Canadian Citizenship Certificate Finalizations Drop Amid June Review

The latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows that the number of Canadian citizenship certificate finalizations has dropped. In June, IRCC finalized 3,040 proof of citizenship applications, which is a significant decrease from the average of 5,800 per month between January and May.

## What the new numbers show The total number of proof of citizenship certificates finalized in the first six months of 2026 is 31,980. This is an increase from the previous update, which reported 28,940 finalized certificates as of May 31. However, the difference between these two numbers suggests a sharp slowdown in the finalization process. The number of applications waiting for a decision from IRCC has also increased, from 82,020 as of May 31 to 99,520 by June 30.

## Why finalizations fell in June A likely explanation for the drop in finalizations is the certificate review that took place in June. IRCC paused the finalization of new citizenship-by-descent applications temporarily while it reviewed the paperwork behind approximately 6,500 certificates already issued. This review was completed on June 30, and 100 certificates were flagged for potentially insufficient documentation. Thirty-three of these certificates were reinstated after IRCC confirmed the supporting evidence.

## Why demand keeps rising The demand for Canadian citizenship certificates is rising due to the removal of the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. This change, which took effect on December 15, 2025, allows individuals with an unbroken line back to a Canadian grandparent, great-grandparent, or earlier ancestor to claim Canadian citizenship, regardless of the number of generations separating them. Much of the new demand is coming from the US, particularly New England, where many French Canadians settled between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries.

## Should you still apply? IRCC calculates its processing estimate based on the number of applications already ahead of a given file, as well as staffing and expected volumes. Applying later typically means joining a longer queue, not a shorter one. Individuals who can trace their ancestry to a Canadian grandparent, great-grandparent, or more distant ancestor may already hold citizenship, and a proof of citizenship certificate is required to apply for a Canadian passport. The following table compares the number of proof of citizenship certificates finalized and the number of applications waiting for a decision: | Category | January 1 - May 31 | June | Total | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Finalized certificates | 28,940 | 3,040 | 31,980 | | Applications waiting for a decision | 82,020 | 99,520 | 121,800 |