Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processed 3,955 proof of citizenship applications in August, a significant increase from the previous month.
August marked the highest number of finalizations since the beginning of 2026, according to data released by Canada’s immigration department.
A proof of citizenship application is essential for Canadian citizens by descent to obtain their citizenship certificate, distinct from a citizenship grant given to permanent residents who have naturalized.
Demand for citizenship certificates has risen following the implementation of Bill C-3 on December 15, 2025, granting Canadian citizenship to individuals born outside Canada with a direct lineage to a Canadian ancestor.
Insights from August Data
IRCC’s application processing system page, updated on October 20, reported a total of 38,355 citizenship proofs issued between January 1 and August 31, 2026, with 3,955 finalized in August alone.
Comparing the data, the number of certificates finalized in August was significantly higher than in previous months, indicating a positive trend in processing times.
Comparison of Finalized Certificates
| Period | Certificates Finalized | Applications Waiting at Period End |
|---|---|---|
| June | 3,040 | 99,520 |
| July | 2,420 | 121,800 |
| August | 3,955 | 135,965 |
August’s finalization numbers were approximately 63% higher than July’s, indicating improved efficiency in processing citizenship applications.
Processing Times for Citizenship Applications
As of October 9, IRCC’s processing times tool estimated a waiting period of 34 months for new citizenship applications, reflecting the current processing timeline.