Since the implementation of Bill C-3 in December 2025, the landscape of citizenship by descent in Canada has been rapidly evolving.
In June 2026, a significant development occurred as Canada’s citizenship department initiated a review of previously issued certificates.
Current Status
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has indicated that the review of citizenship certificates has been largely resolved, with the processing of pending applications set to resume shortly.
A routine check conducted in early June identified 100 certificates with potential documentation issues out of approximately 6,500 applications. Of these, 33 have already been reinstated, while the remaining 67 cases are in the process of resolution. This represents about one percent of the total certificates issued under C-3 so far.
The review commenced on June 13 with IRCC reaching out to some certificate holders. Subsequently, the department temporarily halted the approval of new citizenship-by-descent applications and updated its documentation requirements.
Key Takeaway: The scrutiny is focused on a specific subset of cases and does not signify a widespread rejection of citizenship applications. Cases meeting the criteria are progressing as usual, while those needing further verification are being given an opportunity to confirm their eligibility.
Actions for Affected Individuals
If you have already applied for a Proof of Canadian citizenship certificate and are awaiting a response:
Your eligibility remains intact. Ensuring that your application meets IRCC’s revised documentation standards, with any deficiencies clearly addressed, is crucial. A comprehensive and well-documented submission reduces the likelihood of being flagged for review.
If you are contemplating applying for a Proof of Canadian citizenship certificate:
You can still proceed with your application. Familiarize yourself with the eligibility requirements and ensure that your supporting documents align with IRCC’s updated criteria before submitting your application.
If you have received a surrender letter after applying:
If you have been issued a surrender letter, there are two probable outcomes:
- IRCC may reinstate your certificate based on your existing documentation, similar to previous cases where certificates were reinstated.