Update info on how long can canadian citizen stay out of country ?

[mgupta]

Hello all , can you please tell me is there any update on how long can canadian citizen stay outside Canada ? I am not in US , i am in India since 5 months now , not working here ..........do i need to go back before i complete my 6 months of stay here ? i read and heard there is no restriction on how long canadian can stay outside as long as you are filing your tax return ....... I will be filing my tax for 2012 as i worked for 6 months in canada in 2012........not working in india as of now....but will be going back may be in 2-3 months.......but my stay will be for more than 6 months outside canada
i want to know if there is any recent change in rule ?
I appreciate the replies........

Thanks

 

[steaky]

There are no residency obligations for a Canadian citizen. As a Canadian citizen, you can live outside Canada as long as you wish without jeopardize your status as a Canadian. As for tax status, the situation is a little different. I suggest you read CIC and CRA websites for more information.

 

[mgupta]

Thanks Steaky , just wanted to make sure was there any change in rule ? wud u know ? i tried looking at CIC but i didnt find nything....i dont want to be in trouble when i go back........

 

[steaky]

I bet you haven't received or read the Discover Canada booklet. The booklet will be mail to you once you apply for citizenship. Otherwise, you can read it here:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/discover/section-04.asp

Yet, this is my first time reading this

 

[mgupta]

Thanks again Steaky , Yeah I actually did read it in my citizenship booklet but it doesnt say nything specifically about how long a canadian citizen can stay outside the country....... thts my confusion , i may sound over concerned but i am .......