IRCC Introduces Interim Measures to Accelerate Canadian Citizenship for Some Foreign Nationals

Canada's Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is implementing new measures to allow certain foreign nationals to gain Canadian citizenship more quickly. Historically, Canadian citizenship could only be passed to the first generation born abroad. However, this rule, known as the first-generation limit (FGL), may soon change with the introduction of Bill C-71. If this bill receives Royal Assent, the FGL rule will extend to the second generation, allowing more foreign nationals to qualify for Canadian citizenship.

Upcoming Changes and Interim Measures

The Canadian government is expected to announce permanent changes to the FGL rule on June 19, 2024, as mandated by the Ontario Supreme Court. In anticipation of these changes, IRCC has introduced interim measures to expedite the citizenship process for eligible individuals.

New Interim Measures Explained

IRCC's new interim measures apply to those who have applied for proof of citizenship under urgent processing and may be affected by the FGL rule. These measures will benefit applicants in the following scenarios:

1. Scenario One: The applicant has submitted a proof of citizenship application that would be subject to the FGL rule change and has requested urgent processing.
2. Scenario Two: The applicant has a proof of citizenship application in process, which has been identified as impacted by the FGL rule. The application had been de-prioritized until the new rules take effect, but the applicant has since requested urgent processing.
   
   

In both scenarios, IRCC will review and verify the applicant's eligibility for urgent processing. If eligible, the applicant will be notified that the FGL rule is still in force but will be given the option to request a "discretionary grant of citizenship."

Discretionary Grant of Citizenship

The discretionary grant of citizenship allows the Immigration Minister or a delegated decision-maker to grant citizenship in special or exceptional cases. Eligible applicants can apply for this grant, and if their application meets the necessary criteria, they will be granted Canadian citizenship.

Eligibility for Urgent Processing

IRCC allows three groups of citizenship certificate applicants to apply for urgent processing:

1. Access to Benefits: Applicants who need to access benefits such as a pension, healthcare, or their Social Insurance Number (SIN).
2. Employment Proof: Applicants who need to prove their Canadian citizenship to get a job.
3. Travel Due to Family Emergency: Applicants who need to travel to or from Canada due to a death or serious illness in their family.
   
   

Required Documents for Urgent Processing

Applicants must include the following documents in their request for urgent processing:

• An explanation letter
• Supporting documents such as a plane ticket, an employer or school letter, a doctor's note, or a death certificate
  
  

Applying for Urgent Citizenship Certificate Processing

Eligible applicants can apply for urgent citizenship certificate processing online or on paper. However, IRCC cautions against submitting duplicate applications, as only one request will be processed.

Alternative Proof of Canadian Citizenship

In cases where a citizenship certificate is lost or stolen, Canadian citizens can apply for a new certificate from IRCC. Alternatively, the following documents can be used as proof of Canadian citizenship:

• Citizenship cards
• Certain Canadian birth certificates
• Naturalization certificates (issued before January 1, 1947)
• Registration of birth abroad certificates (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977)
  
  

Invalid documents for proving Canadian citizenship include citizenship record letters, commemorative certificates, and certain Canadian birth certificates.