Msafiri said:
CIC operate a one notice process for test, oath, CJ hearing etc. If you are a no show then you have to write a letter explaining your reason for missing the appointment. I was going on vacation doesn't fly...as per CIC severe illness, death or other emergency say flooding that locks down the city is what the 'acceptable' reasons are. If your reason isn't acceptable your file is closed administratively. If its acceptable you get re-scheduled at CIC's convenience...the forum has people waiting for 9-12 months to re-test. If your checks expire.....Cut your losses go for the test...you will always get another flight.
If the travel is more important notify CIC in writing you can't make it. See above for re-test timelines. CIC may also decide to RQ you...seems they tend to take the view that 'no shows' may not be living in Canada.
Hi there,
Going from personal experience - mine was in stark contrast to what Msafiri is describing. I was in a very similar dilemma to yours. My ceremony was a day before I was supposed to travel for a family wedding, and I didn't want to travel without my PR card, even though the airlines I spoke with said it was ok to present my certificate of citizenship(Thankfully, I didn't because I followed similar cases in the news in which the airlines have refused to let people return to Canada without a PR card). Though it may not work in your circumstance, I looked up the times that oath ceremonies were being held at the local CIC office. I picked a date just two or three days after I had received my letter, a week and half before my flight and showed up at the office right before the oath ceremony with all my documents(like I was going for the oath). My goal was to speak with a live CIC agent who was there that day to:
1. Show that I was in the country.
2. Explain my situation in person, and hopefully expedite my process.
I made sure I was dressed well since I went there during work hours(suit and tie - I've always felt that if you treat these situations like you were treating a professional work event, you get more mileage), and stood in line for the ceremony document checkers. When I got to the front, I explained my situation to the lady and asked if she could help. She said she would have to speak to her boss and to wait to the side. I even half-joked that I could take the ceremony now with the rest of the group(she laughed and said, "we don't have your certificate ready yet"). As I waited for her boss to show up, I spoke with a young security officer who was manning the front desk. He told me not to worry, and as long as I send the appropriate letter, travel documents etc, my ceremony would be postponed to one month or so after my original date.
Shortly after, the supervisor showed up. He was very nice and understanding and heard me out. He told me not to worry and took a copy of my ceremony invitation letter. He gave me his name, and email, and asked me to send a letter by post including supporting documentation as to why I couldn't attend the ceremony. He also told me that these situations are common and CIC would definitely expedite my ceremony(like the security guard mentioned). I even gave him my business card and thanked him for his time. Anyway, I sent the letter addressed to him, by post shortly after and left for my trip.
I received a letter shortly after my trip with a new date for the ceremony. It was scheduled in less than a month.
In summary, my experience can be summarized to this:
1. If you go, dress well, treat it like a job interview. First impressions count.
2. Take all your documents when you go, type up a letter explaining why you can't go for your ceremony. That way you can hand it to someone there who can look after it for you. Get their name if you do.
3. CIC isn't a bunch of monsters that we think they are. They deal with hundreds of thousands of cases, and have seen stories similar to yours a million times over. If you are polite to them, they will listen to you.
Good luck with your situation. Just remember, my situation might have just been pure luck. You are welcome to try and do the same. You may or may not have similar results.
Cheers,
Kenyadian
