Canada Increases Processing Time for Citizenship Applications

Canada has rose the estimated processing time for proof of citizenship applications to 25 months, more than double the wait recorded just three months ago.

Key points

• Applications awaiting a decision rose from 82, 020 at the end of May to 99, 520 by June 30, an rise of 17, 500 in four weeks.
• Demand for citizenship certificates has rose since Canada removed the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent on December 15, 2025, for residents born before that date.
• A total of 31, 980 applications were finalized between January 1 and June 30.
• Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.
• While 33 were afterwards reinstated after their supporting documents were confirmed, of the certificates examined, 100 were flagged for potentially insufficient documentation.

Notably, the processing time stood at 12 months in May and rose to 19 months in July before reaching 25 months in August, according to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Australia Emerges as a Top Job Destination for Pakistani Workers.

For context, the longer wait comes as Canada faces a sharp growth in applications for citizenship certificates. As of August 10, around 121, 800 applications were awaiting a decision, up by roughly 22, 300 compared to July.

New IRCC data additionally indicates that the pace of processing slowed considerably in June. The department finalized 3, 040 proof of citizenship applications during the month.

In practice, a total of 31, 980 applications were finalized between January 1 and June 30. By comparison, 28, 940 had already been finalized by the end of May, suggesting an average of around 5, 800 applications per month during the first five months of the year.

Meanwhile, the backlog continued to grow. Applications awaiting a decision rose from 82, 020 at the end of May to 99, 520 by June 30, an rise of 17, 500 in four weeks.

One factor behind the June slowdown was a temporary review of previously issued citizenship certificates. IRCC paused the finalization of new citizenship-by-descent applications while reviewing documents linked to around 6, 500 certificates.

Notably, the review was completed on June 30. While 33 were afterwards reinstated after their supporting documents were confirmed, of the certificates examined, 100 were flagged for potentially insufficient documentation. US Changes Key Immigration Forms for Students and Other Visa Holders.

Under the previous rules, a person born outside Canada generally could not claim citizenship through a Canadian parent if that parent had additionally been born abroad. The change means individuals with an unbroken family connection to a Canadian grandparent, great-grandparent, or earlier ancestor may now qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent.

For context, the growth has created significant new demand, particularly from the United States, where numerous individuals with Canadian ancestry may now be eligible.

Proof of citizenship applications are different from citizenship grant applications. While citizenship grants are for permanent residents applying to become Canadian citizens for the first time, proof applications are for individuals who are already Canadian citizens and need a certificate confirming their status. Obtain the latest international news and global stories wherever you prefer.

Add as a preferredSource on Google Follow on Google News Join WhatsApp.

Taken together, the developments around canada Increases Processing Time for Citizenship Applications point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.