Apply for citizenship after leaving Canada

[Kitcan]

Hi there,
I am looking to have a few questions answered if possible.
Myself and my partner moved from England to Vancouver 4.5 years ago initially on an open work visa and now have permanent residency. We are now feeling like we may need to move back to the UK to take care of some family problems but I don't want to lose all the progress we have made and the lives we have established here. I am thinking we should apply for citizenship as soon as we can (Mid April 2011) but I am wondering:
1. If we are able to move back to the UK while the application is in progress and if so do we have to fly back here for the test?
2. If we need to live in the UK for a few years would we loose the citizenship at any point? I know that with permanent residency we must live here for 3 out of 5 years.
I really have no idea how long we many need to move for and money is tight so I need to make smart decisions.

Any help or advice is GREATLY appreciated.

 

[Egyman]

1. Yes you can move to UK or other countries while the application is in progress but make sure someone is checking your mail for the test notice. Yes you have to come to Canada for the test and most probably for the ceremony as well.
2. You don't loose Canadian citizenship by living abroad.

 

[Leon]

Egyman is correct but I would like to add that you may not have much notice to come back for the test and later for oath. I was given about 2 weeks notice for each of them. In my case they were about 2 months apart but that can vary. You are able to postpone the test and later oath if you can't make it but it is not advisable to do that because they will not let you schedule to your convenience. It would just mean it delays your application and months or a year later they will call you again and the 2nd time might not be at a good time for you either.