Returning to Canada after 11 years

[ChrisPiggins]

Hello,

I am a U.K citizen born in 1964 who moved to Canada in 1964. I spent my whole life in Canada but never applied for Canadian citizenship until 2006 and I was granted citizenship in 2007.

Now the issue is that I am not currently residing in Canada and I have not since December 24, 2004. I moved to South Africa in 2004 to marry a South African with the intention of moving back to Canada with my family. I am still married but separated and my ex-wife lives in the U.K. For financial reasons I stayed on in South Africa and I wish to know if my Canadian citizenship still stands as I wish to return to Canada. I have a Canadian born brother in Toronto who has asked me to come back and I am very serious about returning.

Can you possible tell me if my Canadian citizenship is still valid or will I have to get my brother to sponsor me. I will be able to get work as I am skilled. for a passport before I return to Canada? Will That be an issue? Would you recommend that I apply

If you wish any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you.

Kind Regards,

Chris Piggins

 

[scylla]

You're still a citizen. Being outside of Canada doesn't impact citizenship.

 

[Rob_TO]

As Scylla mentioned, you are still a citizen. Citizenship is for life regardless of where you live in the world.

You should get a Canadian passport. When the new eTA system is made mandatory in a few months, you may find it will be impossible for you to fly to Canada on a UK passport alone. With a UK passport an airline will demand to see an eTA, but since you are a Canadian citizen you won't be able to get one.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp