Proof of Canadian Citizenship Now Takes 33 Months: Can You Request Urgent Processing?

As of September 3, a new application for proof of Canadian citizenship may take around 33 months to process. This is a major increase from the earlier estimate and means many Canadians by descent may have to wait almost three years to prove their citizenship status.

However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, also known as IRCC, may move some applications ahead in the queue if the applicant has a valid urgent reason.

What Does Urgent Processing Mean?

Urgent processing does not change the documents you need to provide. Your application must still be complete and properly supported.

If IRCC accepts your urgent request, your file may be reviewed faster than regular applications. However, approval is not guaranteed. IRCC can still refuse the urgent request or complete the application too late for your specific situation.

Who May Qualify for Urgent Processing?

IRCC may consider urgent processing if you need your citizenship certificate for an important and time-sensitive reason.

This may include situations such as:

• You need it for a job opportunity
• You may lose your current job without it
• You need it to study in Canada
• There is a serious illness or death in the family
• You cannot get a passport from your other country of nationality
• You must give up another citizenship by a fixed deadline
• You need to move your minor child to Canada
• Your child was born outside Canada to a Canadian parent
• You need it for pension, health care, or a Social Insurance Number
• You are stateless
• You are facing serious hardship or harm

In most cases, you must show proof of the urgent reason. A simple explanation is usually not enough. IRCC will want documents showing the deadline, risk, or consequence.

How to Request Urgent Processing With a New Application

If you are applying for proof of citizenship for the first time, you should include:

• A written letter explaining why urgent processing is needed
• Documents proving the urgent reason
• Any document showing a specific deadline or consequence
   

For a paper application, IRCC says applicants should write “Urgent – Citizenship Certificate (Proof)” clearly on the envelope.

For an online application, eligible applicants can select that they need urgent processing and upload the explanation and supporting documents through the portal.

There is no separate IRCC fee for requesting urgent processing.

What If You Already Applied?

If you already submitted your proof of citizenship application, you can still request urgent processing.

Applicants in Canada or the United States can use the IRCC web form. The message should begin with “Request for urgent processing” and should include your:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Email address
• Phone number
• UCI or application number
• Reason for urgent processing
• Supporting documents
  
  

Applicants outside Canada and the U.S. should contact the Canadian embassy, consulate, or high commission where they applied.

IRCC also advises applicants not to submit a second application just to speed up the process.

What Happens If IRCC Refuses the Urgent Request?

If IRCC does not accept your urgent request, your application will continue under regular processing.

This means you do not lose your application by asking. However, the application should still be complete and clear. Missing records, name differences, or weak family-link documents can cause delays.

Be Honest With IRCC

Applicants should never exaggerate or provide false information to support an urgent request.

False documents, fake travel plans, or incorrect employer letters can be treated as misrepresentation. This can lead to refusal, a ban from applying for citizenship, and a fraud record with IRCC.