Maple News reports that, as of August 10, the processing time for a proof of Canadian citizenship certificate has risen to 25 months, up from 19 months in July, according to the federal government’s processing-time tool.
The surge in wait times accompanies a rapidly expanding backlog at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). As of August 10, the department recorded 121,800 applicants awaiting a decision, roughly 22,300 more than in July — a 22% increase.
The trend is stark: in May, processing time stood at 12 months; by August, the estimate had more than doubled in three months.
A key driver is policy change enacted on December 15, 2025, when Canada removed the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent for anyone born before that date. The rule makes individuals with an unbroken line to a Canadian ancestor eligible to apply for proof of citizenship, regardless of how many generations separate them.
The change opened the door to millions of Americans with Canadian ancestry, including sizable communities in New England, where hundreds of thousands of French Canadians settled between 1840 and 1930.
IRCC’s processing times had already begun climbing—from about 10 months in January 2026 to the current 25-month estimate—driven by the surge in applications following the policy shift.
Another factor likely contributing to the delay: in June 2026, IRCC briefly paused finalizing new citizenship-by-descent applications while it reviewed recently issued certificates. The department completed the review on June 30, and processing has since resumed; however, the pause added to an already heavy caseload and may have amplified the backlog.
Should you apply now? Eligible applicants who submit today join a queue of more than 121,000, with a decision realistically expected well over two years from submission. Delaying an application does not guarantee a shorter wait; growth in applications tends to push waits longer over time.
Who qualifies? Anyone born before December 15, 2025 who can trace ancestry to a Canadian grandparent, great-grandparent, or a more distant ancestor may already hold Canadian citizenship, regardless of birthplace or whether their parent or grandparent ever lived in Canada. A citizenship certificate confirms status and unlocks benefits, including eligibility for a Canadian passport.
If you’re unsure about eligibility, review official government resources on citizenship by descent or consult a licensed immigration professional for guidance.