Canadian citizenship certificate processing time has increased sharply in September 2026, creating a significant delay for people who need official proof of their Canadian citizenship.

According to the latest figures cited in the source material, new proof of Canadian citizenship applications are now facing a quoted processing time of 33 months—up from 25 months in August. This means an applicant submitting a new application today could potentially be waiting until around mid-2029 for a decision.

The increase comes as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) deals with a rapidly growing application queue following important changes to Canadian citizenship by descent.

What Is Causing the Increase in Processing Times?

The processing time for a Canadian citizenship certificate has risen considerably during 2026.

The figures provided in the source show the quoted processing time increasing from 12 months in May to 15 months in June, 19 months in July, 25 months in August and now 33 months in September 2026.

At the same time, the number of people waiting for a decision has grown substantially. The reported queue increased from approximately 40,000 applicants in December 2025 to 136,000 applicants in September 2026.

This growing backlog is closely connected to changes made to Canada’s citizenship laws.

Bill C-3 Expanded Citizenship by Descent

On December 15, 2025, Bill C-3 came into effect and changed Canada’s first-generation limit on citizenship by descent.

Under the new framework, certain people born or adopted outside Canada beyond the first generation can qualify for Canadian citizenship. For people born or adopted before December 15, 2025, the new rules may restore or confirm citizenship in circumstances where the previous first-generation restriction prevented it.

For people born or adopted outside Canada on or after December 15, 2025, additional requirements can apply. In particular, a Canadian parent who was also born or adopted abroad generally needs to demonstrate a substantial connection to Canada, including having spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption.

Because the legislative changes expanded eligibility, more people have reason to seek proof of Canadian citizenship, contributing to increased demand for citizenship certificates.

Who May Already Be a Canadian Citizen?

One important point is that a citizenship certificate does not necessarily make someone a Canadian citizen. In many cases, the certificate serves as official proof of citizenship that a person already possesses.

If you were born outside Canada and have a Canadian parent, grandparent or more distant Canadian family connection, it may be worth checking whether you already have Canadian citizenship under the updated rules.

IRCC recommends checking your circumstances before assuming that you need to apply for permanent residence or another immigration status.

The official IRCC citizenship eligibility information should be reviewed carefully because eligibility can depend on your date of birth, family history, adoption circumstances and other factors.

Can You Get a Citizenship Certificate Faster?

In certain situations, urgent processing for a citizenship certificate may be available.

IRCC states that applicants can request urgent processing when they meet specific criteria and provide an explanation along with supporting evidence. Examples can include urgent educational or other significant circumstances. However, meeting the criteria does not guarantee that the application will be processed immediately or that the underlying citizenship claim will be approved.

With processing times now reaching 33 months, submitting a complete and properly documented application is particularly important. Missing documents, inconsistent information or difficulties establishing the connection between generations can create additional complications.

Don’t Confuse Citizenship, PR and Asylum

It is also important to understand the difference between Canadian citizenship, permanent residence (PR) and an asylum claim.

Citizenship by descent is about establishing whether you already have Canadian citizenship. Canadian permanent residence is an immigration status obtained through qualifying immigration programs. An asylum claim, meanwhile, is intended for people who meet Canada’s legal requirements for refugee protection.

For individuals who have a genuine pathway to Canada permanent residency, pursuing an appropriate immigration program can provide a more structured route toward long-term settlement than relying on an uncertain strategy that does not match their circumstances.

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Plan Your Future in Canada

Navigating Canada’s immigration system can be complicated, particularly as IRCC immigration rules, eligibility requirements and processing times continue to change.

ICC Immigration can assess your individual circumstances and help identify immigration options that may be appropriate for your long-term goals.

Our services include:

• Permanent Residency Applications: Assistance with Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and other eligible Canadian PR pathways.
• Work Permits and Study Permits: Guidance for individuals looking to work or study in Canada and potentially transition toward permanent residence where an eligible pathway exists.
• Family Sponsorship: Assistance with eligible family sponsorship applications to help families reunite in Canada.
• Professional Immigration Guidance: Support in understanding current immigration requirements and preparing applications accurately and comprehensively.

Whether you are already in Canada or planning your move, getting the right advice before choosing an immigration pathway can help you make a more informed decision.

What Should You Do Now?

If you believe you may qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent, do not automatically assume that permanent residence or another immigration route is necessary. First determine whether you may already be a Canadian citizen and whether you need a citizenship certificate as proof of Canadian citizenship.

For those who do not qualify for citizenship but want to settle permanently in Canada, exploring Express Entry, PNPs, work permits, study permits or family sponsorship may be more appropriate depending on individual circumstances.

With citizenship certificate processing times now reported at 33 months, understanding your status and choosing the correct pathway has never been more important.

ICC Immigration is here to help you understand your options, prepare your application and move forward with greater confidence.