaning you were physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days during the last five years — you are not required to remain in the country while your application is being processed.
This rule is based on the principle that Canadian immigration law assesses your eligibility for citizenship based on whether you met the criteria at the time of application. Once your application has been submitted and accepted by IRCC, your physical presence in Canada is not required for processing to continue, except in specific circumstances, which will be discussed below.
Critical requirements for maintaining eligibility for citizenship
Although leaving Canada is technically permitted, there are critical requirements that must be met in order to remain eligible for Canadian citizenship while abroad. Failure to meet these requirements may result in denial of citizenship or termination of your application.
Maintaining permanent resident status
The most important requirement is to maintain your permanent resident (PR) status throughout the citizenship application process. This means that you must continue to meet the residency obligations of a permanent resident, which require physical presence in Canada for at least 730 days during each five-year period. Loss of PR status automatically disqualifies you from becoming a citizen.
Maintaining PR status until taking the oath
Your permanent resident status must remain valid not only during the application process, but also until you take the oath of citizenship. This means that even if your application has been approved, you can still lose your right to citizenship if you lose your PR status before the citizenship ceremony.
Have a valid PR card to return
Make sure your PR card remains valid for the entire period you are away from Canada. Without a valid PR card, returning to Canada can be difficult, especially if you need to take a citizenship test, attend an interview, or attend a citizenship ceremony. If your PR card expires while you are abroad, you will need to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) at a Canadian consulate or embassy.
It is worth noting that even with an expired PR card, you can still apply for citizenship. Your eligibility for citizenship does not depend on having a valid PR card, but on maintaining your PR status as such. However, an expired PR card can create practical difficulties with travel.
Mandatory obligations and risks
Notification of extended travel
IRCC requires citizenship applicants to notify them of any plans to leave Canada for more than two consecutive weeks. Although the exact consequences of failing to comply with this requirement are not always clearly defined in official documents, it is recommended that you follow this rule to avoid potential complications with your application.
This notification can be submitted via the IRCC web form or other means of communication specified by the department. It is important to keep documentation that you have notified IRCC of your travel plans, as this may be useful in case of any questions regarding your application.
Mandatory attendance at key events
The most important aspect of the citizenship process is that certain steps require your mandatory physical presence in Canada. These events include:
Citizenship test: For applicants between the ages of 18 and 54, the citizenship test is mandatory. The test takes 45 minutes and contains 20 true/false or multiple-choice questions. Applicants must answer at least 15 questions (75%) correctly to pass the test. It is important to note that applicants must be in Canada when they take the test and must take it within 30 days of receiving their invitation. Applicants have three opportunities to take the test.
Interview or hearing: In some cases, IRCC may require the applicant to attend an interview with a citizenship officer or participate in a hearing. These events also take place exclusively in Canada and require your personal presence. Citizenship ceremony: The final step is the citizenship ceremony, during which you will take the oath of citizenship and officially become a Canadian citizen. All applicants aged 14 and older must attend the ceremony and take the oath. Children under the age of 14 may attend the ceremony if they wish.
Ceremonies may be held in person at IRCC offices or alternative locations, or virtually via videoconference. The format of the ceremony is determined by IRCC and indicated in the official invitation.
Timelines and notifications
Notice of events
IRCC usually sends notices of scheduled events with sufficient advance notice to allow applicants time to plan. For the citizenship ceremony, you will receive an invitation at least one week before the scheduled date. However, for the citizenship test and interviews, the notice period may be shorter.
For citizenship tests, applicants usually only have 2-3 weeks to plan after receiving their invitation. This creates special challenges for those who are abroad, as they may need to return to Canada quickly.
Rescheduling options
If you are unable to attend the scheduled event due to being abroad or other valid reasons, you must notify IRCC immediately. This can be done by sending an email or writing to the local office that sent you the notification, or through IRCC's online web form.
It is important to provide a reasonable explanation as to why you are unable to attend the event at the scheduled time. IRCC may reschedule the event, but this may result in significant delays in your citizenship process. In some cases, if you do not provide an acceptable explanation or are unable to attend the rescheduled event, IRCC may terminate your application.
Current processing times and their impact on travel
Current application processing statistics for 2025
Understanding current processing times is critical to planning your travel during the citizenship process. As of August 2025, the processing times for citizenship applications in Canada are as follows:
- Citizenship applications: 10 months. If you submitted your application before June 2025, expect to receive an acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) shortly.
- Certificate of citizenship (confirmation): 5 months.
- Renunciation of citizenship: 7 months.
- Citizenship record search: 15 months.
These times may vary depending on the complexity of the case, the completeness of the documents submitted, and other factors. It is important to note that some applicants receive their citizenship test invitation much faster than expected according to the official processing times.
Unpredictable schedule
One of the biggest challenges for applicants who are planning to travel is the unpredictability of the exact dates of key events. Many applicants report receiving invitations to take the citizenship test only several months after submitting their application, even though the official processing times indicate longer periods.
This creates a dilemma for those planning extended travel: on the one hand, the official processing times give the impression that you have plenty of time, but on the other hand, invitations may arrive much earlier than expected.
Communication with IRCC and managing correspondence
Restrictions on correspondence addresses
One of the most important practical aspects of staying abroad while your citizenship application is being processed is that IRCC usually sends correspondence only to addresses in Canada. In some cases, you may receive an email, but this is not guaranteed.
If you do not respond to letters or emails within the specified time and do not provide an acceptable reason for your inability to comply with appointments or provide the requested information, IRCC may stop processing your application. This makes it critically important to ensure that you have a reliable way to receive mail while abroad.
