Maple News reports that eligible LGBTQ Americans are experiencing expedited processing for Proof of Canadian Citizenship certificates, with some recipients receiving their certificates in as little as two weeks.
By contrast, many American applicants now face waits of about a year to obtain proof of Canadian citizenship, as demand surged in 2026 and processing backlogs grew.
Canada also removed the first-generational limit on inheriting Canadian citizenship for anyone born before December 15, 2025, expanding eligibility to millions with Canadian ancestry, including people whose families have lived in the United States for generations.
Proof of Canadian citizenship certificates are issued by Canada’s citizenship department to individuals born outside Canada who have inherited citizenship, including U.S.-Canadian dual citizens.
This spring, processing times have risen sharply as thousands of Americans applied, including many LGBTQ applicants seeking safety amid concerns about the political environment in the United States.
Some users identifying as trans Americans have reported receiving certificates through expedited processing in as little as two weeks.
LGBTQ Americans with Canadian ancestry may qualify for urgent processing under the criteria set by the citizenship department, which can be used to avoid harm or hardship due to factors such as sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or membership in particular groups. Urgent processing is also available when immediate access to social benefits such as healthcare, or to Canadian status for employment or education, is needed.
To apply for urgent processing, applicants must include a letter explaining the urgency along with supporting documents, in addition to their complete proof-of-citizenship application. If an officer determines the applicant qualifies, the request is expedited, though there are no guarantees on processing times.
A proof of citizenship application must be submitted on paper by mail or courier, including the completed forms and copies of accepted documents proving the applicant’s continuous descent from a Canadian ancestor, such as birth and marriage certificates. Applications must meet exacting standards, and minor errors or omissions—like non-compliant photos, missing payment proof, or empty fields—can result in rejection without processing.
When applying for a proof of Canadian citizenship certificate, applicants may select one of three genders: F (female), M (male), or X (another gender). If applying for a first certificate and selecting a gender different from the one on the birth certificate, an applicant must submit a Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier (IRM 0002). No medical records are required, and gender selection is at the applicant’s discretion.
Applicants can handle their applications independently or hire legally authorized representatives, such as Canadian immigration lawyers licensed under provincial law societies.
Once a citizen by descent receives their certificate, they can apply for a Canadian passport, typically processed within 10–20 business days at the time of writing.