Maple News reports on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) review of citizenship certificates issued under Bill C-3, a policy that opened citizenship pathways to generations previously left out. The landscape shifted in June 2026, when IRCC began a targeted review of certificates already granted and paused finalization of new applications during the process.
IRCC’s routine check identified roughly 100 certificates for potentially insufficient documentation from about 6,500 applications. Of these, 33 were automatically reinstated. The remaining 67 cases—roughly one percent of all certificates issued under Bill C-3 to date—are still being resolved, with affected applicants to be reinstated or contacted within days.
The review began on June 13, when IRCC notified some certificate holders. In the following weeks, the department paused finalizing new citizenship-by-descent applications and updated its guidance on required supporting documents. In summary, this is a focused scrutiny of a small subset of cases, not a broad rejection of proof-of-citizenship applications. Cases that meet criteria proceed normally; those flagged are being evaluated for eligibility on a case-by-case basis.
If you’ve already applied and are waiting, your eligibility remains intact. The most useful step is to ensure your file aligns with IRCC’s updated source-document standard and that any gaps are clearly explained in writing. A well-documented file is the most likely to pass through the review without delay.
If you’re considering applying for a Proof of Canadian Citizenship certificate, you can still submit an application. Review the eligibility criteria carefully and ensure your supporting documents meet IRCC’s updated standard before you apply.
For applicants who received a surrender letter, there are two likely outcomes: IRCC reinstates your certificate based on your existing file (as occurred in many of the 100 cases), or IRCC requests specific additional information or documentation. If you’re contacted, respond with what is requested. If you’re unsure how to proceed, consult an immigration lawyer to assess what your file needs. If you haven’t been contacted, no action is required while your case is under review. A surrender letter is not a rejection, and you can continue to work in Canada and maintain status during the review.
You may be advised not to use a passport issued on the strength of the certificate under review until IRCC resolves your file. If you have traveled internationally on that passport or have upcoming travel, seek legal counsel to understand your specific situation before relying on it again.
Bottom line: Bill C-3 remains in force, and while the rules for eligibility are unchanged, the documentation standard now requires records from the original source authority (civil registry, vital statistics office, or equivalent). Documents that meet this standard are being cleared, while more complex histories—older records, foreign-language documents, or multi-generational histories—may require additional guidance. Maple News will continue to provide clear, practical updates for applicants navigating this process.