Police Clearance

[Luna1519]

In section 10, part b) in the citizenship application, this is mentioned:
" were you in a country or territory other than Canada for 183 days or more in a row"

My question is, do they mean physical presence??
I was not physically present for 183 days in a row in Dubai, but rather I used to stay there for a couple of months then leave for some weeks and then return back. The total number of days is more than 183 days; however, not in a row. I was also a resident in Dubai (not my country of citizenship), that means my address during that period was in Dubai.

Can someone with similar experience help please?? I am so confused right now and would appreciate any help.

Thank you!!

 

[Seym]

Well, if you didn't spend more than 183 days in a row in a country, you don't need their police certificate. So, unless you left Dubai for somewhere else in the Emirates, no, you don't need to include it in your application package.

That doesn't mean that IRCC won't need an additional document down the line when they review your application, they can ask for anything at any time, including a police certificate, but that's another story. For now, just say "no" there and don't include anything and you're good to go.

 

[Luna1519]

Thank you for the reply, this definitely helps!

 

[Luna1519]

I hope that anyone with a similar situation could share their experience here please and thank you

 

[bellaluna]

I hope that anyone with a similar situation could share their experience here please and thank you

I think I know why you're still unsure (because of "residence"), but the correct answer was already given. The question refers to physical presence, and you clearly were not in Dubai for 180 days IN A ROW.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-0002-application-canadian-citizenship-under-subsection-5-1-adults-18-years-older.html#Step3

Example 5 might be the most approximate to your situation.

The total time you were outside of Canada was 186 days but you were not in a single country for 183 days or more in a row. You would answer “No” to the question and you would not need to provide police certificates from any of the countries.

 

[Luna1519]

I think I know why you're still unsure (because of "residence"), but the correct answer was already given. The question refers to physical presence, and you clearly were not in Dubai for 180 days IN A ROW.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-0002-application-canadian-citizenship-under-subsection-5-1-adults-18-years-older.html#Step3

Example 5 might be the most approximate to your situation.

The total time you were outside of Canada was 186 days but you were not in a single country for 183 days or more in a row. You would answer “No” to the question and you would not need to provide police certificates from any of the countries.

Thank you so much, this is clearly a confusing and stressful situation for me. I appreciate your help and will proceed with "no" to that question on my application. All the best!!

 

[Luna1519]

I have another question please, which would be better for a family:

1- each member applying individually online for the citizenship, or
2- applying on paper and sending the applications together by mail

Thank you all in advance.

 

[abbas.pasha]

I agree with feedback above.
I lived in Dubai before moving to Canada and then visited multiple times during these last 4 yrs. Each trip would be between a week or so .
I selected No for the PCC applicability

 

[Seym]

I have another question please, which would be better for a family:

1- each member applying individually online for the citizenship, or
2- applying on paper and sending the applications together by mail

Thank you all in advance.

I suppose you're onky asking for you and your spouse, or if your kids are 18+, since minors can't apply online, in which case, paper application as a family makes more sense since you'll have to apply that way for the kids anyway (added bonus : kids applying with their parents don't need the 1095 days physical presence)

So, with no minor kid, it's pretty much about whether you'd like to have your citizenship tests at the same time (or now, with the same window to complete the online test) and whether you'd like to get the ceremony together, which is always nice, but can also mean that an issue in a single application delays all the others too.
It's a matter of personal preference if everyone's an adult I guess, it would be up to your family to decide, and there's no wrong decision here.

 

[Luna1519]

I suppose you're onky asking for you and your spouse, or if your kids are 18+, since minors can't apply online, in which case, paper application as a family makes more sense since you'll have to apply that way for the kids anyway (added bonus : kids applying with their parents don't need the 1095 days physical presence)

So, with no minor kid, it's pretty much about whether you'd like to have your citizenship tests at the same time (or now, with the same window to complete the online test) and whether you'd like to get the ceremony together, which is always nice, but can also mean that an issue in a single application delays all the others too.
It's a matter of personal preference if everyone's an adult I guess, it would be up to your family to decide, and there's no wrong decision here.

Thank you so so MUCH!!