A recent update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals that the processing time for proof of Canadian citizenship has now extended to 34 months, with a slight increase of one month compared to the previous figure. This marks the smallest increment since the waiting period began escalating in May of 2026.
Decrease in Queue Numbers
Moreover, IRCC reported a decrease in the number of applicants in line on a month-to-month basis, a significant development since Canada’s Citizenship Act expansion in December 2025. The current count stands at 130,700 applicants awaiting decisions, reflecting a reduction of 5,300 from the previous month.
This shift in figures breaks the trend observed over the past five months, indicating a potential change in the processing landscape.
Comparison with Previous Months
The progression of wait times over the recent months shows a consistent increase, with each subsequent month adding more time than the previous. Notably, the increase in October was relatively minimal compared to the preceding months.
| Reading | Quoted wait | Increase | Month-over-month increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | 12 months | +2 months | 20.0% |
| June 2026 | 15 months | +3 months | 25.0% |
| July 2026 | 19 months | +4 months | 26.7% |
| August 2026 | 25 months | +6 months | 31.6% |
| September 2026 | 33 months | +8 months | 32.0% |
| October 2026 | 34 months | +1 month | 3.0% |