In the past, Canadians born abroad could only pass on citizenship to their children born overseas for one generation. This meant that if a Canadian born abroad had a child overseas, that child would not automatically be Canadian.
However, the Canadian government is considering changing this “first-generation limit” rule to extend it to a second generation, potentially allowing more people born abroad to claim Canadian citizenship.
In anticipation of these potential changes, IRCC has introduced interim measures allowing some foreign nationals to gain citizenship more quickly. You can learn more about who this rule applies to below.
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Who Do the New Measurements Apply To?
IRCC’s new measure applies to those who have applied for proof of citizenship urgently and may be affected by the first-generation limit (FGL) rule. This includes:
- Applicants who submitted a proof of citizenship application that would be affected by the potential FGL change and requested urgent processing or
- Applicants with a proof of citizenship application already in process that was impacted by the FGL rule and has now requested urgent processing.
If eligible, applicants will receive a notice from IRCC explaining that the FGL rule is still in effect and offering them the option to apply for a “discretionary grant of citizenship.”
This grant, processed by the Immigration Minister or a designated decision-maker, allows citizenship to be granted in special circumstances if the application meets the necessary criteria.
Who Is Eligible for Urgent Citizenship Processing?
IRCC offers urgent processing for citizenship certificate applications in three specific situations:
- Accessing benefits: If you need to access a pension, health care, or your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Employment: If you need to prove your Canadian citizenship to get a job.
- Family emergency: If you need to travel to or from Canada due to a death or serious illness of a family member.
While IRCC cannot guarantee timely delivery, if you meet one of these criteria, you may be eligible for urgent processing of your citizenship certificate application.
Applying for Canada Urgent Citizenship Processing: What to Include
If you qualify for urgent processing of your citizenship certificate, you can apply either online or by mail. However, avoid submitting duplicate applications, as this will not speed up processing. If you submit both a paper and online application, only the paper application will be processed.
To expedite processing, include the following with your citizenship certificate application:
- Explanation letter: Clearly outlining why you need urgent processing and which of the three eligibility criteria you meet.
- Supporting documents: These documents should prove your need for urgent processing. Examples include:
- Plane ticket or itinerary with proof of payment
- Letter from your employer or school
- Doctor’s note
- Death certificate
Do You Need to Apply to Expedite Your Canadian Citizenship Application?
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Casey
Meet Casey, one of VisaPlace's immigration news contributors. She brings 6+ years of experience of content creation to VisaPlace. Casey has honed her expertise in delivering comprehensive and up-to-date content on immigration-related matters. Her work not only encompasses the complex legal aspects of immigration but also highlights the ever-evolving policies, procedures, and news that impact immigrants and aspiring visa holders.
