I got CIT 0520 about two days after I had an interview in August. The interview request was a total surprise to me- wish I had brought more proof of my residency to the interview. But I took the test in Canada, I have been a PR for a little over 20 years and my travel history is light. I live in Canada, period. Not sure why they thought my residency was suspect.
Please forgive me for the ignorance but you did get the test invite from CEN which was already pointed out to you by members that your application is non routine. There might be something on your profile which was triggered right in the beginning of the application and without knowing your entire life story no one can interpret.
Kitchener. They're simply lazy and stupid. They're trying to make us do THEIR job. Simply checking with CBSA will clear their doubt but they're just lazy.
Some officers might not schedule oath if you're outside but there are cases where the applicant wrote to the office and got a prompt response. If you read mine and OP's posts in the link below, clearly their concern was that they were just trying to avoid potential no-shows (by inviting folks not currently in Canada):
My apologies, that was not even for your case & that is why I used a different paragraph. It would not be fair to compare your timelines as the reason for RQ is completely different. You have waited a long time and hope you get done with everything soon. cheers !
Returning to Canada does not guarantee fast processing, but the trends have been that IRCC tends to put applications on hold of those who are known or perceived to be outside Canada for longer than a short trip, and then starts at least to look at the file again when the applicant returns. The example you cited is actually another example of an application that got an oath invitation one month after the person came back to Canada after being asked by IRCC to do so:
