Citizenship Certificate and Passport questions

[Idda11]

Hello everyone!

I am looking for advice.
I am outside of Canada and I should be getting an email very soon with the invitation to the Ceremony of Oath, as my online status has changed! Is it possible for the Citizenship Certificate to be issued in the Embassy outside of Canada (Grant of Citizenship)?

I am aware it says that you need to be present in person for the Ceremony of Oath, but ALSO it says that you need to email them if you are outside of Canada at the moment. I am wondering if I notify them of being outside, then they might reschedule automatically for a longer time? Or what actually could happen when you let IRCC know you are outside? It would be better for me to have an additional couple of weeks to prepare everything for the intercontinental trip. But I'd rather fly immediately than wait for another 3 months if they reschedule.

Also another question - how long could it take now for the Canadian Citizenship Certificate to be issued after the Ceremony of Oath? Is there an option to ask for an urgent one? As well as for the passport - is the urgent passport option available at the moment?

And what about Guarantor - do you really need one for the passport to be issued? If yes, does he/she need to sign on photos and on the application, and that's it?

Would appreciate your help! Thank you

 

[CaBeaver]

Hello everyone!

I am looking for advice.
I am outside of Canada and I should be getting an email very soon with the invitation to the Ceremony of Oath, as my online status has changed! Is it possible for the Citizenship Certificate to be issued in the Embassy outside of Canada (Grant of Citizenship)?

I am aware it says that you need to be present in person for the Ceremony of Oath, but ALSO it says that you need to email them if you are outside of Canada at the moment. I am wondering if I notify them of being outside, then they might reschedule automatically for a longer time? Or what actually could happen when you let IRCC know you are outside? It would be better for me to have an additional couple of weeks to prepare everything for the intercontinental trip. But I'd rather fly immediately than wait for another 3 months if they reschedule.

Also another question - how long could it take now for the Canadian Citizenship Certificate to be issued after the Ceremony of Oath? Is there an option to ask for an urgent one? As well as for the passport - is the urgent passport option available at the moment?

And what about Guarantor - do you really need one for the passport to be issued? If yes, does he/she need to sign on photos and on the application, and that's it?

Would appreciate your help! Thank you

No one has done the oath outside Canada, and I don't think they would allow it. If you inform them you are outside Canada and cannot attend the ceremony in Canada, it will automatically be postponed. The certificate and passport are issued in Canada. You could attend the oath and travel afterward, and ask someone to mail the certificate for you, and then you apply for the passport in the embassy. But this is risky. The certificate could be lost or damaged, and it will definitely take longer, perhaps much longer to get the passport.

Some people got their certificate immediately after the oath by picking it up in-person, and some waited 2 days by mail, and the passport took a week or so for urgent processing. If you could convince the agent during the oath you need urgent processing, then you can get it as fast as 10 days from what I read here. Someone who works in the US, and came back to Canada for the oath wasn't approved for urgent processing, though, and asked to stay in Canada until they get their passport. They were forced to take a vacation for work for that. So, it all depends on the agent who handles your registration during the oath.

The guarantor (which is a silly requirement) needs to sign where the passport application says they need to sign (the part of application dedicated for the guarantor, the back of the photos, and the ID photocopy ... etc). They may call them, and ask them personal questions about you, like where you were born and such (silly thing). In most cases it seems this is not conducted. It's all luck with whose hands your file falls in.

 

[chs]

No one has done the oath outside Canada, and I don't think they would allow it. If you inform them you are outside Canada and cannot attend the ceremony in Canada, it will automatically be postponed. The certificate and passport are issued in Canada. You could attend the oath and travel afterward, and ask someone to mail the certificate for you, and then you apply for the passport in the embassy. But this is risky. The certificate could be lost or damaged, and it will definitely take longer, perhaps much longer to get the passport.

Some people got their certificate immediately after the oath by picking it up in-person, and some waited 2 days by mail, and the passport took a week or so for urgent processing. If you could convince the agent during the oath you need urgent processing, then you can get it as fast as 10 days from what I read here. Someone who works in the US, and came back to Canada for the oath wasn't approved for urgent processing, though, and asked to stay in Canada until they get their passport. They were forced to take a vacation for work for that. So, it all depends on the agent who handles your registration during the oath.

The guarantor (which is a silly requirement) needs to sign where the passport application says they need to sign (the part of application dedicated for the guarantor, the back of the photos, and the ID photocopy ... etc). They may call them, and ask them personal questions about you, like where you were born and such (silly thing). In most cases it seems this is not conducted. It's all luck with whose hands your file falls in.

I'm frankly surprised we don't see more questions like this. Given how long the citizenship application processing is taking these days, I would not be surprised at all to see a nonzero portion of people leaving the country to wait for the Oath and travel back to take it. I also honestly don't know if IRCC deprioritizes cases for people that change their address to outside the country; it would be good to have some datapoints of people that left, got the Oath invite (after properly changing address, etc) and then coming back and completing the process.

