IRCC refreshed its published processing times on July 7, 2026, and the update tells two very different stories. Several permanent residence streams are moving faster than they did a year ago. Proof of citizenship, on the other hand, has slowed to roughly 19 months, driven by a surge of applications that followed Bill C-3.
Why citizenship certificates are backed up
Bill C-3 ended the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent in December 2025. That change made a large group of people citizens overnight, and most of them need a citizenship certificate to prove it. IRCC’s queue for proof of citizenship has grown past 70,000 applications, and the published estimate now reflects that reality.
If you believe you became a citizen under Bill C-3, the delay does not affect whether you are a citizen. The law already recognizes you. It affects only how long you wait for the document that proves it.
What improved
Several permanent residence categories saw meaningful improvement this cycle, continuing a trend IRCC has reported through the first half of 2026. Spousal sponsorship and Express Entry timelines remain broadly in line with service standards.
What this means for your file
Three practical points. First, if you need proof of citizenship for a passport, a job, or a pension, apply now rather than later; the queue is growing, not shrinking. Second, urgent processing exists for narrow situations such as imminent travel or loss of benefits, and a well-documented urgency request can move a deserving file. Third, do not let a permit expire while you wait on another application; maintained status rules still govern your ability to stay and work.
Before you rely on a posted timeline
Published times are averages, not promises. A file with a gap in evidence, an old criminal charge, or a name discrepancy will not track the average. The best protection is a complete, consistent application the first time.
Official source: IRCC: Check processing times.
This article is general legal information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently and every case is different. For advice about your situation, book a consultation.
About the author
Miguel Martins Pereirinha is a Canadian immigration lawyer and partner at Slayen Immigration Law in Vancouver, British Columbia. He practises Canadian immigration law exclusively — work permits, permanent residence, family sponsorship, citizenship and inadmissibility — and works with clients in English and Portuguese.
