Canada recently released a significant update concerning the processing of proof of citizenship. It is unclear if this is true. In Canada, proof of citizenship is a certificate that confirms the citizenship of an applicant if they qualify for it. The Immigration Department made changes to the application processing standards. Read on to learn about the latest update on accelerated processing of proof of citizenship application.

Proof of Citizenship Application Processing Accelerated

As per this update, IRCC accelerated the process of processing the proof of citizenship application. This means it will now take only three months to issue a final decision on the application. Notably, wait times have been lowered significantly, and the department is now working at a faster rate than it did in pre-pandemic times.

Specifically, foreign nationals who have at least one legal or biological parent who is a citizen of Canada can hope to get a quicker final decision on their application.

Understanding Canada’s proof of citizenship

According to the Canadian Citizenship Act, children born overseas to Canadian parent(s) are not automatically granted Canadian citizenship. Instead, they must apply for proof of citizenship to obtain a Canadian citizenship certificate if they qualify to confirm their citizenship status.

In Canada, the citizenship certificate and Canadian birth certificate are the only two documents that Passport Canada uses to verify an individual’s citizenship. Therefore, both these documents are crucial for applying for a Canadian passport.

This process can be started at any time in a person’s life and is possible regardless of whether a Canadian parent is alive or dead.

Notably, adopted children of Canadian parent(s) are ineligible for this proof of citizenship process. To gain Canadian citizenship, they must pursue other pathways provided by the government.

What are the recent changes to citizenship law?

Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice declared on December 19 last year that Canada’s second-generation citizenship cut-off law was unconstitutional and required amendments.

As per this law, Canadians who were born overseas would be unable to automatically transfer their citizenship to their children, who were also born overseas. 

The court concluded that this regulation formed a distinction in citizenship statuses between Canadians born in the country and those who were not.

As a result, Canadians born in the country automatically transfer citizenship to their children, while those not born in Canada do not.

Moreover, the court further stated that the government had six months to repeal the law and amend this Citizenship Act. The Canadian government was allowed one month to appeal this ruling, but they declined to do so. It is unclear what the implications of this ruling will be for applicants seeking Canadian citizenship by ancestry. However, changes are expected as a result of the federal government’s decision not to appeal the Ontario court ruling. 

Understanding the benefits of Canadian citizenship

Attaining Canadian citizenship provides individuals with numerous benefits. Canadians have a permanent legal status and protected rights in the country. They have access to social systems and benefits related to healthcare and education at significantly reduced costs, voting rights within the country, and the ability to hold political office. Additionally, Canadian citizenship allows individuals to gain a Canadian passport, which is among the most recognized passports worldwide. Canadian citizens can sponsor their loved ones to visit and even settle in Canada. Also, they can pass on their status to their children.

Moreover, Canadian citizens can also hold dual citizenship with other nations with comparable provisions.

If you are applying for a proof of citizenship certificate, it’s a notable update that IRCC accelerated the processing of proof of citizenship application.

Are you interested in immigrating to Canada but are concerned about the process and pathways? Contact our experienced immigration experts for help at NavaImmigration. You can also send us an email at [email protected]