Yes. There is not a requirement to stay in Canada while we process your application. Please also note that if you applied on or after June 11, 2015, you must also declare your intent to reside in Canada in order to be eligible.

If you need to leave Canada there are several risks you should be aware of.

If you leave Canada, you must continue to meet your residency obligation to keep permanent resident (PR) status. You must be a permanent resident to become a citizen and not just when you apply. If you lose PR status before you take the Oath of Citizenship, you cannot become a citizen. Bring your PR card with you when you leave Canada so you can return easily. Make sure the card will not expire while you are outside Canada. (If your PR card expires, it does not mean you have lost PR status.)

We generally only mail letters, notices and other material to addresses in Canada, although in some cases, you will receive an e-mail from us. You must reply to these letters within a certain amount of time. If you do not reply within the timeframe and do not provide an acceptable reason for not being able to keep your appointment with us, we will close your application.

You must attend appointments and other events at our offices, like your citizenship test, interview and ceremony. These events only take place in Canada. If you cannot attend the appointment or event, you must write a letter of explanation to the local office that sent you the event notice.