Canada: proof-of-citizenship wait jumps to 33 months as the descent backlog reaches 136,000

What changed

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada now quotes about 33 months to process an application for a citizenship certificate (proof of Canadian citizenship), the document people claiming citizenship by descent use to have that status confirmed. The figure moved on 3 September 2026, up from about 25 months in August. See the IRCC application page and the reporting by CIC News.

Why it matters

• The jump is 8 months in a single monthly revision - the largest single move recorded this year, after roughly 12 months in May, 19 in July and 25 in August.

• IRCC reports about 136,000 people waiting on a decision, with roughly 14,200 applications added in under a month.

• Applying from outside Canada and the United States through an embassy, high commission or consulate adds a further 3 to 4 months for mailing, and applications for a minor sent directly to the Sydney, Nova Scotia case processing centre add 6 to 8 months.

What has not changed

This is a timing change only. Who qualifies for Canadian citizenship by descent is still governed by the Bill C-3 regime in force since 15 December 2025, including the substantial-connection test of 1,095 days of physical presence for a Canadian parent who was also born abroad. Nothing in this update alters eligibility.

The quoted time is IRCC's projection for an application received today and is revised monthly, so it can move again in either direction.