The processing time for a Proof of Canadian Citizenship (certificate of citizenship by descent) has more than doubled, reaching 25 months as of 10 August 2026. Over 121 000 applications are now in the queue, an increase of roughly 22 300 submissions in the past month alone.
Current processing landscape
- Estimated wait: 25 months after an application is received.
- Queue size: > 121 000 pending applications (IRCC processing‑time tool).
- Scope of work: Applicants must gather birth, marriage and death records across generations—often from provincial archives that are experiencing backlogs—provide photos that meet strict specifications, complete the required form and pay the fee before IRCC begins reviewing the file.
- Variability: The posted estimate is not a guarantee; complex cases (e.g., gaps in the document chain, name changes, records from multiple jurisdictions) can take considerably longer.
Why the wait has surged
- Increased volume from Bill C‑3 – Effective 15 December 2025, the legislation removed the first‑generation limit on citizenship by descent for those born before that date. Anyone with an unbroken line to a Canadian ancestor now qualifies, prompting tens of thousands of new applications, especially from the United States.
- Temporary pause for document review – In June 2026 IRCC flagged about 100 already‑issued certificates over documentation concerns and halted finalizing new applications while it reviewed the existing files. The review concluded on 30 June, but the pause added to the growing backlog, pushing processing times higher.
Practical steps for applicants
1. Submit a complete application promptly
If your documentation is in order and the case is straightforward, delaying submission only extends the overall wait.
2. Apply with a missing record (if unavoidable)
- You may file before receiving a pending vital‑statistics record provided you:
- Have all other required documents and the application form completed.
- Include secondary evidence that addresses the missing record.
- Attach a letter of explanation and proof of a formal request to the appropriate archive or vital‑statistics office.
- Submit the original document as soon as it arrives.
- Risk: Incomplete files may be returned as “incomplete,” adding extra processing time.
3. Request urgent (expedited) processing
IRCC fast‑tracks applications only for specific reasons, such as:
- A confirmed job offer or school placement requiring immediate travel.
- A family death or serious illness necessitating urgent travel.
- Statelessness.
- Bringing a Canadian minor child to Canada.
- Hardship linked to the applicant’s personal circumstances.
Eligibility must be demonstrated in a formal request; approval is at IRCC’s discretion.
4. Obtain your GCMS notes
- Through the ATIP (Access to Information and Privacy) portal, you can request the case officer’s internal notes and current file status.
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident must submit the request on your behalf, providing written consent, your UCI and application number.
5. Consider a mandamus application
If a file shows no movement and the delay appears unreasonable, you may seek a writ of mandamus from the Federal Court, compelling IRCC to make a decision. The court evaluates:
- Length of the delay relative to IRCC’s posted processing time.
- Whether the applicant has fulfilled all requirements.
- Whether the delay is significantly outside normal processing expectations.
A mandamus order only obliges the government to act on the file; it does not guarantee approval.
Caveats
- The 25‑month estimate reflects the average for straightforward cases; complex files can exceed this timeframe.
- Because processing times have risen, arguing that a file is “unreasonably delayed” may be more difficult, though a mandamus claim does not require the posted time to be exceeded.
- Legislative changes or further IRCC policy adjustments could alter both eligibility criteria and processing timelines.
Applicants should assess their documentation readiness, consider whether they meet any urgent‑processing criteria, and, if needed, seek advice from a licensed immigration professional to navigate the evolving landscape.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
