Citizenship Processing Times Continue to Rise
Canadians applying for proof of citizenship may now face significantly longer wait times. According to the latest figures from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the estimated processing time for citizenship certificate applications has increased to 15 months. At the same time, the application inventory has grown beyond 82,000 files, reflecting a sharp rise in demand.
The increase comes months after changes to Canada’s citizenship laws expanded eligibility for citizenship by descent.
More Than 11,500 Applications Added in One Month
Recent data shows that more than 11,500 additional applications entered the citizenship processing queue in a single month. As application volumes continue growing, processing times have steadily increased. Since late 2025, wait times for proof of citizenship applications have risen from approximately 9 months to 15 months. The growing inventory suggests strong interest from individuals seeking to confirm their Canadian citizenship status under the updated legislation.
Why Are More People Applying?
The increase in applications follows major citizenship law changes that took effect on December 15, 2025. The changes expanded access to Canadian citizenship by descent, allowing many individuals with Canadian parents, grandparents, and in some cases earlier Canadian ancestors to qualify for citizenship recognition. Importantly, eligible individuals are not applying to become Canadian citizens. Instead, they are applying for proof that they are already Canadian citizens under the law.
What Is a Citizenship Certificate?
A citizenship certificate is an official document that proves a person’s Canadian citizenship status. People who qualify for citizenship by descent often require a citizenship certificate before they can:
- Apply for a Canadian passport
- Access certain government services
- Exercise rights associated with Canadian citizenship
- Confirm citizenship status for legal and administrative purposes
As more individuals discover they may qualify under the revised citizenship rules, demand for citizenship certificates continues to grow.
What This Means for Applicants
Applicants considering a citizenship certificate application should be aware that waiting may not result in faster processing. Current trends suggest that the application inventory continues to increase, which could place additional pressure on processing timelines in the months ahead. Submitting a complete application with all required supporting documents may help avoid unnecessary delays during processing.
Final Thoughts
The latest IRCC data highlights the growing demand for proof of Canadian citizenship following recent citizenship law changes. With processing times now reaching 15 months and the application queue exceeding 82,000 files, applicants should be prepared for longer waits and plan accordingly. As interest in citizenship by descent continues to increase, citizenship certificate applications are expected to remain one of the busiest areas of Canada’s immigration and citizenship system throughout 2026.
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