Proof of Canadian Citizenship Applications Are Rising
Introduction
Canada experienced a sharp increase in Proof of Canadian Citizenship applications in 2026. This rise followed important changes to Canada’s citizenship rules, allowing many more people to qualify for citizenship by descent. As a result, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now handles a much larger number of applications than before.
IRCC Issued Nearly 29,000 Citizenship Certificates
Between January 1 and May 31, 2026, IRCC issued 28,940 Proof of Canadian Citizenship certificates.
People submit a Proof of Canadian Citizenship application when they are already Canadian citizens but need an official citizenship certificate. For example, they may need it because they lost their original certificate, require a replacement, or want to apply for a Canadian passport.
Application Backlog Remains High
However, the number of pending applications is much higher than the number of certificates IRCC has issued.
As of May 31, 2026, IRCC still had 82,020 Proof of Canadian Citizenship applications waiting for a final decision. In other words, for every application IRCC completed, nearly three more remained in the queue.
Additionally, this marks the first time IRCC has published separate processing data specifically for Proof of Canadian Citizenship applications on its updated application processing webpage.
Bill C-3 Drove the Increase in Applications
The biggest reason behind this surge is Bill C-3, which came into effect on December 15, 2025.
Previously, Canada’s citizenship rules included a first-generation limit. Because of this rule, people born outside Canada could not claim Canadian citizenship through a Canadian parent if that parent was also born outside Canada.
However, Bill C-3 removed this restriction for people born before December 15, 2025. As a result, the new law allows eligible individuals to claim Canadian citizenship through a grandparent, great-grandparent, or even an earlier Canadian ancestor.
Therefore, Bill C-3 made millions of people eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship by descent.
Many Americans Can Now Claim Canadian Citizenship
A large number of newly eligible applicants come from the United States.
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, thousands of French Canadians moved to New England in search of work. Today, many of their descendants are discovering that they now qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent under the updated rules.
In fact, IRCC approved nearly 2,500 Americans in January 2026 alone.
Processing Times Continue to Rise
Unfortunately, the growing number of applications has increased processing times.
In November 2025, before Bill C-3 came into effect, applicants waited about 9 months for a Proof of Canadian Citizenship application.
By July 2026, the average processing time had increased to 19 months, meaning applicants now wait more than twice as long.
Additionally, provincial archives continue to receive a large number of requests for birth certificates and family records. Since applicants need these documents to prove their family history, the extra demand has added further delays to the process.
Early Application Numbers
According to reports, IRCC received more than 12,000 citizenship by descent applications between December 15, 2025, and the end of January 2026.
During that period, IRCC approved almost 6,300 applications. However, only 1,480 approvals qualified under the expanded citizenship by descent rules introduced through Bill C-3.
Proof of Citizenship vs. Citizenship Grant
Although both applications relate to Canadian citizenship, they serve different purposes.
Proof of Citizenship
People who are already Canadian citizens apply for Proof of Canadian Citizenship to receive official confirmation of their citizenship status. Once IRCC approves the application, applicants receive a Canadian Citizenship Certificate, which they can use to apply for a Canadian passport.
Citizenship Grant
On the other hand, permanent residents (PR holders) apply for a Citizenship Grant when they want to become Canadian citizens for the first time.
Between January 1 and May 31, 2026, IRCC finalized 131,420 Citizenship Grant applications. Meanwhile, 326,365 applications were still waiting for a decision as of May 31, 2026.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Bill C-3 has opened the door to Canadian citizenship for millions of people with Canadian ancestry. Consequently, more people now qualify to apply for Proof of Canadian Citizenship than ever before.
At the same time, the growing number of applications has increased processing times and created a larger backlog. Therefore, applicants should prepare for a longer wait and submit complete and accurate documents to help avoid unnecessary delays.
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).
