Can a citizenship applicant travel outside Canada? Well, Canadian PRs can leave the nation & return after mailing their citizenship application to IRCC. 

However, IRCC clarifies that there are certain steps PRs have to take to remain eligible for citizenship outside Canada. 

In order to ensure they remain eligible for Canadian citizenship, IRCC indicates that PRs should: 

  • Be A Canadian PR At The Time They Apply For Citizenship

Only Canadian PRs can apply for citizenship. In simpler terms, temporary residents of Canada, including foreign workers & international students, aren’t eligible to become Canadian citizens.  

  • Continue To Meet The Residency Requirement To Maintain PR Status 

As a part of being a Canadian PR, foreign nationals should live in Canada for at least 730 days over the last five years in order to maintain their status. 

This is what IRCC refers to as the residency requirement for Canadian PRs. Note that the 730 days needed to meet the requirement do not need to be continuous. Also, some time spent outside the nation might count towards this total. 

  • Maintain PR Status Until They Take The Oath Of Citizenship 

In addition to the residency requirement mentioned above, PRs mustn’t lose their PR status before taking the Oath of Citizenship to remain eligible for Canadian citizenship.

  • Travel Outside Of Canada With Their PR Card For Simple Re-Entry 

Can a citizenship applicant travel outside Canada? Yes! 

Traveling outside Canada with a PR Card will make it much easier to re-enter the nation. This is because IRCC requires that Canadian PRs have a valid PR Card when returning to Canada by plane, train, bus, or boat. 

Thus, IRCC suggests all PRs renew their card before leaving Canada if they know they will expire during their travels. 

IRCC notes that one can renew PR cards only in Canada. Moreover, the department will not send them to non-Canadian addresses or allow third parties to retrieve them for an applicant. 

In addition, travelers without a valid PR card must apply for & obtain a PRTD to re-enter Canada. Unlike PR cards, IRCC only enables PRTDs to be applied for from outside of Canada. 

Moreover, IRCC also indicates that Canadian PRs who attempt to return without either of these documents might be denied entry onto their train, flight, bus, or boat traveling to Canada. 

Integral Notes From IRCC Regarding The Citizenship Process For Canadian PRs

Can a citizenship applicant travel outside Canada? Yes, an applicant can definitely travel outside Canada upon submitting the citizenship application.

However, IRCC notes that there are certain things Canadian PRs must keep in mind about how the department handles communication with applicants & organizing appointments or events. 

IRCC might also email Canadian immigration applicants. In addition, IRCC emphasizes that recipients of any letters or emails must reply to these interactions within a specified amount of time.   

Failure to do so without providing an acceptable reason for not being able to keep the appointment or providing requested information might result in IRCC deciding to stop processing the application. 

Moreover, IRCC also notes that immigration applicants should attend their appointments as well as events at IRCC offices across Canada. 

Candidates who are unable to attend such appointments or events are required to either email or write to the local office that sent them the event notice & IRCC indicates that applicants can contact the immigration department using the online website form.