Canadian Citizenship Certificate Wait Times Hit 15 Months, June 12

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that proof of Canadian citizenship processing time has reached 15 months as of June 2026. The agency’s application queue now holds 82,000 cases, up from 70,400 in May. This represents a five-fold jump from just 3 months earlier in the year. Applicants waiting for citizenship certificates face the longest delays on record, with new cases joining the queue weekly.

Queue Swells as Processing Times Climb

IRCC’s citizenship certificate backlog grew by 11,600 applications between May 12 and June 11, 2026. The agency now processes applications at a rate that takes 15 months to reach an 80% completion benchmark. If you submit an application in June 2026, IRCC estimates a decision around September 2027. The queue has moved in one direction since December 2025: upward.

Why Waiting Makes Your Situation Worse

Delaying your application will not shorten your total wait time. New applicants join the queue ahead of existing ones every week, pushing your position further back. Submitting a complete application now is the only part of the process you control once you file. A single error or missing document can add months to your case.

Mixed Results Across Other Immigration Programs

Other immigration pathways show different trends. The Atlantic Immigration Program saw processing times drop by 12 months, from 38 months in May to 26 months in June. Work permits processed inside Canada fell to 186 days, and Permanent Resident Cards now issue in around 40 days. However, some family sponsorship categories moved in the opposite direction, with spousal sponsorship streams increasing by one month and visitor record extensions climbing to 308 days.

What You Need to Know Before Applying

Applicants must meet the 1,095-day substantial connection rule before filing for proof of citizenship. Check your eligibility before collecting documents. Processing times are updated monthly and reflect how long it took to process 80% of applications in recent months. Your individual case may move faster or slower depending on application completeness, background check complexity, and which visa office handles your file.

Final Thoughts

Canadian citizenship certificate applicants now face a 15-month wait, the longest on record. Filing a complete application immediately is critical, as delays only push you further back in the queue. Monitor your application status regularly and ensure all documents are correct before submission.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.