Canadian Citizenship Certificate Processing Time Reaches 25 Months: What Applicants Need to Know

The increase means that applicants submitting a new proof-of-citizenship application may now face a substantially longer wait before receiving a decision.

IRCC processing times are estimates rather than guarantees. Actual processing can vary depending on factors such as the completeness and complexity of an application, verification requirements, application volumes, and other circumstances.

The latest IRCC citizenship certificate page also notes that applications made outside Canada and the United States may take longer.

Why Are Citizenship Certificate Processing Times Increasing?

One major factor behind the increased demand is Canada's recent change to its citizenship-by-descent rules.

On December 15, 2025, Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act, came into effect. The legislation changed Canada's previous first-generation limit on citizenship by descent and expanded access to citizenship for certain people born or adopted abroad.

Under the new rules, some people born outside Canada in the second generation or later before December 15, 2025 may now be Canadian citizens or have had citizenship restored, depending on their circumstances.

IRCC explains that people born outside Canada before December 15, 2025 may in many cases be Canadian citizens if their parent was Canadian when they were born. The rules also address people whose citizenship status is affected by the 2025 legislative changes.

These changes have expanded the number of people who may have reason to investigate or formally document a claim to Canadian citizenship.

As more people submit applications for proof of citizenship, the volume of files requiring review can put additional pressure on processing capacity.

How the 2025 Citizenship Changes Affect Applicants

Before the recent legislative changes, Canada's first-generation limit generally restricted the ability of Canadian citizens born abroad to automatically pass citizenship to children who were also born outside Canada.

Bill C-3 changed this framework.

For people born before December 15, 2025, the new rules can extend citizenship to certain individuals who were previously excluded because of the first-generation limit or other former provisions. IRCC describes the changes as extending access to citizenship to certain "Lost Canadians," their descendants, and people born or adopted abroad in the second or later generation.

This does not mean that every person with a Canadian ancestor automatically qualifies.

Eligibility can depend on the applicant's family history, dates of birth, the citizenship status of parents or ancestors, and other requirements under the Citizenship Act.

For this reason, applicants should avoid assuming that having a Canadian grandparent, great-grandparent, or more distant ancestor by itself guarantees citizenship.

What Documents May Be Needed?

A proof-of-citizenship application generally requires documents that allow IRCC to establish the applicant's identity, family relationship, and connection to Canadian citizenship.

Depending on the circumstances, applicants may need documents such as:

• Birth certificates
• Canadian birth or citizenship records for a parent
• Marriage certificates
• Adoption documents, where applicable
• Historical birth records
• Other documents establishing parent-child relationships
• Identity documents
• Photographs that meet the applicable requirements

For citizenship-by-descent cases involving multiple generations, historical documentation can become particularly important.

An applicant may need to establish a clear connection between themselves and the Canadian citizen through a series of official records.

IRCC's citizenship certificate application guide outlines the documentation requirements and identifies situations covered by the updated citizenship rules.

Can You Get a Canadian Passport Without a Citizenship Certificate?

A citizenship certificate and a Canadian passport serve different purposes.

A citizenship certificate is evidence of Canadian citizenship, while a passport is a Canadian travel document issued to eligible citizens.

For someone who is claiming Canadian citizenship by descent but does not yet have acceptable proof of citizenship, obtaining the citizenship certificate may therefore be an important step before pursuing a Canadian passport.

Applicants should first establish what documentation they need based on their individual circumstances.

What Should Applicants Do While Waiting?

The 25-month estimate makes preparation especially important for people who have not yet submitted their application.

Applicants considering a proof-of-citizenship application can use this time to:

1. Review their eligibility

Determine whether they may already be Canadian under the current citizenship rules.

IRCC provides eligibility information for people born outside Canada and those affected by the 2025 changes.

2. Build their family history

Create a clear record showing the relationship between the applicant and the Canadian parent or other relevant family member.

3. Gather historical records

Locate birth, marriage, adoption, baptismal, and other records that may help establish family relationships.

4. Check application requirements

Review the latest IRCC application guide and make sure the required forms, photographs, identification, and supporting documents are included.

5. Monitor the application

Once an application has been submitted and is being processed, applicants should monitor their official IRCC account and communications for updates or requests.

Applicants outside Canada should also be aware that mailing and consular processing considerations can affect timelines. The Government of Canada notes that paper applications submitted through Canadian embassies, high commissions, or consulates begin processing when IRCC receives the complete application in Canada.

What Does the Processing Delay Mean for People With Canadian Ancestry?

For people who may qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent, the current processing environment creates an important consideration: waiting to investigate eligibility does not necessarily make the process faster later.

If someone believes they may have acquired Canadian citizenship through a parent or through the recent changes to citizenship law, they may want to begin gathering their documentation and understanding the applicable rules.

This is particularly relevant for people with complex family histories or several generations born outside Canada.

However, applicants should not rush into submitting an application simply because processing times are increasing. The priority should be understanding eligibility and preparing a complete, accurate application.

Navigating the Canadian Citizenship Process

Canada's citizenship-by-descent rules have changed significantly, and determining whether someone qualifies can be complicated when several generations or historical citizenship records are involved.

Foothills Immigration can help individuals better understand Canadian immigration and citizenship pathways and identify the considerations that may apply to their situation.

For someone exploring citizenship by descent, professional guidance may be particularly useful when:

• The citizenship connection involves multiple generations
• Family records are incomplete
• Names or dates differ between historical documents
• The applicant is unsure whether the 2025 rule changes apply to them
• The applicant needs help understanding the proof-of-citizenship process
• The family has a complicated citizenship history

Professional guidance does not guarantee faster processing or a successful application. However, understanding the requirements and preparing appropriately can help applicants make more informed decisions before submitting their documents.

If you are unsure whether you may qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent or need help understanding your proof-of-citizenship options, Foothills Immigration can help you understand the next steps based on your circumstances.

Final Thoughts

The estimated processing time for Canadian citizenship certificates has reached 25 months, highlighting the growing demand for proof of citizenship and the challenges applicants may face when seeking confirmation of their Canadian status.

The December 2025 changes to Canada's citizenship rules have also created new opportunities for certain people who were previously affected by the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent.

For anyone who believes they may have a claim to Canadian citizenship through a parent or family connection, now is a good time to understand the applicable rules, organize supporting documents, and carefully review the application requirements.

Because citizenship-by-descent cases can vary significantly from one family to another, applicants with complicated circumstances may benefit from professional guidance.

Not sure whether you qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent? Foothills Immigration can help you understand your options and the next steps for your situation.