IRCC pauses processing some citizenship by descent cases as department…

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a temporary pause on processing certain citizenship by descent applications as of June 17, 2026. The move is tied to a review of how some citizenship certificates were issued under the Bill C-3 "lost Canadians" changes, and IRCC has said it is reviewing how this occurred.

This pause is significant as it directly impacts individuals applying for Canadian citizenship through descent, a pathway available to those with Canadian parents or grandparents. Previously, the processing of these applications had been relatively straightforward, but recent complications have prompted IRCC to reassess its procedures.

The specific cases affected by this pause include those where applicants have submitted their requests based on their descent from a Canadian citizen. IRCC has not disclosed the exact number of applications currently on hold or the anticipated duration of the pause. The number of affected certificate-holders appears to be only a few dozen, of whom roughly half were born in the United States. Applicants may need to prepare for potential delays in processing times and should remain alert for any communications from IRCC regarding their specific cases.

IRCC has said it is assessing the affected applications fairly and lawfully while it completes its review. The department has not provided a timeline for when processing will resume.

For those affected, the immediate next step is to monitor their IRCC online account for any updates regarding their application status. Applicants are advised to ensure that all required documents are prepared and readily available, as they may be asked to provide additional information once processing resumes. Staying informed about IRCC's announcements will be important during this period of uncertainty.