Applying for Canadian citizenship requires meeting several eligibility criteria, including physical presence in Canada. If you are working abroad for a Canadian company, you may wonder whether your time outside Canada counts toward your citizenship eligibility. As an RCIC-IRB, I assist clients in understanding their legal rights and obligations regarding citizenship applications.

Understanding the Physical Presence Requirement

To qualify for Canadian citizenship, you must meet the physical presence requirement, which means you must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (three years) within the five years immediately before applying.

Time spent outside Canada typically does not count toward this requirement unless you fall under specific exceptions. One such exception involves working abroad for a Canadian business or government.

Does Working Abroad for a Canadian Company Count Toward Citizenship?

Generally, working outside Canada for a private Canadian company does not count toward the physical presence requirement. However, there are limited cases where time spent abroad may be considered if the applicant is:

1. Accompanying a Canadian Citizen – If you are the spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child of a Canadian citizen who is employed full-time by:

   • The Canadian government (federal or provincial)

   • The Canadian Armed Forces

   • A Canadian company engaged in specific activities (such as international trade or government contracts)

   In these cases, your time outside Canada may be counted toward your physical presence.

2. Working for the Canadian Government or Military – If you are employed by:

   • The Government of Canada

   • A provincial or territorial government

   • The Canadian Armed Forces

   Your time abroad may count toward your citizenship eligibility.

3. Exceptional Cases – If your work abroad is deemed essential to Canada’s national interests, special considerations may apply. However, this is rare and assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Need Help? Contact Me!

If you are unsure whether your time abroad affects your eligibility for Canadian citizenship, I can help. As an RCIC-IRB, I provide expert guidance to navigate the complexities of citizenship applications and ensure your case is handled correctly.

📞 Contact Me Today for a Consultation!

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Let’s work together to help you achieve your goal of becoming a Canadian citizen!