applying for citizenshipship with 1080 days of physical presence

[sam123456]

I've lived in Canada for the last seven years. However, I am moving to europe for a job for a period of three years. I meet my basic residence requirements for applying for citizenship, but taking into account time spent overseas while on meetings and vacation, I will be two weeks short of meeting the physical presence requirements on the day that I plan on signing the application and leaving for Europe.

Although CIC's website states that I could apply for citizenship with less than 1095 days of physical presence in the previous 4 years, I am wondering if it would be advisable for me to apply before I leave ? I will maintain a bank account in Canada, while I am working in Europe and also have a Canadian address of a friend / relative for incoming mails. If I do not apply now, I will have to wait another 3 - 4 years after I return from Europe and renew my canadian PR status before being able to apply. My current PR status is valid for the next three years.

Any advice will be deeply appreciated

Thanks in advance

 

[polarbear]

sam123456:

Big mistake, very big mistake,

Applying for Citizenship with 2 weeks less than 1095 days is a stupid thing to do,

Stay in Canada for another 2 or 3 weeks, complete your 1095 and then leave to Europe.

Best of Luck :-X

 

[Leon]

I would agree you are wasting your time if you apply with 1080 days and are leaving right away afterwards. 1080 days is already a problem. Means your application will take the scenic route through the system and at some point you will be called for an interview to explain what makes you so special that you shouldn't have to meet the residency requirements. At that point you are living in Europe and that will not be helpful in order to convince that you have such strong ties to Canada.

Also keep in mind that although your PR card is valid for 3 more years, that doesn't mean your PR status is valid as long. You can still lose your PR status if you fail to meet the PR residency obligation. However, as long as you don't lose your card and you come back before it expires, you will most likely be able to enter Canada without attracting attention. If you do not meet the PR residency obligation at that point, you can not renew your card right away but would have to stay until you meet the obligation again. If you are away for a full 3 years, you have to stay for 2 years before you are good again.