What to Do If Your Canadian Citizenship Application Is Denied: A Simple Guide

Becoming a Canadian citizen is a dream for many people around the world. In 2023, over 354,000 people saw this dream come true, joining the Canadian family through citizenship ceremonies across the country. This number is part of a growing trend despite a slight decrease from the 375,000 newcomers in 2022. Since 2019, the number of new Canadian citizens has jumped by about 39%, showing Canada's welcoming spirit.

But what happens if your application for Canadian citizenship doesn't get approved? It's not the end of the road. You have two main options to consider:

Option 1: Reapply for Canadian citizenship

Firstly, don't lose heart. A refusal doesn't mean you can't apply again. There's no waiting period to reapply for Canadian citizenship after a refusal, so you can start a new application immediately. Remember, you'll need to fill out all the required forms, pay the application fee again, and ensure you meet all the citizenship requirements this time. It's a good idea to check out the official guide on applying for Canadian citizenship to understand what's expected.

Option 2: Ask for a Judicial Review

Your second option is to request a judicial review of your application's refusal. This doesn't mean you're appealing the decision, but you're requesting the Federal Court of Canada to review how the decision was made. You have 30 days from the date of your refusal letter to start this process.

The Steps for a Judicial Review:

1.    Applying for Leave: This is the first step, where "leave" means you're asking the court for permission to review your case. You'll need to convince the court that there's a severe issue with the decision made on your application.  

2.    What Happens Next? After you apply for leave, one of two things can happen:

·       Leave Denied: If the court doesn't see a valid reason to proceed, your request will be dismissed, and that's the end of the line for this route.

·       Leave Granted: If the court agrees there's a reason to review your case, they'll set a date for a hearing and outline essential deadlines, like when to submit your arguments or when cross-examinations will happen.

Getting your citizenship application denied can be disappointing, but it's essential to know you still have options. Whether you decide to reapply or go through the judicial review process, make sure you understand the requirements and prepare your case carefully. Canada's doors are open. It's just about finding the right key!