15-Month Wait for Canadian Citizenship Proof as Queue Hits 82,000 in June 2026

What Changed in June 2026?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its processing timeline for proof of Canadian citizenship certificates to 15 months, a significant increase from the 9-month wait reported before December 2025. The queue now stands at 82,000 applications, up from 70,400 on May 12, 2026—a jump of 11,600 applications in under a month. This surge follows the implementation of Bill C-3, which removed the first-generation limit for citizenship by descent on December 15, 2025.

IRCC’s processing time estimates are based on the number of applications already in the queue, staffing levels, and expected new applications. With the queue growing rapidly, the 15-month estimate may continue to rise. For example, an application submitted in June 2026 is projected to be processed by September 2027, assuming no further delays. This marks a troubling trend: wait times have increased month-over-month since Bill C-3’s passage, and delaying your application will likely result in even longer waits.

Key Numbers

Who This Affects

The expanded eligibility under Bill C-3 has created three primary groups of applicants now facing the 15-month wait:

1. Americans with Canadian Ancestry

Many U.S. citizens with Canadian ancestors are applying for proof of citizenship, even if they have no immediate plans to move to Canada. The appeal lies in the benefits of dual citizenship, such as visa-free travel (Canada’s passport ranks 7th globally, offering access to 183 countries) and the ability to live, work, or study in Canada without restrictions. Importantly, Canada does not tax citizens on worldwide income, unlike the U.S., so obtaining proof of citizenship does not create new tax obligations for Americans.

2. Descendants of Canadian Emigrants

Individuals whose families left Canada generations ago—often for the U.S., UK, or Australia—are now eligible to claim Canadian citizenship if they can trace a continuous line of descent from a Canadian ancestor. This includes those whose parents or grandparents never held Canadian passports or lived in Canada. The removal of the first-generation limit means that even those born outside Canada to non-Canadian parents may qualify, provided their ancestor was a Canadian citizen at the time of their parent’s birth.

3. Permanent Residents and Newcomers

Some permanent residents (PRs) and recent immigrants who were previously ineligible for citizenship by descent due to the first-generation limit are now applying for proof of citizenship. This group includes individuals who may have been unaware of their eligibility until Bill C-3’s passage. For PRs, obtaining proof of citizenship can provide additional security, such as the ability to pass citizenship to their children born abroad without restrictions.

Your Action Plan

If you qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent under Bill C-3, here’s how to navigate the 15-month wait and avoid unnecessary delays:

1. Apply Now—Don’t Wait: The queue is growing rapidly, and delaying your application will likely result in even longer processing times. IRCC’s forward-looking estimates suggest that applying today means entering the queue behind 82,000 applicants, with no sign of the backlog shrinking.
2. Gather Documentation Early: You’ll need to prove your continuous line of descent from a Canadian ancestor. Start by collecting birth certificates, baptismal records, marriage certificates, or death certificates for each generation linking you to your Canadian ancestor. If documents are missing, consider ordering replacements from vital statistics offices or religious institutions.
3. Submit a Complete Application: Incomplete applications are a leading cause of delays. Double-check IRCC’s document checklist to ensure you’ve included all required forms, fees, and supporting documents. Missing information can result in requests for additional evidence, further extending your wait time.
4. Apply Online for Faster Processing: IRCC’s processing clock starts the day your application is received. Online submissions are processed faster than mailed applications, as they bypass mailroom delays. If you must mail your application, use a tracked courier service to confirm delivery.
5. Monitor Your Application Status: After submitting, create an IRCC secure account to track your application’s progress. If IRCC requests additional documents or information, respond promptly to avoid further delays. Complex cases—such as those involving admissibility issues or missing documents—can take significantly longer than the 15-month estimate.
6. Plan for the Long Wait: Once your application is submitted, assume a 15-month processing time. If you need a Canadian passport urgently (e.g., for travel or work), explore whether you can apply for a temporary travel document or expedited processing under exceptional circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions