Hi all,
I hope you are all safe and well. I need some advice about the process and provide an update for our family (of 3) application.
I applied from London Ontario and my details are on the spreadsheet. We moved to the UK temporarily in July 2019 and are still here. CIC has been updated about our UK address and have our new passport details also (renewed in 2020).
We had applied for citizenship in June 2019.
AOR July 2019.
In process Oct 2019. CIC site CAS shows our status as still in progress.
Test invite online anytime between 28/05 - 17/06 2021. We have to be present in Canada to take the test.
I may travel to Canada to take the test. My wife will request a postponement until she can travel.
My questions are as follows and I apologies for the number of questions. I would be really grateful if someone could answer who has been invited for virtual oath ceremony could answer.
1. What happens after the test, provided I am successful? Is my PR card enough evidence…my OHIP card and DL are expired.
If you get an interview, you'll be asked to show all pages of your passport. But if you get a full blown residency questionnaire, then they might ask you for a bunch of documentation to substantiate physical presence.
2. Will I have an interview and do I have to be in Canada for that?
Not everyone will get an interview but since you've been residing outside Canada for a while now, AFAIK, there is a good chance you might get one. AFAIK, if you get an interview, you have to be INSIDE Canada to attend it.
3. Do I have to be in Canada for the virtual citizenship oath ceremony, if I am successful in the previous 2 steps?
Yes, you'll have to be physically be present in Canada for test, interview AND oath.
4. Will my daughter, who is 13, automatically get a citizenship?
Did you apply for your daughter? AFAIK, unless the kid was born in Canada, you'll have to apply for their citizenship. They won't become citizens automatically. If you applied for your daughter and you are asking if she has to take oath, then no. Anyone under 14 years of age do NOT have to take oath. She doesn't have to take the citizenship test either.
5. Does the process now change for us, i.e., will my wife be treated as an individual applicant and everything gets delayed for her alone?
There is no difference between processing family and single applications IMO. I mean, the same BG checks and other criteria must be met in order to be granted citizenship. I don't understand the reason for this question. Didn't your wife apply along with you? Did she submit her application at a later point in time?
6. Will our entire application be suspended until my wife gets all her test/interview/oath sorted?
No, not unless you explicitly request it in writing. IRCC will try to schedule the entire family for oath together but if that's not possible, they'll still process the applications for other family members.
Thank you all once again and ever grateful for your help and advice.
Ramesh
