With the recent expansion of citizenship by descent in Canada, many individuals are exploring their potential Canadian citizenship status.

A market offering paid assistance has emerged, but caution is advised as some services may overpromise.

This article will discuss:

• What immigration representatives can and cannot guarantee
• Warning signs to watch out for
• Steps to take if you have already engaged a service

Promises and Limitations

Prior to engaging any representative, whether an immigration lawyer or consultant, it is essential to understand what assurances are realistic.

Claim	Feasibility
“Your application will be approved”	No. Each case is decided on its merits by a citizenship officer; no guarantees can be made.
“Your certificate will arrive by a specific date”	No. Processing timelines are controlled by IRCC and cannot be altered externally.
“Your file will be expedited”	No. Applications are processed in the order they are received.
“Urgent processing will be granted”	No. While a representative can submit a request, IRCC has the final say on expedited processing.
“I am licensed and in good standing”	Yes, and this can be verified independently.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides estimated processing times for proof of citizenship applications. As of September 2026, the waiting period for a citizenship certificate is approximately 33 months, with a significant backlog of over 130,000 pending applications.

These processing times are regularly updated by IRCC, so it is advisable to refer to the official figures rather than relying solely on third-party information.

Be cautious of services promising expedited processing significantly shorter than the official timeline. While a competent representative can assist in expediting certain aspects, unrealistic claims should be viewed skeptically.