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- calendar_today October 20, 2026
Proof of Canadian Citizenship Processing Now at 34 Months
The time required to obtain a proof of Canadian citizenship—the citizenship certificate—has lengthened to approximately 34 months, according to new data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as of October 9, 2026. This is a one-month increase compared to September and is the smallest rise since the spring surge began. IRCC updates its processing times tool monthly, reflecting changes for applicants planning to file new applications.
IRCC Queue Sees First Decline Since June
Coinciding with the rise in processing time, the IRCC has reported a reduction in the ircc queue for citizenship certificates. There are now about 130,700 people waiting for decisions, down from about 136,000 a month prior—a decrease of roughly 5,300 applications, or 3.9%. This is the first backlog decline since June 2026. Despite this, applicants face longer waits, underscoring that a decrease in the number of pending applications does not automatically lead to faster processing.
Tracking Processing Times and the Impact of Bill C-3
The rise in the estimated wait correlates with the implementation of Bill C-3 on December 15, 2025, which eliminated the first-generation limit for those born before that date. Since then, processing time estimates have increased sharply:
- November 2025: ~8 months
- March 2026: ~10 months
- May 2026: ~12 months
- June 2026: ~15 months
- July 2026: ~19 months
- August 2026: ~25 months
- September 2026: ~33 months
- October 2026: ~34 months
Each monthly revision from May to September was larger than the one before, before moderating in October. This sharp and continuous increase highlights growing strain on the system following eligibility expansion under Bill C-3.
Understanding Why Processing Time Has Increased
IRCC builds its projections based on three factors: the number of applications in inventory, staffing levels, and expected application volume. While the inventory dropped in September, the processing time increased, suggesting that either staff assignments to this process were reduced, or a surge in incoming applications is anticipated. The organization hasn’t released specific breakdowns to clarify the reasons for this apparent contradiction.
Comparison with Citizenship Grants and International Applicants
The IRCC also released statistics for citizenship grants (for permanent residents becoming citizens), which remain at a 12-month estimate, with around 322,700 in the queue—a drop from 327,100 in September. While both grant and certificate queues declined, only the grant processing time held steady. Grants are supported by longstanding processes and more resources, while proof of citizenship became a high-volume area after Bill C-3.
Applicants for proof of Canadian citizenship who reside outside Canada and the United States face even longer waits. They are advised to add three to four months for mailing, bringing the application wait to approximately 37–38 months. This additional time only applies to those filing through embassies, consulates, or high commissions, not those in the U.S., who apply directly through the Sydney, Nova Scotia office.
Options for Expedited Processing and Key Recommendations
Expedited processing (urgent processing) is available for those facing significant hardship or specific situations, including immediate travel due to health or family emergencies, statelessness, employment or education needs, or urgent access to social benefits. Dual citizens of visa-exempt countries can also qualify if they need to travel to Canada within six months. However, approval is not guaranteed, and all requests must include an explanation letter and supporting evidence; duplicate or unsupported requests are discouraged.
Applicants are urged to submit a complete application, as incomplete files are delayed or returned, resulting in a restart at the end of the queue—potentially adding nearly three years to their wait. Documentation, especially for claims under Bill C-3, can be complex and relies on sometimes decades-old records, emphasizing the need for careful preparation before submission.
Conclusion
The processing time for a proof of Canadian citizenship is at an all-time high of 34 months, with the first decline in the backlog for several months offering only limited relief to applicants. The trend underscores the importance of timely and thoroughly documented applications, especially in the wake of systemic changes and fluctuating IRCC capacity.
Source: immigration.ca.
