Canada Tightens Checks on Citizenship by Descent Applications

Canada Reviewing Some Approved Citizenship Applications Again

Recently, some people who had already been approved for Canadian citizenship by descent received unexpected emails from the Canadian government. Even though they had already received their citizenship certificates, their cases are now being reviewed again.

What Happened?

Canada recently expanded its citizenship-by-descent rules, allowing more people with Canadian ancestry to apply for citizenship.

However, on June 13, several applicants in the United States received emails from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stating that their citizenship status was now under review.

As a result, some applicants who already had citizenship certificates, passports, and Social Insurance Numbers were asked to provide additional proof.

What Does the Government’s Letter Mean?

The letter refers to a regulation that allows Canadian authorities to review citizenship certificates if there is reason to believe the applicant may not have provided sufficient proof of eligibility.

Importantly, this does not automatically mean the person will lose their citizenship. Instead, the government is re-examining the application and asking for additional documents.

Meanwhile, applicants are given an opportunity to submit further evidence to support their claim.

Why Were These Applications Flagged?

According to IRCC, most applications were flagged for two main reasons:

1. Documents Were Not Obtained from Official Sources

In many cases, applicants submitted records from genealogy websites such as Ancestry or FamilySearch instead of obtaining them directly from government offices.

However, IRCC prefers documents issued by official authorities such as:

• Vital Statistics Offices
• Civil Registries
• Provincial Archives
• Other government record-keeping agencies

2. Missing Explanation for Unavailable Records

Sometimes historical records simply do not exist.

However, applicants who could not obtain a required document were expected to explain why it was unavailable and provide proof that they had attempted to locate it.

Unfortunately, many applications lacked this explanation.

What Is the Main Concern?

Essentially, the government wants applicants to prove an uninterrupted family connection between themselves and their Canadian ancestor.

In other words, IRCC is not necessarily saying these individuals are not Canadian. Rather, it is saying that the evidence submitted was not strong enough to prove their citizenship claim according to official requirements.

Common Problems Found in Applications

Several patterns appeared among the applications that were reviewed:

Use of Genealogy Website Records

Some applicants relied mainly on records downloaded from genealogy websites rather than official government-issued documents.

Records from Archives Instead of Vital Statistics Offices

Others submitted records from archives and were unsure whether those records met IRCC’s requirements.

Missing Historical Documents

Additionally, some applicants had ancestors born many decades ago for whom no birth records existed. However, they failed to formally explain these missing records in their applications.

What Should You Do If You Receive a Review Letter?

If you receive such a letter, don’t panic.

Instead, carefully review the concerns listed by IRCC and submit additional supporting documents wherever possible.

For example:

• Obtain records directly from official authorities.
• Provide certified copies of documents.
• Submit written explanations for missing records.
• Include evidence showing attempts to locate unavailable documents.

Furthermore, keep copies of everything you send because the review process may take several months.

Why Many Applicants Seek Legal Help

At this stage, many applicants choose to consult an immigration lawyer.

An experienced lawyer can:

• Identify weaknesses in the application.
• Gather acceptable source documents.
• Prepare a stronger response to IRCC.
• Help explain missing records properly.

Consequently, professional guidance can improve the chances of a successful outcome.

How to Avoid Problems in a Citizenship-by-Descent Application

Obtain Documents Directly from Official Sources

First and foremost, obtain records from the authority that originally created them.

For example:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Death certificates
• Official registry records

Although genealogy websites can help locate records, they are generally not considered the official source.

Build a Complete Family Line

Next, ensure that every generation is connected through proper documentation.

For example:

• Birth certificates prove parent-child relationships.
• Marriage certificates explain surname changes.
• Other official records help fill gaps.

Even a single missing document can delay the application.

Use Certified Copies Whenever Possible

Additionally, request certified copies from the issuing authority.

A certified document carries an official seal or stamp confirming that it is a true copy of the original record.

As a result, it carries greater credibility with immigration officers.

What If the Required Record Doesn’t Exist?

Fortunately, missing records do not automatically result in a refusal.

However, you must explain the situation properly.

Request a “No Record” Letter

If a government office searches for a record and cannot find it, they can often issue a Letter of No Record.

This document officially confirms that the record does not exist.

Provide Alternative Evidence

Along with the no-record letter, you should submit:

• Family records
• Church records
• Census records
• Historical documents
• Written explanations

Together, these documents can help establish your family connection despite missing records.

Final Takeaway

To sum up, Canada is not automatically rejecting these citizenship claims. Instead, the government is asking some applicants to provide stronger proof of their family connection to a Canadian ancestor.

Therefore, applicants should focus on using official source documents, obtaining certified copies, and clearly explaining any missing records. With proper documentation, most of these issues can be resolved successfully.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).