Canada citizenship certificate wait rises to 34 months as application backlog falls for the first time since December 2025

Canada has increased the estimated processing time for new applications for proof of citizenship to 34 months in October 2026, according to the latest figures from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The department updated its processing times, adding one month to the September estimate of 33 months. However, the increase was smaller than those recorded in previous months, when waiting times rose sharply. At the same time, the number of applicants awaiting a decision fell to 130,700 in October, down from 136,000 in September. This marks the first monthly decline in the queue since Canada expanded its citizenship-by-descent rules in December 2025.

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Canada citizenship processing times continue to rise

The estimated waiting period has increased steadily since May 2026, when IRCC quoted a processing time of 12 months.

Month	Processing time
May 2026	12 months
June 2026	15 months
July 2026	19 months
August 2026	25 months
September 2026	33 months
October 2026	34 months

The latest increase of one month is considerably smaller than September's eight-month rise. However, the October estimate remains nearly three times the May figure.

Why are more people applying for Canadian citizenship?

On 15 December 2025, Canada changed its Citizenship Act, removing the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent for people born before that date. The change expanded eligibility for people who can establish an unbroken line of citizenship through a Canadian parent, grandparent, great-grandparent or more distant ancestor, subject to the applicable legal requirements.

This opened a potential route to Canadian citizenship for many people born outside Canada. Applicants who qualify can seek a citizenship certificate to confirm their status and subsequently apply for a Canadian passport.

For Indians with Canadian ancestry, eligibility depends on their family history and the relevant citizenship rules. Having a Canadian ancestor alone does not automatically establish eligibility in every case.

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Can applicants get their citizenship certificates faster?

IRCC allows urgent processing in certain circumstances, including specific employment, education, medical and family emergencies. Applicants must explain why they need the certificate urgently and provide supporting documents. These may include an employer's letter, a school letter, medical documentation, a death certificate or a paid flight itinerary, depending on the circumstances.

However, meeting the criteria does not guarantee expedited processing. Incomplete applications or requests that fall outside the department's criteria may continue through the standard process.

Applicants should also ensure that their documents are complete and that names and other details match across generations. Missing birth records, discrepancies in names and gaps in family documentation can lead to requests for additional evidence and further delays. With processing times now at 34 months, eligible applicants may wish to assess their eligibility and prepare the required documents before applying. Waiting to submit an application could mean joining a longer queue if demand continues to exceed the department's capacity.