Understanding the IRCC’s 2026 Citizenship Certificate Review and What It Means for Applicants

Early this year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) began reviewing a small number of citizenship‑by‑descent applications issued after the new Bill C‑3 changes. As part of this review, some new citizens were asked to return their citizenship certificates, so IRCC can double-check the documents used to approve their file.

This does not mean your citizenship is being taken away. It simply means IRCC needs to confirm that all documents meet the legal requirements.

Why IRCC Is Doing This

IRCC found that some application packages were supported by;

  • documents from genealogy websites instead of official government records;
  • uncertified copies of official government documents; and
  • missing explanations why official government documents could not be obtained.

To protect the integrity of the Canadian citizenship program, IRCC is re‑examining these files.

What This Means for You

  • Your citizenship is not revoked.
  • Your certificate is temporarily suspended during the review
  • IRCC may ask for additional or more official documents.
  • If everything is in order, your certificate will be reinstated.

Many people have already had their citizenship confirmed again after IRCC completed the review.

What You Should Do

  • Follow the instructions in the IRCC letter.
  • Return the certificate by the deadline.
  • Gather official documents (government civil registry or vital government statistics records).
  • Provide a detailed explanation if you are unable to provide the required document(s).

IRCC is conducting a targeted documentation review process; it is not a mass cancellation of citizenship. IRCC is simply making sure every approval meets the legal standard of the Canadian Citizenship Act—especially after the large increase in applications submitted under Bill C‑3.

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FAQ

Does returning my citizenship certificate mean I am losing citizenship?

No. Returning the certificate does not revoke citizenship. Citizenship is temporarily suspended while IRCC completes its review process.

Who is affected by the 2026 IRCC Citizenship review?

Only a limited number of people who obtained citizenship through decent under Bill C 3, especially those who used genealogy records or uncertified government documents.

What happens after I return my certificate to IRCC?

IRCC will re-examines your documents. If everything meets the legal requirements in accordance to the Citizenship Act, your citizenship certificate will be reinstated and return to you.

What documents does IRCC want for the review?

IRCC prefers official government civil registry or vital government statistics records, such as certified birth and marriage certificates. If a document is unavailable, you must provide a letter of explanation (LOE).

Can I still apply for a Canadian passport during the review?

No. Passport applications may be paused until your citizenship certificate is reinstated.

Is this happening to everyone who applied under Bill C 3?

No. Only some files were flagged for documentation issues. This is not a mass recall.
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