The processing of Canadian citizenship certificate applications slowed significantly in June after Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) temporarily reduced finalizations while conducting an internal review of recently issued citizenship certificates. Newly released federal data shows the department finalized 3,040 proof of citizenship applications in June, a sharp decline from the pace recorded during the first five months of the year.
According to IRCC, 31,980 proof of citizenship certificates were issued between January 1 and June 30, 2026. However, the June figures indicate that processing slowed considerably as the department reviewed thousands of previously approved certificates to ensure they had been issued based on complete and accurate documentation.
The review was launched after IRCC contacted a group of recent citizenship certificate recipients—primarily applicants under the revised citizenship-by-descent rules—and informed them that their files would undergo additional verification. During the review, the department temporarily paused the finalization of new citizenship-by-descent applications while examining approximately 6,500 certificates that had already been issued. The review concluded on June 30, with 100 certificates flagged for potentially insufficient documentation, while 33 were later reinstated after officials confirmed the supporting evidence.
The slowdown has contributed to a growing backlog of applications. The number of pending proof of citizenship applications increased from 82,020 at the end of May to 99,520 by the end of June. As of August, IRCC estimates that approximately 121,800 applications are awaiting a decision, and the average processing time for a proof of Canadian citizenship certificate has risen to 25 months.
Demand for citizenship certificates has surged since Bill C-3 came into effect on December 15, 2025, removing the first-generation limit on Canadian citizenship by descent for people born before that date. The legislative change made millions of people with Canadian ancestry—particularly in the United States—eligible to claim Canadian citizenship, resulting in a significant increase in applications.
A proof of citizenship certificate is required by individuals who are already Canadian citizens—whether by birth, descent, or a previous grant—but need official documentation to confirm their status. The certificate is commonly required to apply for a Canadian passport, replace a lost citizenship document, or access certain government services.
Immigration experts say applicants should continue submitting eligible applications rather than waiting for processing times to improve, as delaying an application may simply place them in an even longer queue. IRCC has stated that processing has resumed following the June review and that the department is working to reduce the backlog while maintaining the integrity of Canada’s citizenship program.