Traveled to home country while PR. Applying for citizenship

[goldenflower]

Hello,
In 2012 I got my PR status after winning a refugee case. My original passport has been returned to me by the immigration officer, and I had been flying to my home-country for the personal reason. As I understand, I'm a full PR resident and can travel with my current passport (from my original country).

Now I want to apply for the citizenship, and I worry about travel history and stamps in my original passport. Can anyone clarify my situation?

Thank you.
GoldenFlower

 

[Buletruck]

Your understanding is incorrect. As a refugee, you should not be travelling on your home country passport (or renewing it), particularly to your home country. The use and travel to your home country can result in the loss of your permenent resident status, as well as your refugee status revoked. This is commonly referred to as reavailment or vacation of refugee status and has serious repercussions if IRCC decides to pursue any action against you. Often it is identified during the citizenship process. You should consult with a good immigration lawyer before you renew your PR card or apply for citizenship.

Read more here:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/refugee-protection/vacation.html

http://www.unhcr.org/419dbce54.pdf

https://www.thestar.com/news/immigration/2016/07/11/refugee-stripped-of-right-to-stay-in-canada-after-visits-to-parents-when-marriage-crumbled.html

 

[goldenflower]

How many people in % have faced it? I understand it should not be happen, but I'm not going to lie in my citizenship form. I just hope it will be Okay, if it's not then too bad

 

[Buletruck]

Talk to an immigration lawyer before you do anything. You need the council of someone who knows and understands the intricacies of immigration law. Posters here (including myself) can only offer amateur interpretations and previous examples.

 

[goldenflower]

I going to provide all honest information, it's the best I can do.

 

[kyuuan]

DO NOT apply for citizenship with your current situation. What buletruck said is true, you should not return to your country, even once, before you obtain Canadian citizenship. If you sponsor your wife/children they will be removed from Canada with you. Just let your wife apply and get citizenship first, then she may have a chance to sponsor you back for the benefit of your (hopefully) Canadian child.