A job offer is about to expire, your university needs proof of citizenship, or a family emergency requires you to travel. But your Canadian citizenship certificate is still being processed. Waiting months could mean losing an important opportunity.
Fortunately, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allows urgent processing in certain circumstances. However, you must provide a valid reason and supporting documents.
Yes, IRCC may process your citizenship certificate application faster if you have a qualifying urgent need and provide supporting evidence. However, approval is not guaranteed.
A citizenship certificate proves that you are already a Canadian citizen. It does not grant citizenship.
Urgent processing allows IRCC to consider your application ahead of its normal processing schedule when your circumstances justify it.
IRCC considers several situations where waiting for a certificate could cause serious difficulties.
You may qualify if you need the certificate to:
For example, if an employer requires citizenship documents before confirming your position, an official letter explaining the deadline can support your request.
Urgent processing may be available if you must travel because of a family member's death or serious illness and cannot obtain a passport from your other country of nationality.
You should provide documents explaining the emergency and why the certificate is necessary.
IRCC also considers requests involving:
IRCC reviews each situation individually.
You need an explanation letter and documents proving why your citizenship certificate is urgently required.
Depending on your circumstances, supporting documents may include:
Your letter should clearly explain:
Keep your explanation factual and specific. An approaching deadline without a qualifying reason may not be sufficient.
Your application method depends on whether you have already submitted your citizenship certificate application.
For eligible online applications:
For paper applications:
You can request urgent processing without submitting another citizenship certificate application.
For web form requests, include your full name, birth date, email address, telephone numbers, and evidence.
Begin your message with "Request for urgent processing."
IRCC does not guarantee a specific processing timeline for urgent citizenship certificate requests.
Even if your request qualifies, the department may not issue the certificate before your deadline.
Incomplete applications will not receive urgent processing.
Avoid submitting duplicate applications, as this can create additional problems.
Before requesting urgent processing, check that your situation meets IRCC's criteria.
Gather the documents that explain your urgency, confirm your application is complete, and follow the correct submission procedure.
If IRCC does not approve your urgent request, your application will continue through normal processing.
Yes. You can use IRCC's web form for an online application or a paper application submitted from Canada or the United States. For certain overseas paper applications, contact the Canadian office where you applied.
No. IRCC reviews qualifying requests individually and does not promise approval or delivery by a particular date. Your application must also be complete.
Yes, employment requirements are among IRCC's accepted reasons. Include an employer's letter showing why proof of citizenship is necessary and when it is required.
Yes. A dual Canadian citizen who also holds citizenship in a visa-exempt country may qualify by providing proof of air travel to Canada within six months of applying.
IRCC's published urgent-processing instructions do not list a separate urgency fee. Applicants must still pay the regular citizenship certificate application fee when submitting a new application.
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