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US Green card and Canada citizenship

akka

Full Member
Nov 16, 2009
41
0
Hi All


We got USA green card approved and we must have to do landing/first entry into USA by July end.We are on PR and will complete 1095 days in October 2012.
We plan to move from July 2012 and join my employer in US(Its employment based GC while I was working in USA before moving to Canada)

My concern is when we come back to Canada,border offical may not stamp on our passports.Can we make a speacila request?
Also will ti be okay if we apply for citizenship and leave to USA for atleast few years.Any objections on citizenship as we moved to USA?
Thanks for help!

Akhil
 

links18

Champion Member
Feb 1, 2006
2,009
129
As long as you have enough days of physical presence in Canada, the U.S. green card won't matter. But it is up to you prove the days of physical presence. However, they do inquire whether you have permanent residency status in another country on your citizenship application and it is a factor that could be taken into consideration if your case lands in front of a citizenship judge.
 

ajslp

Star Member
Apr 4, 2012
58
1
It takes around 1.5 years on average from the time of application to the oath. In case of RQ, it could take up to another 2 years or more. With akka's permanent residency from other countries (US Green Card), it might trigger an automatic RQ according to clause of RQ. And since akka will be residing in US at the time of test, that might trigger almost certain RQ. Since there will be entry to Canada around test date, that also trigger RQ.

As links18 mentioned, if it goes in front of Citizenship Judge, akka will have to prove his/her intention of permanently residing in Canada. Since there have been lot of people who acquired Canadian passport as a stop gap solution on the way to USA, the judge might closely look at this situation. The current government has been touting "Canadian citizenship is not for sale" and has been serious on this matter.

In akka's case, akka was working in US before moving to Canada as PR. Then akka acquires US Green Card and then moves back to US as soon as 1095 days requirement is complete. akka will have some convincing to do to Citizenship Judge if it goes that far. If you have your spouse, children, family or other strong connection in Canada, it might be easy to convince. I guess it depends on case by case basis.

In that past, a lot of people have successfully acquired Canadian citizenship on similar scenario without any problem. But it may or may not be that straightforward in future by just completing 1095 days requirement. Only time will tell.

Also at the time of oath, there should be no doubt about eligibility of akka's PR status. If due to RQ, the whole application process lengthens to 3 years, that might be an issue.

You can request the entry record from CBSA in Canada and CBP in US. But make sure to save other secondary evidences as some entry records might be missed some time.
 

ajslp

Star Member
Apr 4, 2012
58
1
The Immigration Canada may not stamp if you are in a valid PR status. But you can request Canada Custom to put a stamp. It is subtle process. They are not required to do it. It is up to agents. But I have requested in the past while crossing border by car. You might have to park your car and go into the building where the Customs are located. Another option if possible is to buy something that's worth paying custom duty. Then you will get Custom record and/or stamps.
 

akka

Full Member
Nov 16, 2009
41
0
Thanks all for your replies!Not sure how I missed to check back but better late than never :0
Thanks a lot!
 

akka

Full Member
Nov 16, 2009
41
0
Will anybody advise some good attorney for immigration in Toronto area who provides paid consultation?
Thanks
Akhil