Proof of Canadian Citizenship Processing Time Reaches 34 Months as Backlog Declines
Canadians applying for a citizenship certificate (proof of Canadian citizenship) are facing significantly longer processing times in 2026. According to the latest figures published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the estimated processing time for proof of Canadian citizenship reached approximately 34 months in October 2026 . This is an increase from approximately 33 months in September. Interestingly, the longer processing estimate comes at the same time that the number of people waiting for a decision has decreased. For applicants planning to obtain a Canadian citizenship certificate, understanding this difference between processing time and application inventory is important. Latest Proof of Canadian Citizenship Processing Time As of the October 2026 update, the estimated processing time for a citizenship certificate is approximately: 34 months This represents a considerable increase compared with processing estimates earlier in the year. The approxima...