Processing Times Surge, but Backlog Begins to Decline
Processing times for Canadian citizenship certificates reached approximately 34 months as of October 9, 2026, up from 33 months the previous month. However, there is a silver lining: this represents the smallest monthly increase since processing delays began accelerating in May 2026.
Processing times have grown from 12 months in May to 34 months today—nearly three years. Meanwhile, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported 130,700 people awaiting decisions in October, down from 136,000 in September—the first decline in the backlog since Bill C-3 changed the citizenship law in December 2025.
Why Are Processing Times Rising While the Backlog Shrinks?
This is unusual. The backlog no longer fully explains processing times—in October, the backlog fell by approximately 4%, yet processing times still increased by one month. In September, the backlog grew 12% while processing times jumped 32%.
This may indicate that IRCC is processing applications more quickly, but their processing time calculations are based on factors beyond application volume—possibly the complexity of individual cases or additional documentation requirements.
Who Is Affected?
Citizenship certificates (proof of citizenship) differ from citizenship grants (the initial approval). Certificates operate on their own timeline, significantly longer—33 months (now 34 months). This document proves you are a Canadian citizen and is required to obtain a passport, work abroad, or establish citizenship for dependents.
Permanent residents of Canada who have completed the citizenship grant process will need this certificate. If you apply now, you should expect to wait approximately 34 months—nearly three years.
The Drawback: No Fast Track Except in Emergencies
Urgent processing is the only pathway to obtain a certificate faster. However, IRCC only grants urgent processing in exceptional cases—such as needing the certificate for court proceedings or a medical emergency. If you simply need a certificate to apply for a passport or for employment, you must wait in the standard queue.
Why Are Processing Times Increasing?
Each increase from May through September has been steeper than the last: two months, then three, four, six, and eight months. The cause is Bill C-3, which changed Canadian citizenship rules in December 2025, triggering a wave of citizenship certificate applications. Foreign-born children of Canadian citizens and individuals with Canadian parents can now apply for certificates, and application volumes have skyrocketed.
What Should You Do?
If you need a citizenship certificate, apply immediately. If you are eligible under Bill C-3, submitting a complete application now will secure your position in the queue. You will wait 34 months, but if you delay, processing times may increase further.
If you have an urgent case, contact IRCC to request urgent processing. However, prepare documentation demonstrating the urgency—IRCC does not grant urgent processing easily.
