Maple News reports that growing frustration among permanent residents and their advocates is mounting over Canada’s substantial citizenship application backlog. Demonstrations organized by the group ‘Advocates for Resumption of Canadian Citizenship Tests’ took place in Toronto and Montreal on November 7, calling on the federal government and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to address delays that are preventing thousands from completing their citizenship process.
The group, which emerged in response to widespread disruption in the citizenship process due to COVID-19, is planning a follow-up demonstration in Ottawa on November 28. Many applicants say years of waiting have left them in legal and emotional limbo, unable to fully participate in Canadian society. Since mid-March 2020, IRCC suspended in-person citizenship tests, interviews, and ceremonies, primarily due to public health concerns. While virtual ceremonies resumed in April 2020, overall processing volumes remain far below pre-pandemic levels.
Before the pandemic, about 4,700 people became new Canadians each week. Since the shift to online ceremonies, those numbers have dropped to between 2,500 and 3,000 per week. This has left tens of thousands of applicants — primarily those waiting for the mandatory citizenship test — stuck in a holding pattern. As of September, over 85,000 individuals were waiting to take the test, which is still not available online for most applicants.
The Citizenship Act requires applicants to demonstrate knowledge of Canadian history, geography, and values, typically through a written test. Although limited in-person re-testing has resumed for some, the lack of accessible alternatives has made the path to citizenship nearly impossible for many.
“People in our group often write messages expressing how these delays are impacting their mental health, family life, ability to travel, and even job opportunities,” a spokesperson for the advocacy group stated in a press release. One co-founder, Nael Asad, has held permanent residency since 2008 and applied for citizenship in 2019. He expected progress in early 2020, but the pandemic halted his journey toward becoming a citizen.
“It’s incredibly disrespectful to leave tens of thousands of people in the dark,” Asad said. “We’re told to monitor the website daily for updates, but we’ve been hearing the same message for months.” For many, especially those who fled violence or instability, citizenship represents not just a legal status, but a profound sense of security and belonging.
The advocacy group’s online petition has gathered more than 9,000 signatures. Their demands to IRCC include establishing clear communication and transparency around application processing, reinstating or waiving citizenship tests, and offering refunds on application fees, which currently stand at approximately $630 per adult.
Experts agree that Canada benefits greatly from naturalizing its permanent residents — it boosts civic engagement, strengthens communities, and helps newcomers feel fully integrated. As Canada continues to welcome record numbers of immigrants, resuming an efficient citizenship process may be key to long-term economic and societal success.
Maple News will continue to follow developments surrounding this crucial issue impacting newcomers nationwide.