 

[CaBeaver]

I'm frankly surprised we don't see more questions like this. Given how long the citizenship application processing is taking these days, I would not be surprised at all to see a nonzero portion of people leaving the country to wait for the Oath and travel back to take it. I also honestly don't know if IRCC deprioritizes cases for people that change their address to outside the country; it would be good to have some datapoints of people that left, got the Oath invite (after properly changing address, etc) and then coming back and completing the process.

I am not sure if applicants who leave the country change their address, but they should. And if they do IRCC doesn't seem to take this into consideration!! This particular applicant took the test from outside Canada, and IRCC knew they are outside Canada, yet they invited them for the oath, although recently they started to take a note if a person is outside Canada. Immigrants struggle sometimes to find adequate job in Canada, and I believe those who cannot find a decent job leave until they can return and try again. Some argue they shouldn't leave even if they cannot find a decent job in Canada and should take whatever they find. I see it as a logical thing to leave except maybe if you have a good job in Canada, but you are predetermined to find a job elsewhere (you use Canadian citizenship as a means). If immigrants find decent jobs in Canada, I think most wouldn't leave.

 

[chs]

I am not sure if applicants who leave the country change their address, but they should. And if they do IRCC doesn't seem to take this into consideration!! This particular applicant took the test from outside Canada, and IRCC knew they are outside Canada, yet they invited them for the oath, although recently they started to take a note if a person is outside Canada. Immigrants struggle sometimes to find adequate job in Canada, and I believe those who cannot find a decent job leave until they can return and try again. Some argue they shouldn't leave even if they cannot find a decent job in Canada and should take whatever they find. I see it as a logical thing to leave except maybe if you have a good job in Canada, but you are predetermined to find a job elsewhere (you use Canadian citizenship as a means). If immigrants find decent jobs in Canada, I think most wouldn't leave.

Absolutely right - changing one's address is not only recommended, it's required; else you risk being considered as "misrepresenting" your status, which will quickly shift things in a pear-shaped direction. I believe @dpenabill has written extensively on this topic.

I can't opine on why some people would leave vs others, but there are other countries with stronger job markets and currencies - I could see the logic in going somewhere for a short time to, say, earn GBP over in the UK and eventually bring that money back to Canada when the exchange rate is in favour of really making bank, although others may choose other reasons. I don't see a reason that IRCC would deprioritize, other than to cater to some degree of populist fervor, but I don't see that being an exigent risk at the moment

Other stories where people left after DM waiting for Oath then got their Oath would be interesting to read, for sure.

 

[CaBeaver]

Absolutely right - changing one's address is not only recommended, it's required; else you risk being considered as "misrepresenting" your status, which will quickly shift things in a pear-shaped direction. I believe @dpenabill has written extensively on this topic.

I can't opine on why some people would leave vs others, but there are other countries with stronger job markets and currencies - I could see the logic in going somewhere for a short time to, say, earn GBP over in the UK and eventually bring that money back to Canada when the exchange rate is in favour of really making bank, although others may choose other reasons. I don't see a reason that IRCC would deprioritize, other than to cater to some degree of populist fervor, but I don't see that being an exigent risk at the moment

Other stories where people left after DM waiting for Oath then got their Oath would be interesting to read, for sure.

Talking for myself, I would leave only if I cannot find a decent job adequate to my qualifications for so long. I don't care about big money or making a fortune. Canada's life is very good to me if I have a decent job. I have freedom and I feel safe. Also, there is universal health care, and many other benefits that help residents. But if I feel I am about to drive an Uber or deliver pizza to survive while holding advanced degrees, then I am out of here. I respect those who do these jobs, though, but not having a comfortable life with a good job is not why I immigrated to Canada.

 

[justanotherguy28]

And what about Guarantor - do you really need one for the passport to be issued? If yes, does he/she need to sign on photos and on the application, and that's it?

If you cant find one, you need to find two more references (total four) along with a self declaration signed in front of a notary/a commissioner of oaths (not expensive in Canada, usually under 30 bucks in my area if you google commisioner of oaths).

Just another silly hurdle created to please the bureaucracy gods.

All listed here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/travel-documents-references-guarantors.html

They say on this page it might add to the processing time if you dont have a guarantor but folks here have gotten their passports within the usual express time limits without a guarantor. All depends on your urgency and the officals processing your case.

 

[CaBeaver]

If you cant find one, you need to find two more references (total four) along with a self declaration signed in front of a notary/a commissioner of oaths (not expensive in Canada, usually under 30 bucks in my area if you google commisioner of oaths).

Just another silly hurdle created to please the bureaucracy gods.

All listed here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/travel-documents-references-guarantors.html

They say on this page it might add to the processing time if you dont have a guarantor but folks here have gotten their passports within the usual express time limits without a guarantor. All depends on your urgency and the officals processing your case.

To make lives harder, the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of a Guarantor form is not available online, and offices are open only with appointments.

Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor form
The Statutory Declaration in Lieu of a Guarantor form is not available online. To get the form

• in Canada
  • go to the nearest passport service location or
  • contact us to get a copy
• in the United States
  • go to the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate or
  • contact us to get a copy
• outside Canada and the United States
  • contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate

 

[Idda11]

No one has done the oath outside Canada, and I don't think they would allow it. If you inform them you are outside Canada and cannot attend the ceremony in Canada, it will automatically be postponed. The certificate and passport are issued in Canada. You could attend the oath and travel afterward, and ask someone to mail the certificate for you, and then you apply for the passport in the embassy. But this is risky. The certificate could be lost or damaged, and it will definitely take longer, perhaps much longer to get the passport.

Some people got their certificate immediately after the oath by picking it up in-person, and some waited 2 days by mail, and the passport took a week or so for urgent processing. If you could convince the agent during the oath you need urgent processing, then you can get it as fast as 10 days from what I read here. Someone who works in the US, and came back to Canada for the oath wasn't approved for urgent processing, though, and asked to stay in Canada until they get their passport. They were forced to take a vacation for work for that. So, it all depends on the agent who handles your registration during the oath.

The guarantor (which is a silly requirement) needs to sign where the passport application says they need to sign (the part of application dedicated for the guarantor, the back of the photos, and the ID photocopy ... etc). They may call them, and ask them personal questions about you, like where you were born and such (silly thing). In most cases it seems this is not conducted. It's all luck with whose hands your file falls in.

Thank you very much for the detailed reply and advice!

Any information for how long they usually postpone the Ceremony?

And would you know if picking up the Certificate in person is available at the moment? Is it an option provided at the Ceremony of Oath or someone would need to ask the Officer or agent during the Ceremony?

Thank you

 

[Idda11]

If you cant find one, you need to find two more references (total four) along with a self declaration signed in front of a notary/a commissioner of oaths (not expensive in Canada, usually under 30 bucks in my area if you google commisioner of oaths).

Just another silly hurdle created to please the bureaucracy gods.

All listed here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/travel-documents-references-guarantors.html

They say on this page it might add to the processing time if you dont have a guarantor but folks here have gotten their passports within the usual express time limits without a guarantor. All depends on your urgency and the officals processing your case.

If you cant find one, you need to find two more references (total four) along with a self declaration signed in front of a notary/a commissioner of oaths (not expensive in Canada, usually under 30 bucks in my area if you google commisioner of oaths).

Just another silly hurdle created to please the bureaucracy gods.

All listed here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/travel-documents-references-guarantors.html

They say on this page it might add to the processing time if you dont have a guarantor but folks here have gotten their passports within the usual express time limits without a guarantor. All depends on your urgency and the officals processing your case.

A good option, thank you so much for the link! They don't have to be Canadian citizens, correct? At least, it doesn't say in the link.

 

[Idda11]

To make lives harder, the Statutory Declaration in Lieu of a Guarantor form is not available online, and offices are open only with appointments.

Good to know, thank you!! Seems easier with the Guarantor. I followed the link and it brought to book an appointment option with eService Request Form, and then says that they will get back to you. Probably also be worth walking in to Service Canada Office.

 

[CaBeaver]

Thank you very much for the detailed reply and advice!

[1]Any information for how long they usually postpone the Ceremony?

[2]And would you know if picking up the Certificate in person is available at the moment? Is it an option provided at the Ceremony of Oath or someone would need to ask the Officer or agent during the Ceremony?

Thank you

[1] No one knows, but be prepared for 3-4 months wait from the date you return to Canada. I don't think they will send you another invitation without a confirmation that you are in Canada.
[2] Not all offices are open, it depends on your office. I think if your office is open for walk-in, then you can ask the agent to pick it up in-person. Others can confirm this.

 

[Idda11]

[1] No one knows, but be prepared for 3-4 months wait from the date you return to Canada. I don't think they will send you another invitation without a confirmation that you are in Canada.
[2] Not all offices are open, it depends on your office. I think if your office is open for walk-in, then you can ask the agent to pick it up in-person. Others can confirm this.

Thank you very much for your reply!
I called IRCC call centre - they confirmed that all offices are closed and pick up in person is not available. It's worth asking again during the ceremony, maybe something will change by that time.

 

[chs]

Thank you very much for your reply!
I called IRCC call centre - they confirmed that all offices are closed and pick up in person is not available. It's worth asking again during the ceremony, maybe something will change by that time.

Whoa. The form isn't available online and you /can't/ go in to pick it up? What exactly do they expect you to do?

 

[CaBeaver]

Thank you very much for your reply!
I called IRCC call centre - they confirmed that all offices are closed and pick up in person is not available. It's worth asking again during the ceremony, maybe something will change by that time.

These call center agents know nothing. Some applicants reported they picked their certificate from the office. Some with appointments, and some walk-in. Yes, not all offices are open for in-person services, but some are.