Immigration lawyer reacts as some “Lost Canadians” told to return citizenship certificate - Global…
On June 21, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced that some individuals known as "Lost Canadians" are being asked to return their citizenship certificates. The announcement was made public through a news report. The request to return citizenship certificates is set to take effect immediately.
This development matters because it affects a group of people who have been fighting for recognition of their Canadian citizenship for years. The term "Lost Canadians" refers to individuals who were born abroad to Canadian parents, but due to outdated citizenship laws, were not automatically granted citizenship. This issue has been ongoing since the 1940s, with many individuals only recently becoming aware of their status. In the past, the Canadian government has made efforts to rectify the situation through changes to the Citizenship Act, but some individuals may still be required to take additional steps to confirm their citizenship.
According to the report, some "Lost Canadians" who have already been issued citizenship certificates are now being told to return them. The exact eligibility criteria for who must return their certificate are not specified, but it is clear that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is re-examining the status of some individuals who were previously granted citizenship. The department may require additional documentation or information from affected individuals in order to verify their citizenship status.
"Return" is the instruction given to some "Lost Canadians" by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, according to the news report, as stated by an immigration lawyer.
This change affects "Lost Canadians" who have already been issued citizenship certificates, particularly those born abroad to Canadian parents. Individuals from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and other nations where Canadian parents may have been living at the time of their birth may be impacted by this development. Those who are required to return their citizenship certificates may be from a variety of countries, and it is essential for them to verify their status with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Individuals who are affected by this change should check their IRCC online account for updates and instructions on what to do next. They may need to submit additional documentation or information to verify their citizenship status, and it is crucial that they follow the instructions provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to avoid any delays or complications in their citizenship process. For more information on Canadian citizenship and the requirements for verifying citizenship status, individuals can visit the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.