Citizenship Application - Relocating abroad after Canadian Spouse

[Martunczyk]

Hi All,

My name is Marta and I'm a permanent resident in Canada and as of this August 2017 I am finally legible to apply for the citizenship. Having said that my Canadian common-law partner (we have been together for 6 years) have been offered a great job in UK and we would like to move there for the next two years. So my question is:

-Can I apply in August for the citizenship and leave with him to UK say in September? And then visit Canada only when application process requires it (eg. taking the knowledge exam?)
-Is my departure in this case breaking the clause of intend to reside in Canada? Or perhaps it's ok since I'm relocating after a Canadian spouse?
-Would the situation be different if we got married?

The end goal is of course to move back to Canada.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Best,
Marta

 

[links18]

There is no more intent to reside clause. Once you meet the requirements and apply, you are free to go anywhere you want, but IRCC could interpret your residence abroad during the processing period as calling into question your physical presence declarations. This could lead to increased scrutiny and slow down your application or not.