I would like to hear about other people's experiences in this matter as well. My wife has been in Canada since July 2004 and her 3 year requirement will be over in July of this year. We have been living here thoughout; been paying taxes, renting a house, going to school, etc. etc., basically doing everything we would normally do. However for the past 2 summers, she has gone on vacation for 3 months each (once to India, once to Europe) to visit family. After reading through countless threads and the CIC website, I still can't figure out whether or not she needs to make up for the time she spent outside. I know what the statute says but it also says something about going in front of an immigration judge if you don't fulfill the requirements on their face.
So basically, do you have to send in your passport when you apply for citizenship? If not, is there any other time when they look at your passport?