Since the enactment of Bill C-3, many individuals inquiring about Canada’s citizenship by descent laws are turning to AI for assistance.
AI tools serve as a useful initial resource for common queries, offering guidance to individuals seeking information.
However, relying solely on AI in lieu of consulting an immigration professional poses certain risks. To explore this further, we posed a series of questions to an AI system regarding Canadian citizenship by descent.
Approach
For this study, we utilized the latest default model of ChatGPT (GPT-5.5) in its free unpaid tier.
On July 29, we presented the aforementioned questions to GPT-5.5 and directed the system to provide concise responses without the use of web browsing.
1. Processing Time for Canadian Citizenship Application
AI response: inaccurate, outdated
The AI system stated: “The current processing time for a standard proof of Canadian citizenship application is approximately 8 months, with potential delays for complex cases. For the most recent estimate, refer to IRCC’s processing times page.”
Actual:
Contrary to the AI’s information, the processing time for a Canadian citizenship application as of July 2026 stands at 19 months. This duration is subject to monthly updates and may vary.
This scenario highlights the importance of users activating advanced search features for more precise results, rather than relying solely on default settings that incorporate web browsing at the system’s discretion.
2. Accepted Documents for Canadian Citizenship by Descent
AI response: accurate, yet incomplete
The AI system mentioned that individuals can submit documents such as birth certificates, Canadian citizenship certificates, naturalization certificates, birth registration certificates from abroad, or other official records linking each generation to establish Canadian citizenship by descent. In cases where specific documents are unavailable, IRCC may consider alternative evidence like baptismal records, medical records, or census documents based on individual circumstances.
Actual:
While the AI’s response is generally correct, it fails to emphasize that the submitted documentation must originate from the authoritative source responsible for creating or maintaining the records, clearly indicating the issuing authority. This includes entities such as vital statistics offices, archives, and federal record-keeping agencies.
This requirement aligns with recent changes in the criteria for proving Canadian citizenship by descent.