Hi.
I will be applying for citizenship in April 2021, so I expect to become a citizen around April 2022. But I’m planning to move abroad (most likely USA) for MBA in August 2021 for a two year program.
I will have spent enough days in Canada to maintain my PR, so that’s not an issue.
My question is: will it hurt my chances of getting the citizenship approved if they see that I have left the country? Some people say that the government may think that I am not interested in living in Canada so they may reject my application.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? If yes, what was your outcome?
Somewhat Short Version:
Over the years there have been numerous forum participant reports about doing something similar to this without any problems.
In contrast, however, there are also numerous reports from applicants who encountered problems. These are mostly related to:
(1) logistical risks related to timely responding to IRCC requests and appearing as scheduled for events, including the test and interview, and especially the oath; and
(2) some elevated risk of non-routine processing related to verification of physical presence -- that is, an increased risk of RQ-related non-routine processing
The fact that an applicant for citizenship has moved abroad is NOT grounds for denying a citizenship application.
The nature or degree to which a PR is "interested" in living in Canada is NOT relevant. There is no intent to reside in Canada requirement.
Longer Observations:
The risks I referred to above have been discussed at length and in depth in numerous topics here.
The logistical risks are aggravated by how short the notice for the test or oath can be. There is some flexibility. For example, IRCC will ordinarily reschedule the test, at least once, if the applicant fails to show up as scheduled for a test and interview.
The nature and scope of the risk of RQ-related non-routine processing depends a great deal on the particular facts in the individual case. And even if RQ'd, even if issued the full blown CIT 0171 Residency Questionnaire, as long as the applicant can prove his or her actual physical presence during the "eligibility period," at least 1095 days during that five year period (or at least *credit* for 1095 days if the applicant is relying on half-day credits for time in Canada prior to becoming a PR), the fact the applicant is living abroad after applying is, again, NOT a basis for denying the application.
Given the elevated risk of RQ-related non-routine processing, an applicant headed abroad after applying will want to be extra careful in ALL aspects of the application, and especially so in regards to meeting the actual physical presence requirement. For most prospective applicants, for example, if they are indeed very careful in reporting ALL trips abroad (including day trips to the U.S.), accurately, it is probably safe to apply with just a thirty day margin . . . that is, once the PR has 1125 or more days credit toward the actual physical presence requirement it is usually safe to apply. The applicant who anticipates living abroad after applying would be prudent to wait longer than that to apply, to have at least two or even three months buffer over the minimum.
It is very, very difficult to quantify the risks involved. But generally it does seem that those going abroad for a specific graduate program have a lower risk than, say, those who move abroad for long-term employment reasons. It is difficult to discern the mechanics of this, how or why this happens, but it appears a high percentage of those reporting NO PROBLEMS are indeed students attending a program abroad, while a significant percentage of those reporting problems fit the profile of those perceived to be passport shopping or otherwise
applying-on-the-way-to-the-airport. This is, probably, mostly about those whose overall circumstances invite suspicion. Just not easy to identify how or why some fall into this group while others do not.
