IRCC's proof of citizenship review: what happened, what changed, and what to do if you're impacted
IRCC's review of citizenship certificates is largely resolved, with finalization of pending applications expected to resume within days. The key points to note are that the review began on June 13, 2026, and affected approximately 100 certificates out of 6,500 applications. Applicants who received a surrender letter should respond to IRCC's request for additional information or documentation, and may want to consult an immigration lawyer to help navigate the process.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada department has been reviewing citizenship certificates issued under the new rules introduced by Bill C-3, which took effect in December 2025. This review started after a routine check flagged 100 certificates for potentially insufficient documentation. Of those, 33 were automatically reinstated, while the remaining 67 cases are still being resolved. It's worth noting that the review process has been complex, with many applicants facing uncertainty about the status of their applications.
what changed in the proof of citizenship review
The updated guidance on supporting documentation specifies that proof must come from the original source authority, such as the civil registry, vital statistics office, or an equivalent body. This change affects applicants who have already submitted their applications, as well as those who are considering applying for a Canadian citizenship certificate. For instance, applicants may need to obtain additional documents or provide more detailed explanations to support their applications.
what to do if you're impacted by the proof of citizenship review
If you've already applied for a Proof of Canadian citizenship certificate and are waiting, your eligibility is unaffected. However, it's essential to ensure that your file meets IRCC's updated source-document standard, with any gaps explained in writing. If you're considering applying for a Canadian citizenship certificate, you can still submit an application, but make sure to review the eligibility criteria and ensure that your supporting documents meet IRCC's updated standard. I've seen cases where applicants have had to resubmit their applications due to minor errors or omissions, so it's crucial to get it right the first time.
Applicants who received a surrender letter should respond to IRCC's request for additional information or documentation. In some cases, IRCC may reinstate the certificate based on the existing file, while in others, they may contact the applicant directly to request specific additional information or documentation. If you're unsure how to proceed, an immigration lawyer can help you assess what your file needs and provide guidance on the next steps.
For more information on Canadian citizenship requirements, visit the IRCC website. You can also check the processing times for proof of citizenship and learn about citizenship language requirements. Additionally, exploring topics related to Canadian citizenship, such as counting physical presence for citizenship and Canadian citizenship by descent, can help you better understand the application process.
Official current rules are at canada.ca/immigration; this guide is independent reference content.