Canada asks some newly approved citizens to return citizenship certificates

Canadian immigration authorities have asked some recently approved citizens to return their citizenship certificates after reopening reviews of their citizenship-by-descent applications, according to a report by CIC News.

The affected individuals had already received proof of Canadian citizenship, and in some cases had obtained Canadian passports and Social Insurance Numbers in preparation for moving to Canada.

Applications face renewed scrutiny

According to CIC News report, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) informed a group of applicants that their citizenship claims were being reviewed again after approval.


The reviews stem from concerns over the documentation used to establish citizenship by descent. According to the report, some applications relied on records that were not obtained directly from official government sources, while others lacked explanations for missing documents.

Canadian authorities are seeking to verify family lineage claims and ensure applicants have provided sufficient evidence linking them to a Canadian citizen ancestor.

Applicants can submit additional evidence

The review does not automatically mean citizenship has been revoked. According to CIC News, affected applicants have been given an opportunity to provide further documentation to support their claims while their files are reassessed.

As reported by CIC News, authorities have asked some recipients to surrender their citizenship certificates during the review process.

If officials confirm eligibility after examining the additional evidence, the certificates will be returned.