Discovering eligibility for Canadian citizenship by descent in your family can open up opportunities for multiple family members. If you are considering submitting proof of citizenship applications for several relatives, you may face the decision of whether to send them together or individually to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Deciding Between Group or Individual Submissions
You have the option to mail all family applications in one shipment. Currently, proof of citizenship applications are submitted via mail to Canada’s citizenship processing center in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Sending them together can streamline the process, reducing the risk of applications being lost or delayed. However, there is a shared risk involved – if one application is incomplete, IRCC will return the entire package, potentially prolonging the processing time for all family members.
Benefits of Individual Submissions
Submitting applications separately eliminates the shared risk factor. Each application is processed independently, regardless of the status of other family members’ applications. This approach can be advantageous if a particular application requires special attention or has unique complexities.
Considerations for Group Submissions
When choosing to submit multiple applications together, ensure that each application is complete and meets all requirements. While there are advantages to submitting as a group, individual completeness is crucial to avoid delays or rejections.
Key Points:
- Ensure each application is fully completed


