Quick Answer
IRCC’s June 2026 review of proof of Canadian citizenship certificates under Bill C-3 is nearly complete, leaving 67 cases—just 1% of those issued—still under scrutiny. Processing of new applications resumes within days, but wait times now sit above 19 months.
What Triggered IRCC’s Proof of Citizenship Review?
In early June 2026, IRCC conducted a routine check of 100 citizenship certificates issued under Bill C-3, the law that lifted the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent in December 2025. After re-examining 33 cases, IRCC reinstated them without issue. The remaining 67—roughly 1% of the 6,500 applications processed under the new law—are still under review, with the department promising resolutions “within the next few days.”
The review launched on June 13, 2026, when IRCC sent surrender letters to some certificate holders, citing concerns over documents drawn from open or secondary sources. The department halted finalization of new citizenship-by-descent applications and updated its guidance to require proof of lineage from original source authorities like civil registries or vital statistics offices. By June 30, 2026, IRCC declared the review complete, though the 67 unresolved cases remain pending.
Immigration Minister Lena Diab confirmed no new applications were finalized during the review. “Those deemed to be okay are being told you're fine,” she said. Yet the pause drove processing times up to over 19 months, a jump from 15 months in June.
| Before Review | After Review |
|---|---|
| Proof of lineage accepted from secondary sources (e.g., family records, affidavits) | Only documents from original source authorities (e.g., civil registries, vital statistics offices) |
| Processing times: ~15 months | Processing times: 19+ months |
| No routine reviews of issued certificates | Routine reviews of issued certificates for documentation sufficiency |
Key Numbers from IRCC’s Review
67
Cases still under review (1% of total issued under Bill C-3)
19 mo
Current wait time for proof of citizenship applications
99,500
People in the queue as of July 7, 2026
📅 Key Date
July 2026: IRCC expects to resolve the remaining 67 cases and resume finalizing new applications within days.
Who Is Affected by the Review?
The review hits three key groups:
Certificate Holders Who Received Surrender Letters
If you got a surrender letter in June 2026, your case is one of the 100 flagged. IRCC has already reinstated 33 without further paperwork. The remaining 67 may need fresh evidence from original source authorities. While your case sits under review, you can still work in Canada and keep your status. But IRCC may advise against using a passport issued from the certificate in question until your file is cleared.
Applicants Waiting for a Decision
If your proof of citizenship application is pending, it’s part of the 99,500-case backlog. The agency’s freeze on new approvals drove wait times from 15 to 19 months. Bill C-3’s eligibility rules stay the same—only the documentation bar has risen. Make sure your file includes birth or marriage certificates from government registries to avoid delays.
Future Applicants Under Bill C-3
Thinking of applying? You can still file, but expect stricter rules. IRCC now wants proof of lineage from original sources like civil registries or vital statistics offices. Marco, a 32-year-old software engineer in Argentina, found this out the hard way. His great-grandfather was born in Toronto in 1920, but Marco’s application was rejected because he submitted a church baptismal record instead of an official Argentine civil registry birth certificate.
Your Action Plan
If you received a surrender letter, don’t panic—this doesn’t mean rejection, just a second look. If IRCC reinstates your certificate, you’ll hear within days and need to take no further action. If they ask for more proof, send original documents from civil registries or vital statistics offices instead of secondary sources like family records or affidavits. Avoid using a Canadian passport tied to the certificate in question until your case is resolved. If you’ve already traveled internationally, talk to an immigration lawyer to weigh your options.
If you’re still waiting for a decision, double-check your file. Replace any secondary sources with original records from government registries. If a key document is missing, send IRCC a written explanation. For example, if a birth record was destroyed in war, include a letter from the relevant agency confirming it no longer exists. Watch your application status online—IRCC’s processing times are now 19 months, but well-documented cases may move faster.
Considering applying? Gather original documents before filing—think birth, marriage, and death certificates from government registries. If records are missing, consult an immigration lawyer about alternatives like a “certificate of no record” from the civil registry. Just be ready for a long wait: with 99,500 applications in the queue, times won’t improve soon.
Pro Tip
Send certified translations for any foreign-language documents. IRCC only accepts translations done by a certified translator—uncertified versions are a top reason for delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does this review mean Bill C-3 is being rolled back?
No. Bill C-3 stays in force and the eligibility bar for citizenship by descent hasn’t changed. The review only tightened documentation standards for proof of citizenship certificates. Now IRCC insists on records from original source authorities like civil registries or vital statistics offices instead of secondary sources such as family records or affidavits.
2. Can I still travel internationally if my certificate is under review?
If you got a surrender letter, IRCC may tell you not to use a passport issued from the certificate in question. That’s not an absolute rule, though. If you’ve already traveled or have upcoming plans, speak to an immigration lawyer to understand your specific risks. In some situations, IRCC may let you use the passport while your case is sorted.
3. What if my ancestor’s birth record was destroyed or never issued?
If an original record is gone, gather alternative proof. A letter from the civil registry confirming the record doesn’t exist can help, along with secondary documents like school records, baptismal certificates, or military service records. An immigration lawyer can help you piece together a strong file with whatever evidence is available.
4. Why did IRCC change the documentation standard after approving applications?
The review started after IRCC noticed inconsistencies in supporting documents for some certificates during a routine check. The department hasn’t explained why the shift happened, but immigration lawyers say the new standard simply brings practice in line with the long-standing rules for verifying lineage. The big change is IRCC’s explicit demand for documents from original source authorities instead of secondary sources.
📋 Official Source
Verified against the official IRCC proof of citizenship page. Always confirm with canada.ca before submitting applications.
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