If you applied for Canadian citizenship, you may wonder whether you can leave the country while your application is being processed. The short answer is yes, you can leave Canada after applying for citizenship—as long as you met the residency requirements before submitting your application. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind to avoid delays or complications.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling after submitting your citizenship application, including legal requirements, risks, and best practices.

Can I Leave Canada After Applying for Citizenship If I Met the Residency Requirements Prior to Submitting the Citizenship Application?

1. Understanding the Residency Requirement

Before applying for Canadian citizenship, you must meet the physical presence requirement, which means:

• You have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the last 5 years before applying.
  
  

• Only time spent as a permanent resident counts toward this total.
  
  

• Time spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person may count, but only at a reduced rate. You can read more about that here.
  
  

If you met this requirement before submitting your citizenship application, you do not need to stay in Canada during processing. However, your travel could still affect your application in other ways.

2. Risks of Traveling While Your Citizenship Application Is in Progress

While you are legally allowed to leave Canada after applying, there are a few potential risks to consider:

a) Missing Important Correspondence

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may send requests for additional documents, updates, or invitations for:

• The citizenship test
  
  

• An interview with a citizenship officer
  
  

• A citizenship ceremony
  
  

If you miss these notices or fail to attend scheduled appointments, your application could be delayed or even refused.

Tip: Ensure you provide IRCC with an email address you check regularly and consider appointing a trusted person or immigration lawyer in Canada to monitor your mail.

b) Potential Impact on Your Permanent Resident Status

While waiting for citizenship, you remain a permanent resident (PR) of Canada. If you plan to travel, ensure you have:

• A valid PR card or
  
  

• A Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) if your PR card expires while you’re outside Canada.
  
  

Without one of these, you may not be allowed to return to Canada easily.

c) Possible Travel Restrictions Due to Processing Stages

The timeline for citizenship applications varies, but it generally includes these steps:

1. Application submission & processing (6-12 months on average)
   
   

2. Citizenship test & interview (if required)
   
   

3. Citizenship decision & oath ceremony
   
   

If you are outside Canada when IRCC schedules your test or ceremony, you must return in time to attend. Missing your appointment could result in delays or even application refusal.

3. Best Practices for Traveling After Applying for Citizenship

If you need to travel while waiting for your citizenship approval, follow these best practices to avoid issues:

✅ Keep Your Contact Information Updated

Ensure IRCC has your current email, phone number, and mailing address to receive updates promptly. You can update your information through your IRCC online account.

✅ Monitor Your Application Status

Regularly check your application progress on the IRCC online portal to stay informed about upcoming tests, interviews, or ceremonies.

✅ Renew Your PR Card Before Traveling

If your PR card will expire soon, renew it before leaving Canada to avoid difficulties returning. If your PR card expires while you’re abroad, you’ll need to apply for a PRTD, which can take weeks.

✅ Plan for Quick Return to Canada

If IRCC schedules an appointment (such as a citizenship test or oath ceremony), you may have limited time to return. Keep travel plans flexible.

✅ Carry Proof of Your Application

Having a copy of your citizenship application submission receipt can be helpful in case border officials ask about your status when re-entering Canada.

4. What Happens If You’re Outside Canada When Your Citizenship Is Approved?

Once IRCC approves your application, you must attend an oath ceremony to officially become a Canadian citizen. If you’re outside Canada when this happens:

• You must return to Canada to attend the ceremony.
  
  

• IRCC will provide a date, and you can request a rescheduling if necessary.
  
  

• You cannot take the oath outside of Canada (except in very rare circumstances).
  
  

Until you take the oath, you remain a permanent resident and must continue meeting PR travel requirements.

Conclusion

Yes, you can leave Canada after applying for citizenship if you met the residency requirement before submission. However, you should carefully plan your travel to avoid missing critical steps in the process.

To ensure a smooth experience:

• Keep your contact details updated with IRCC.
  
  

• Monitor your application status regularly.
  
  

• Ensure your PR card is valid for re-entry.
  
  

• Be prepared to return to Canada for tests, interviews, or the oath ceremony.
  
  

By staying informed and prepared, you can travel with confidence while awaiting your Canadian citizenship.

If you need legal guidance on your citizenship application, book a consultation with an immigration lawyer here: Schedule a strategy session.