IRCC Suspends Citizenship by Descent Approvals: What Applicants Need to…
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has paused the processing and finalization of some citizenship by descent applications and is recalling certain citizenship certificates already issued, pending an integrity review. The move affects a subset of cases rather than the program as a whole, and the department is examining how this situation arose.
The development is significant because it touches a process that has allowed individuals born outside Canada to claim citizenship through their Canadian parents. About 4,075 certificates were issued under Bill C-3 between December 2025 and March 2026, and the department has sent surrender letters to a subset of recipients asking them to return their certificates while the review proceeds. For those affected, this introduces uncertainty about the status of applications already in the pipeline.
Under the rules at issue, individuals with at least one Canadian parent can apply for citizenship by descent. The IRCC has not specified a timeline for when paused cases might be finalized or whether any change to eligibility criteria will follow. The department has said it wants to determine how this occurred and to assess applications fairly and lawfully.
The situation is connected to the broader "lost Canadians" context that prompted Bill C-3, which extended citizenship by descent beyond the previous first-generation limit. Reporting indicates that a large share of the certificates in question went to applicants born in the United States, with coverage noting the change drew interest particularly from Americans. Families preparing to submit applications, and those who have already submitted, may need to adjust their plans.
For those impacted, it is important to watch for updates from the IRCC on the status of citizenship by descent applications. Applicants should regularly check their IRCC online account for any notifications or changes to their application status. They may also want to consult with immigration professionals to understand the implications of the pause and recall on their specific cases.
As the situation develops, affected applicants will need to remain attentive and proactive in managing their citizenship plans while the review runs its course.