IRCC Says Citizenship Certificate Review Nearly Resolved

Canada’s review of proof of citizenship certificates appears to be nearing its end, after weeks of concern among people who applied under the country’s new citizenship-by-descent rules.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says the review is largely complete. The department expects to resume finalizing pending applications “within the next few days.”

The review followed the introduction of Bill C-3, which took effect on December 15, 2025. The law removed the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. It opened the door for people born outside Canada to claim citizenship if they can show a documented, continuous family line to a Canadian ancestor.

Small Group Of Cases Flagged

IRCC says a routine check in early June flagged 100 certificates for possible documentation issues. Those cases came from about 6,500 applications reviewed under the new law.

Of the 100 flagged certificates, 33 were automatically reinstated. Another 67 cases remain under review. IRCC says those 67 cases represent about one per cent of certificates issued under Bill C-3 so far.

The department began contacting some certificate holders on June 13. Some recipients received letters asking them to surrender their citizenship certificates while IRCC reviewed their files.

IRCC later paused the finalization of new citizenship-by-descent applications and updated its guidance on supporting documents.

What Applicants Should Know

Applicants who already submitted proof of citizenship applications do not need to assume their eligibility has changed. IRCC has not changed the core rules under Bill C-3.

However, the department has raised the standard for supporting documents. It now expects records to come from the “original” source authority, such as a civil registry, vital statistics office, or similar official body.

For people preparing a new application, this means documents should be reviewed carefully before submission. Any gaps in family records should be explained clearly in writing.

Older records, foreign-language documents, and files that cover several generations may require extra care. Applicants unsure about their documents may want legal guidance before submitting.

Surrender Letters Are Not Rejections

Applicants who received a surrender letter should understand that the letter does not mean their citizenship claim has been rejected.

In many cases, IRCC may reinstate the certificate after reviewing the existing file. In other cases, the department may ask for specific additional documents or information.

People who have not been contacted do not need to take action while their case remains under review.

IRCC has also indicated that people already in Canada may keep their status and continue working while their case is being reviewed. However, some certificate holders may be told not to use a Canadian passport issued based on the certificate until the review is finished.

Anyone with upcoming international travel, or anyone who has already travelled using that passport, may need advice before relying on it again.

Backlog Continues To Grow

The review came during a sharp rise in proof of citizenship applications.

In the first three months after Bill C-3 took effect, 4,075 certificates were issued under the new rules. About half went to Americans.

By June 2026, the application queue had passed 82,000, and the estimated wait time rose to 15 months. By July 8, the wait time had climbed again to 19 months. As of July 7, about 99,500 people were waiting.

IRCC says applicants whose documents meet the updated standard are being cleared. Immigration Minister Lena Diab said those deemed acceptable “are being told you’re fine.”