Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 28,940 certificates to proof-of-citizenship applicants from January 1 through May 31, 2026. A proof of citizenship certificate confirms status for people who are already Canadian citizens—whether by birth, descent, or a prior grant—and is used to obtain or replace a citizenship certificate.
As of May 31, 2026, IRCC data show 82,020 proof-of-citizenship applications were still awaiting finalization, meaning nearly three applications remained in the queue for every one that was finalized. These finalization figures are the first published for proof-of-citizenship under IRCC’s revamped processing system.
The surge in demand follows Bill C-3, which took effect in December 2025 and broadened citizenship by descent to millions, including many Americans. IRCC data indicate more than 12,000 citizenship-by-descent applications were received between December 15, 2025 and the end of January, with almost 6,300 approved in that window. Of those approvals, about 1,480 were under the expanded descent eligibility introduced by Bill C-3.
A large share of the January approvals went to U.S. citizens, with nearly 2,500 Americans approved in January alone.
Processing times have climbed as a result of the policy change. In November 2025, the average processing time for proof-of-citizenship applications was roughly nine months; by July 2026, it had risen to about 19 months—more than doubling. Provincial archives, which hold many of the vital records needed to document lineage, have also reported being overwhelmed, adding delays to an already stretched system.
The two main pathways under Canadian citizenship are distinct. Proof of citizenship is for people who are already citizens and need a certificate confirming that status, helping them obtain a Canadian passport. Citizenship grants are for permanent residents applying to become citizens for the first time. IRCC reported finalizing 131,420 citizenship-grant applications between January 1 and May 31, with 326,365 still awaiting a decision as of May 31.