SynopsisCanadian citizenship certificate wait times have significantly increased to twenty-five months. The number of applications awaiting a decision has now surpassed one hundred thousand. This sharp rise follows a rule change allowing more people to claim citizenship by descent. A recent review of citizenship certificates also contributed to the growing processing delays. Applicants are advised to apply soon as backlogs are expected to continue growing.iStockThe backlog increased by around 22,300 applications from July, marking a 22% rise.The wait for a proof of Canadian citizenship certificate has risen to 25 months, up from 19 months in July and 12 months in May, according to a report by CIC News. The number of applications awaiting a decision from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has also crossed 100,000, reaching 121,800 as of August 10.The backlog increased by around 22,300 applications from July, marking a 22% rise. The sharp increase comes as IRCC deals with a surge in applications for proof of citizenship.Also Read: US moves immigration filings online: What it means for green card, citizenship and asylum applicantsNew citizenship rulesCanada removed the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent on December 15, 2025. Under the change, people with an unbroken line to a Canadian ancestor can claim Canadian citizenship, regardless of how many generations separate them.The rule change has led to a rise in applications, including from Americans with Canadian ancestry. The processing time for proof of citizenship applications was 10 months in January 2026, but has increased steadily in the months since.Citizenship application processing delaysIRCC also reviewed citizenship certificates issued to a group of recent recipients in the US. In June, the department paused finalising new citizenship-by-descent applications while it checked the documentation behind certificates already issued. The review was completed on June 30, after which processing resumed.Also Read: India tops Canada deportation list as 3,323 Indians removed in first half of 2026The review added to an already growing caseload and may have contributed to the increase in processing times.For people who are eligible, delaying an application may not lead to a shorter wait. IRCC's processing estimate depends on the number of applications already in the queue, staffing levels and expected application volumes. With the backlog continuing to grow, applicants who wait could face a longer processing period later.People born before December 15, 2025 who can trace their ancestry to a Canadian grandparent, great-grandparent or a more distant Canadian ancestor may be eligible for citizenship by descent, depending on their circumstances.Those seeking to establish their status can apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate, which serves as proof of citizenship and can be used to apply for a Canadian passport. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)...moreElevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea.Subscribe Now