Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is now processing proof of Canadian citizenship applications more quickly than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, applicants may receive decisions within just three months, a significant improvement from previous processing times.
This is welcome news for individuals born outside of Canada to a Canadian parent. These individuals are not automatically considered Canadian citizens under the current Citizenship Act but can apply for a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship — the official document that serves as proof of their citizenship. With reduced wait times, eligible applicants are receiving faster confirmation of their legal status.
The Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is essential for Canadians born abroad, as it—and a Canadian birth certificate—are the only two documents accepted by Passport Canada to verify citizenship. These certificates are not limited to children and can be obtained by adults at any stage of life. Applications remain valid even if the Canadian parent is deceased. However, it’s important to note that adopted children are ineligible under this stream and must use alternative pathways to become Canadian citizens.
The acceleration in processing comes amid important legal developments. On December 19, 2023, Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice ruled that Canada’s second-generation cut-off rule, which prevented Canadians born abroad from passing on citizenship to their children also born abroad, was unconstitutional. The court argued that this restriction created unequal citizenship rights between Canadians born inside and outside of the country.
The federal government was granted one month to challenge the court’s decision but chose not to appeal. As a result, changes to the Citizenship Act are expected in the near future. While the precise impacts are still being clarified, the landmark ruling may broaden access to Canadian citizenship for individuals previously affected by the second-generation limitation.
Canadian citizenship offers a range of privileges, including unrestricted legal residence, access to universal healthcare and public education, and the right to vote and participate in political life. Citizens also benefit from holding a Canadian passport—among the most globally accepted documentation for international travel—and enjoy the right to sponsor family members for Canadian residency.
Canada also allows dual citizenship, providing flexibility for global citizens who maintain ties to other countries. As immigration policies continue to evolve, Maple News will closely monitor and provide updates on regulatory changes and what they mean for Canadians at home and abroad.