Proof of Canadian citizenship wait times surge to 25 months — what applicants should know
As of August 10, IRCC’s estimate for a Canadian citizenship certificate has risen to 25 months — up from 19 months in July and 12 months in May. At the same time, more than 121,800 people were waiting for a decision, an increase of roughly 22,300 applicants (about 22%) since July. That means significantly longer and less certain timelines for anyone who needs a certificate to get a passport or to confirm their citizenship.
Why demand spiked
A legislative change on December 15, 2025 removed the first‑generation limit on citizenship by descent for people born before that date. In practice, anyone born before December 15, 2025 who can trace an unbroken line to a Canadian ancestor may already be a Canadian citizen and can apply for a citizenship certificate. That change prompted a large number of applications, including many from people in parts of New England with historic French‑Canadian roots.
How processing times climbed
– January 2026: processing estimate ~10 months.
– May 2026: estimate rose to 12 months.
– July 2026: estimate reached 19 months.
– As of August 10, 2026: estimate 25 months; backlog >121,800 applications.
Operational review that added delay
In June 2026 IRCC told a group of recent certificate recipients in the United States that their approved claims were under review. For about a month the department paused finalizing some citizenship‑by‑descent approvals while it checked documentation. IRCC completed that review on June 30 and resumed processing, but the pause overlapped with a rapidly growing caseload and likely intensified the increase in wait times.
Who is most affected
– People born before December 15, 2025 who can trace ancestry to a Canadian grandparent, great‑grandparent or more distant ancestor and are claiming citizenship by descent.
– Anyone who needs an official citizenship certificate (for a passport or to prove status).
– Communities with high concentrations of Canadian ancestry where many people applied at once.
Practical impacts
Expect long waits (the current estimate is 25 months) and planning challenges: passport delays, disrupted travel or family plans, and uncertainty because processing estimates can change as volumes and capacity shift.
Should you wait to apply?
Probably not. IRCC’s estimate reflects how many applications are already ahead of your file, plus staffing and expected new volumes. As more people apply, delaying is unlikely to shorten your wait and may place you in an even longer queue later.
Documentation matters
The June review shows IRCC may take extra verification steps when intake rises. Clear, complete, well‑organized proof of lineage and supporting documents can help avoid avoidable follow‑ups or scrutiny that slow a file.
Practical next steps
– If you think you qualify under the December 15, 2025 change, prepare to apply but expect a lengthy queue.
– Gather and organize all documents that demonstrate an unbroken line to your Canadian ancestor.
– Factor the extended processing estimate (25+ months as of August 10) into any plans that depend on official proof of citizenship.
– Don’t delay applying solely to try to shorten wait time — you’ll generally enter the queue behind existing cases.
For personalized support with your Canadian immigration pathway, contact GTR Immigration. Call us: +91-8810-686-447
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