Canadian Citizenship Certificate Wait Times Surge to 25 Months

The wait for a Canadian citizenship certificate has ballooned to 25 months, more than doubling from the 10-month estimate at the start of the year. This delay affects over 121,000 applicants, a sharp increase of 22,300 in just the past month, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The backlog has left many applicants, like Marie-a composite example based on common scenarios-facing far longer waits than anticipated when they began gathering documents.

## Factors Behind the Growing Backlog

Two key factors are driving the extended wait times. First, the volume of new applications surged after Bill C-3 took effect on December 15, 2025, eliminating the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. This change allows anyone with an unbroken Canadian lineage to qualify, regardless of how many generations separate them. As a result, tens of thousands of Americans and others have applied.

Second, IRCC temporarily paused finalizing new applications in June to review around 100 previously issued certificates due to documentation concerns. Although the review concluded by June 30, the overlap with the growing caseload likely worsened the delays. With more people discovering their eligibility weekly, the processing time may continue to rise.

## Strategies to Navigate the Delays

Applicants have several options to manage the extended wait:

- **Apply immediately if ready**: If your documents are complete and your case is straightforward, submitting now avoids further delays. Each month of hesitation adds to the overall wait time.

- **Apply without a necessary record**: If you’re awaiting a document from a provincial archive or vital statistics office, you may submit your application with secondary documentation, a letter of explanation, and proof of your request for the missing record. However, this approach carries risks, as incomplete applications may be returned.

- **Request expedited processing**: IRCC prioritizes applications for specific reasons, such as job offers, school placements, family emergencies, statelessness, or hardship. Qualifying for urgent processing can speed up your file.

- **Consult a lawyer**: An immigration lawyer can help locate hard-to-find documents, identify gaps before IRCC does, and assess eligibility for expedited processing.

- **Request GCMS notes**: If your application seems stalled, you can request your GCMS notes through the Canadian government’s ATIP portal. These notes provide insight into your file’s status but require a Canadian citizen or permanent resident representative and your UCI and application number.

- **Seek a writ of mandamus**: For unreasonable delays, applicants can petition the Canadian Federal Court for an order directing IRCC to decide on their file. The courts consider factors like the delay’s duration, the applicant’s compliance, and whether the wait exceeds IRCC’s posted processing time. However, this does not guarantee approval.

While processing times are a key consideration, an application does not need to exceed the posted time before mandamus can be considered. Each case is evaluated individually.

For personalized advice, applicants are encouraged to consult a licensed immigration lawyer.