Leaving Canada after Canadian Citizenship Test

[ICanStay]

Could I leave Canada after the citizenship test and return when I am summoned for the citizenship oath (swear-in) ceremony?

Having just completed the test, do I need to inform CIC before I leave regardless of how long I leave -- and I plan to be away until I am summoned back?

 

[Kazakhstan]

Could I leave Canada after the citizenship test and return when I am summoned for the citizenship oath (swear-in) ceremony?

Of course. No requirement to stay in Canada after applying for Cdn citizenship.

Having just completed the test, do I need to inform CIC before I leave regardless of how long I leave -- and I plan to be away until I am summoned back?

No, if you're definitely planning to attend your ceremony. They couldn't care less about your travels outside Canada when you've passed the test. Again, as long as you show up for the ceremony.

The only worry for you should be to be able to return in time for the citizenship ceremony. Do you know the date? It might be a bit risky, you don't want to miss the ceremony... Can be rescheduled I guess (though I don't know for sure) if you can't make it but I wouldn't advise it

 

[Leon]

CIC says:

What happens if I miss my scheduled citizenship test, my interview with a citizenship judge or my scheduled ceremony?

We will mail you letters telling you when and where to go for your citizenship test and for your citizenship ceremony.

If you do not appear for your scheduled citizenship test, we will mail you a letter telling you that because you missed your citizenship test, you are now scheduled to appear for an interview with a citizenship judge.

If you miss that interview, another interview will be scheduled for you and you will receive a notice of that second scheduled date by registered mail.

If you do not attend the second scheduled interview, your file will be closed.

If you do not attend the citizenship ceremony and do not contact the citizenship office within 60 days, your file will be closed. You will then have to fill out another application form and pay the fee to go through the entire process again.

So basically, if you miss the ceremony, you have to write to them within 60 days and explain why you missed it. If you had a good reason, they will re-schedule you. When they send you the letter to appear for the ceremony, you may only have 10-14 days advance notice so you have to be ready to drop everything and get on a plane and be there.

 

[ICanStay]

Thanks for your responses and advice.

While outside Canada, if I call CIC toll-free service regularly to find out when my letter of oath appointment is mailed, and if it is en route, will CIC be able to tell me over the phone the exact date indicated in the letter before the letter arrives?

That way, I could plan my flight even before the letter arrives, and be on the plan to Canada before arrival of the letter even.

 

[Kazakhstan]

Thanks for your responses and advice.

While outside Canada, if I call CIC toll-free service regularly to find out when my letter of oath appointment is mailed, and if it is en route, will CIC be able to tell me over the phone the exact date indicated in the letter before the letter arrives?

That way, I could plan my flight even before the letter arrives, and be on the plan to Canada before arrival of the letter even.

You're welcome. Yes, the CIC call centre agents can see that the ceremony notice was mailed and the date and time of the ceremony. But you know, in my case the notice came super fast just on the next day after been sent out!

You never know how fast and how well CIC's internal case tracking system is updated, so I wouldn't trust the information from the call centre 100%, that is, someone will need to check your mail regularly too