A client retained an RCIC to assist them with a residency appeal. The client landed in Canada almost 20 years ago but never applied for Canadian citizenship even though they were eligible. During the last 20 years, the client travelled to their home country from time to time to visit their family. One of their parents passed away due to old age, so the client stayed in their home country to be with their surviving parent. Therefore, they do not meet their residency requirements. They return to Canada via a land border crossing from the United States, and the CBSA officer at the port of entry advises them of their failure to comply with their residency obligation. The officer admits the person to Canada for further examination.

What should the RCIC advise the client to do, considering they did not fulfill their residency requirement?