Canada updates citizenship document rules

Canada has updated its guidance on documents required for citizenship-by-descent applications after completing a review of citizenship certificates issued under Bill C-3.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said it found that unclear guidance for both immigration officers and applicants may have contributed to some citizenship certificates being issued without sufficient supporting evidence.The department said it has now reinforced its guidance for officers and provided clearer information to applicants about the documentation they must submit to establish eligibility for Canadian citizenship by descent.The changes follow a department-wide review that began in early June after IRCC identified 100 citizenship certificates issued under Bill C-3 with potentially insufficient supporting documentation.

The department temporarily suspended those certificates while it verified applicants' eligibility.READ MORE: Canada: Ontario restructures immigration program to fill in-demand jobsTo ensure consistent assessment of citizenship-by-descent applications, IRCC expanded the review to around 6,500 applications received under Bill C-3.

The department said the review has now been completed.— CitImmCanada (@CitImmCanada) Most flagged certificates reinstatedIRCC said it has automatically reinstated 33 of the 100 suspended citizenship certificates after confirming that the applicants met the legal requirements for citizenship.The remaining 67 cases are still being reviewed.

According to the department, these cases represent about 1% of all citizenship certificates issued under Bill C-3 so far.IRCC said it is contacting the remaining applicants directly and expects to complete the process within a matter of days.

The department said it will either confirm their eligibility for citizenship certificates or request additional information where required to validate their claims.READ MORE: Canada updates police clearance requirements for International Experience Canada work permit applicantsDepartment cites program integrityIRCC said it routinely processes hundreds of thousands of citizenship applications and regularly reviews its procedures to ensure decisions are fair, consistent and comply with Canadian law.The department acknowledged that the review created uncertainty for some applicants."We recognize the serious impact on those affected by this situation, and the uncertainty that some applicants have faced," IRCC said.The department added, "IRCC's number one priority is safeguarding the integrity of Canada's immigration system, including the citizenship program, so that everyone who is entitled to Canadian citizenship can access it." ...