Proof of Citizenship Wait Times Rise as Applications Grow

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) finalized 2,420 proof of citizenship applications in July 2026, continuing a decline in monthly processing numbers. The department counts these as citizenship certificates issued since January 1, 2026.

Between January and May 2026, IRCC issued 28,940 citizenship certificates, averaging about 5,788 certificates each month. However, July marked the second consecutive month where finalizations remained below that earlier monthly average.

In June, IRCC finalized 3,040 applications, which was also lower than the average pace recorded during the first five months of the year.

Growing Backlog Adds Pressure on Applicants

Updated IRCC data shows that 34,400 proof of citizenship certificates were finalized between January 1 and July 31, 2026. The previous update showed 31,980 certificates completed by June 30, meaning only 2,420 additional certificates were finalized in July.

At the same time, the number of applications waiting for a final decision increased significantly. The pending queue grew from 99,520 applications at the end of June to 121,800 by the end of July.

By early September, IRCC reported around 136,000 people waiting for decisions, with estimated processing times reaching 33 months for new proof of citizenship applications. Applicants submitting requests now may face waits close to three years.

Some Applications May Receive Faster Processing

IRCC can speed up certain proof of citizenship applications when applicants demonstrate an urgent need. Examples include employment requirements, upcoming travel, access to government benefits or services, and medical or family emergencies. Students who need their certificate to enrol or maintain a place at a school may also qualify.

Applicants requesting urgent processing must submit their application normally and include a letter explaining their situation, required timeline, and supporting documents such as a job offer, school confirmation, or travel booking. IRCC reviews each request individually.

Demand Increased After Citizenship Rule Changes

The rise in applications follows changes introduced after Bill C-3 removed the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent for people born before December 15, 2025. The change allowed more people with Canadian ancestry, including those connected through Canadian grandparents or earlier generations, to claim citizenship.

A significant share of new demand has come from the United States, including descendants of French Canadians who moved to New England between the mid-1800s and early 1900s.

IRCC also paused finalizing some citizenship-by-descent applications in June while reviewing documents linked to approximately 6,500 certificates already issued. The review ended on June 30, but the pause combined with rising demand likely increased delays.

Proof of Citizenship Is Different From Citizenship Grants

Proof of citizenship applications are for people who are already Canadian citizens but need a certificate confirming their status. Citizenship grants, however, are for permanent residents applying to become citizens for the first time.

IRCC finalized 193,320 citizenship grant applications between January 1 and July 31, while 328,200 remained waiting. The grant application queue has stayed relatively stable, unlike the proof of citizenship queue, which has grown significantly.