losing citizenship?

[Jana]

I work overseas temporarily, but it will be for at least 2.5 years since my departure from Canada. Anybody knows whether I need to return to Canada after certain period of time to keep my citizenship? I don't have a residence in Canada - I was only renting my place prior my departure.
I thought I cannot lose Canadian citizenship, but my Australian friends are telling me I better look into it, because they can lose theirs this way...
J.

[CanuckAbroad]

Impossible. As far as I know the only way to lose canadian citizenship is to renounce it.

It would make no sense, if you're traveling around the world for a few years, and not staying in one place. Then, returning to Canada, for them to say you no longer have citizenship? That would make you stateless. I'd be very surprised if australians, or any country for that matter had such a policy. It just wouldn't work. Especially since it normally takes many years to acquire citizenship in another country.

They might want to double check themselves

[CanuckAbroad]

You might qualify for non-resident status though! That just means you save on taxes basically

[masterj]

You cannot lose your citizenship. Your friends of full of it.

I was away for 5 years and everything is fine when I go back. No problem.

It doesn't matter if you were renting or anything.

[Duncan_BC]

Australian, American and British citizens can't lose citizenship by being away either.

[Jana]

I thought so, it sounded ridiculous.
Thanks guys.
Jana

[JamesUsher]

I lived in Mexico for 7.5 years. When I came back, they asked me a few questions at Customs in the Van. airport, they said "welcome back" and that what it, on my way to being a happy Canadian again.