BREAKING: Canada freezes all new citizenship by descent approvals, reviews certificates already…
Canada has frozen all new citizenship by descent approvals, effective immediately. The decision was announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on June 24, 2026. This change takes effect as of the date of the announcement, impacting all pending and future applications.
This move marks a significant shift in Canada's approach to citizenship by descent, which previously allowed individuals to obtain citizenship if one of their parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of their birth. The prior rule had been in place for several years, with thousands of candidates applying for citizenship through this pathway. In comparison to the previous policy, the new freeze on approvals indicates a more cautious approach by the Canadian government, potentially in response to concerns about the integrity of the citizenship process or the need for more stringent eligibility criteria.
The specifics of the freeze are still being clarified, but it is known that all new applications for citizenship by descent will be put on hold until further notice. Additionally, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will be reviewing certificates of citizenship that have already been granted to ensure their validity. The department has not provided a specific timeline for when the review process will be completed or when new applications will be accepted again. Eligibility criteria, document requirements, and other details of the citizenship by descent program remain unchanged for now, but applicants should expect delays and potentially new requirements as the review process unfolds.
"Reviewing certificates" is the focus of the current effort, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
This change will primarily affect individuals who have applied or were planning to apply for citizenship by descent, including those from countries with significant historical ties to Canada. Applicants from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other nations with large Canadian expatriate communities may be particularly impacted by this decision. The freeze may also have implications for individuals who have already received certificates of citizenship and are now facing the possibility of a review.
For those affected by the freeze, the practical next step is to check their IRCC online account for updates on their application status. Applicants should also be prepared to provide additional documentation or information as part of the review process, although specific requirements have not been announced. It is essential for applicants to monitor the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for the latest information on the citizenship by descent program and any changes to the application process.