Left Canada after Application - Citizenship Test in March

[Kamloops]

I had at least 1095 days and applied for citizenship in Oct 2013. After two weeks I left Canada for my wife who has to wait another 1 year to immigrate to Canada.

I was asked to write the citizenship test end of March in Mississauga. I return to Canada and prepare for the test. I worked and studied in the last 4 years that I mentioned in my application.

Is there anyone who had similar issues or has any idea, left Canada for family reasons? What should I answer to the officer for this long absence? Could anyone give some suggestions?

 

[Yolka]

I had at least 1095 days and applied for citizenship in Oct 2013. After two weeks I left Canada for my wife who has to wait another 1 year to immigrate to Canada.

I was asked to write the citizenship test end of March in Mississauga. I return to Canada and prepare for the test. I worked and studied in the last 4 years that I mentioned in my application.

Is there anyone who had similar issues or has any idea, left Canada for family reasons? What should I answer to the officer for this long absence? Could anyone give some suggestions?

Hi Kamloops,

Congratulations with your test!

I was in the similar situation. I left after three months of applying for citizenship to join my husband who got a job abroad. I went to Canada when I was invited for my exam and at the interview the agent asked about my recent stamps on my passport. I told her I left Canada to join my husband (who is Canadian, in fact she asked if he was Canadian) after applying for citizenship. She also asked when was my return date and I told her. In fact, I called CIC before moving abroad, so they were aware.

So, the agents usually ask what do you do, maybe because I am a home stay mom (two small kids) I did not have an issue, just guessing. But you should tell them the truth, you have a good reason (I know from personal experience how hard it is to leave apart from your spouse).

I have one suggestion, give yourself at least two weeks (3 would be better, just in case) after the exam to stay in Canada. If you get your Oath in two weeks you would not have to travel back to Canada for your Oath. I was told I will have my Oath in 2 to 4 months. I had to leave after a week, after my exam. After I arrived home, the very next day I got my online notice to attend my Oath . I was very pleased but was shocked to fly back so far so soon and I did !

So, make sure you get enough time after exam. Good luck!

 

[Kamloops]

Yolka:

Your post is very helpful. I will not leave Canada after the test. The only thing is that I did not advise CIC before leaving Canada for 5 months. I did not know about it. I lived in Canada for more than 12 years as a student/PR. I had to go outside Canada just because of my spouse.

Now I am worried and don't know what to respond at the interview- I did not advise CIC before leaving and my wife is not Canadian (waiting to get PR). Should I call CIC for my absence before writing the test?

Please help.

 

[Yolka]

Yolka:

Your post is very helpful. I will not leave Canada after the test. The only thing is that I did not advise CIC before leaving Canada for 5 months. I did not know about it. I lived in Canada for more than 12 years as a student/PR. I had to go outside Canada just because of my spouse.

Now I am worried and don't know what to respond at the interview- I did not advise CIC before leaving and my wife is not Canadian (waiting to get PR). Should I call CIC for my absence before writing the test?

Please help.

I am sorry, I did not meant to scare you. At the interview I did not mention that I informed CIC before moving. I really do not think the agent will ask anything like that. As long as you met the PR requirements you should be fine. You are allowed to leave after applying, you have not done anything wrong. I do not know why the agent asked if my husband was Canadian and do not know it that matters at all. Just explain your situation if the agent asks the reason for moving.

I am not sure if it is a good idea to call CIC now. If the agent asks re that at the interview you should just say the truth, that you did not know you had to inform CIC (although it says somewhere online that one should inform CIC if travelling for more then two weeks). But seems like you really did not know that before moving.

I do not think you will have any problem regarding that! I believe you will be just fine. Good luck with the test and hope the interview will be easy on you.