A proof of citizenship certificate is the document that confirms you’re already Canadian. The processing time for this certificate has increased to 15 months due to a surge in applications, particularly from Americans eligible under Bill C-3. This delay can be problematic for many applicants, especially those with urgent needs like job offers or family emergencies abroad.
Fortunately, there is an option for expedited processing through IRCC. In certain cases, applicants can have their certificates processed much faster, reducing the wait time from 15 months to just a few weeks.
This expedited processing is not available to everyone and is subject to individual review by IRCC. Meeting specific criteria and providing supporting documentation is crucial for consideration. Here are the situations that may qualify for urgent processing:
The situations that can qualify
- Employment purposes
- Educational requirements
- Emergency travel due to family illness or death
- Statelessness cases
- Bringing a minor child to Canada
- Renouncing another citizenship
- Avoiding harm or hardship based on personal attributes
- Access to social benefits
It’s important to note that qualifying for expedited processing does not affect your citizenship status; it simply speeds up the application review process. Additionally, there is a separate expedited route for dual citizens seeking Canadian citizenship certificates.