Canada Extends Proof of Citizenship Processing Time to 19 Months as Backlog Nears 100,000

Canada’s immigration authorities have announced a significant increase in the processing time for proof of Canadian citizenship applications, with new applicants now expected to wait up to 19 months for a decision as the number of pending cases approaches 100,000.

The latest update, published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), marks another sharp increase in waiting times after processing estimates rose from 12 months in May to 15 months in June. The current 19-month timeline reflects mounting pressure on Canada’s citizenship processing system as applications continue to surge.

According to IRCC’s latest performance data, nearly 99,500 proof of citizenship applications are currently awaiting processing, pushing the department’s backlog close to the 100,000 mark.

Officials attribute the growing queue largely to a sharp increase in applications following changes to Canada’s citizenship laws that expanded eligibility for people born outside the country.

The department noted that thousands of new applications are entering the system each month, stretching existing resources and extending waiting periods for applicants worldwide.

The rise in applications follows the implementation of Bill C-3 in December 2025, which removed Canada’s long-standing first-generation limit on citizenship by descent.

The legislative amendment allows many individuals born abroad to claim Canadian citizenship if they can demonstrate an uninterrupted line of descent from a Canadian ancestor, significantly expanding eligibility.

The policy change has generated a wave of applications from Canadians living overseas and descendants of Canadian citizens, particularly in the United States and several European countries.

IRCC data shows that more than 17,500 new citizenship applications were added to the processing system in a single month following the reform.

In addition to the influx of applications, IRCC said it temporarily suspended and reviewed approximately 6,500 citizenship certificates in June as part of an enhanced document verification process.

While most of the certificates were later confirmed and reinstated, the additional compliance checks contributed to longer processing times and further strained the department’s workload.

Immigration officials say the verification exercise was necessary to ensure the integrity of Canada’s citizenship records.

Alongside the updated processing timeline, IRCC has introduced stricter documentation requirements for proof of citizenship applications.

Applicants are now required to submit official records directly issued by the relevant government authorities to establish their family lineage.

The department also clarified that the current 19-month processing estimate applies to applications submitted now and is based on existing backlog levels, staffing capacity and projected application volumes.

For applicants submitting documents through Canadian embassies or consulates outside Canada and the United States, additional diplomatic and postal routing may extend processing by three to four months.

Despite the growing backlog, IRCC said urgent processing remains available under limited circumstances.

Priority requests will continue to be considered only for applicants facing genuine emergencies, including urgent employment opportunities, serious family medical situations or immediate travel needs, provided sufficient supporting documentation is submitted.

Immigration experts say applicants should prepare for extended waiting periods and ensure all required documents are complete before submitting applications to avoid additional delays.