Strategies for managing correspondence
Appointing a trusted person: Many applicants solve this problem by appointing a trusted person in Canada—a friend, relative, or lawyer—who can receive mail on their behalf and notify them immediately of important correspondence.
Use email: Make sure IRCC has your current email address and check your email regularly, including your spam folder.
Online portals: Use the IRCC online portal to track the status of your application. The portal provides updates on the progress of your case and can alert you to upcoming appointments.
Risks and potential consequences
Missing critical events
The most serious risk of being abroad during the citizenship process is the possibility of missing mandatory events. The consequences can be serious:
Missing the citizenship test: If you do not show up for the citizenship test without a valid reason, your application may be rejected. In some cases, IRCC may allow a reschedule, but this will result in significant delays.
Missing the interview: Failure to show up for your interview without prior notice may result in your application being terminated.
Missing the citizenship ceremony: This is particularly problematic as the ceremony is the final step. Missing the ceremony without a valid reason may cause you to wait months for a new date.
Processing delays
Even if your application is not rejected, staying abroad can cause significant processing delays. This is especially true in situations where IRCC is unable to contact you in a timely manner or when additional documents or explanations are required.
Loss of PR status
The most disastrous consequence could be the loss of permanent resident status due to failure to meet residency obligations during a long stay abroad. This would automatically disqualify you from citizenship, even if your application was almost complete.
Risk minimization strategies
Planning your travels with the process in mind
Short trips: The safest option is to limit your travel to short periods — less than two weeks — to avoid having to notify IRCC.
Flexible planning: If you are planning a longer trip, make sure you can return to Canada quickly if you receive an invitation to a test or other event.
Financial preparation: Have enough funds to purchase airline tickets at short notice if you need to return quickly.
Legal preparation and advice
Consult with an immigration lawyer: Before deciding to leave for an extended period, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or advisor. They can assess your specific situation and provide personalized advice. Document preparation: Make sure all your documents are up to date and accessible. This includes your passport, PR card, travel documents, and any other documents you may need for a quick return.
Tech solutions
Set up notifications: Use all available electronic notifications from IRCC and set up forwarding for important mail.
VPN and remote access: Make sure you can access Canadian online services from abroad if you need to.
Regular communication: Maintain regular contact with trusted individuals in Canada who can monitor your mail and online accounts.
Alternative scenarios and recommendations
Partial stay abroad
If your circumstances allow, consider returning to Canada periodically while your application is being processed. This may include:
- Returning to Canada every few months to maintain physical presence
- Planning to return for the period when you expect to receive an invitation for a test or ceremony
- Maintaining a permanent address in Canada even during periodic departures
Postponing travel
In many cases, the most sensible decision may be to postpone non-essential travel until the citizenship process is complete. This is especially true for:
- Extended vacations or leisure travel
- Non-essential business trips
- Family visits that can be rescheduled
Situational analysis
Urgent family circumstances: In the event of the death of a close relative, serious illness, or other urgent family circumstances, IRCC is usually understanding and may reschedule planned events.
Work commitments: If your job requires travel, discuss with your employer the possibility of minimizing travel during the citizenship process or ensuring flexibility for a quick return.
Educational programs: Students participating in exchange programs or studying abroad should plan their academic commitments with particular care.
Special considerations for different categories of applicants
Family applicants
If you are applying for citizenship with family members, coordinating travel becomes even more complicated. All family members who are applying must be available for their individual tests and ceremonies.
Applicants with children
Parents should note that children aged 14 and older must attend the citizenship ceremony, while it is optional for younger children. Family travel plans should take these requirements into account.
Senior applicants
Individuals aged 55 and older are exempt from the citizenship test, which simplifies their travel situation somewhat. However, they are still required to attend the citizenship ceremony.
International aspects and consular services
Role of Canadian consulates
Although Canadian consulates and embassies cannot administer citizenship tests or ceremonies, they can provide advice and assistance in emergency situations. If you lose your PR card while abroad, the consulate can help you obtain a PRTD.
International law and dual citizenship
It is important to understand the immigration laws of the country you are in, especially regarding long-term stays. Some countries may have restrictions on the length of stay for Canadian PR card holders.
Conclusions and recommendations
The question of whether it is possible to leave Canada during the citizenship application process has a clear answer from a legal standpoint: yes, it is permitted. However, exercising this right in practice requires careful planning, constant attention, and a willingness to act quickly.
Key principles for successfully managing the process:
Always keep your contact information up to date with IRCC and ensure you have a reliable way to receive correspondence while abroad. Plan your travel with the unpredictability of test invitations and ceremony dates in mind. Stay flexible in your plans and set aside financial resources for a quick return to Canada.
Best practices for minimizing risks:
Limit the length of your trips, especially in the later stages of the citizenship process. Appoint a trusted person in Canada to monitor your mail and online accounts. Consult with professional immigration consultants before making decisions about extended travel.
Strategic considerations:
Remember that obtaining Canadian citizenship is a long-term investment in your future. The short-term inconveniences of limited travel are far less important than the risk of losing the opportunity to become a Canadian citizen due to missed events or loss of PR status.
Every situation is unique, and what works for one person may not be right for another. A thorough understanding of your rights, obligations, and risks, combined with professional advice and flexible planning, is key to successfully navigating the Canadian citizenship process, regardless of your travel needs.
It is also important to remember that Canadian citizenship is a privilege, not a right, and demonstrating your commitment to Canada through physical presence during key stages of the process can positively influence the consideration of your application. Balancing personal needs with the requirements of the immigration process requires wisdom, patience, and strategic thinking.