You've gathered your documents, filled out the CIT 0001 form, and mailed your application to IRCC. Now what? Here's a detailed timeline of what happens after you submit your Canadian citizenship by descent application.
The Processing Timeline
Week 1-2: Receipt and Acknowledgment After IRCC receives your application, they'll send you an acknowledgment of receipt (AOR). This comes by email if you applied online, or by mail for paper applications. Your AOR includes a unique application number — save this. You'll need it to check your status.
Month 1-2: Initial Review An IRCC officer reviews your application for completeness. They check that all required fields are filled, all supporting documents are included, and the $75 fee has been paid. If anything is missing, they'll contact you with a request for additional information or return the application.
Month 2-6: Verification and Processing This is the longest phase. IRCC verifies: - The authenticity of your supporting documents - That your ancestry chain is unbroken - That each person in the chain meets the requirements - That there are no fraudulent or conflicting records
For complex cases (multiple generations, name changes, missing records), this phase can take longer.
Month 6-10: Decision An officer makes a decision on your application. For straightforward cases with clear documentation, this is usually an approval. If there are concerns, they may request additional documents or schedule an interview (rare for descent cases).
Month 10-11: Certificate Issuance and Mailing Once approved, IRCC prints your citizenship certificate and mails it to you. The certificate is a large-format document that serves as your official proof of Canadian citizenship.
Current Processing Times
As of early 2026, IRCC's estimated processing time for proof of citizenship applications is approximately 11 months. This has increased due to the surge in applications following Bill C-3. Some applicants report receiving their certificates in 8-9 months, while more complex cases can take longer.
How to Check Your Status
Online: Sign in to your IRCC online account and check the status of your application. You'll see updates when your application moves through each processing stage.
By phone: Call the IRCC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 (within Canada) or 1-613-944-4000 (outside Canada). Have your application number ready.
Important: IRCC asks that you NOT contact them about processing times until your application has exceeded the posted processing time. Calling before that won't speed things up.
What Can Delay Your Application?
- Missing documents: The #1 cause of delays. Make sure everything is included before you submit.
- Unclear documentation: Name discrepancies, poor-quality copies, or documents in languages other than English or French without certified translations.
- Complex ancestry chains: Multiple generations, adoptions, or unusual circumstances require more verification time.
- Volume: The post-Bill C-3 surge has significantly increased processing times.
Tips While You Wait
- . Save your confirmation number and check status periodically (monthly is sufficient).
- . Don't send additional documents unless IRCC asks for them.
- . Keep your address updated with IRCC if you move.
- . Start planning for your passport. Once you receive your citizenship certificate, you can immediately apply for a Canadian passport.
- . Relax. The hard part is done. Your application is in the queue and will be processed.
After You Receive Your Certificate
Your citizenship certificate is your proof of Canadian citizenship. With it, you can: - Apply for a Canadian passport at any Service Canada office or online - Enter Canada as a citizen (no visa required) - Access the rights and benefits of Canadian citizenship
Congratulations — you're officially Canadian!