The surge in applications for Canadian citizenship certificates from individuals globally, including a significant number from the United States, has been notable in recent months, as per information obtained by CBC News. Following the implementation of Bill C-3, which permits citizenship for individuals proving descent from a Canadian ancestor irrespective of generations back, there has been a near 50% rise in the grant of certificates between April and May.
From mid-December to May 31, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued approximately 6,100 citizenship certificates under Bill C-3, up from 4,075 certificates granted between mid-December and March 31. Additionally, 17,390 individuals have received certificates due to having a Canadian parent, compared to the previous requirement of needing a Canadian parent to qualify for citizenship.
The newly recognized Canadian citizens, totaling 23,490, are now eligible to apply for Canadian passports and reside and work in Canada. However, they are ineligible to vote in federal elections unless they have resided in Canada at some point.
Americans represent nearly half of the individuals granted citizenship certificates under Bill C-3, with 3,110 Americans qualifying for certificates directly and 8,125 through having a Canadian-born parent. The number of pending citizenship certificate applications has surged, reaching 121,800, with an extended wait time for a decision now standing at 25 months as of August 10.
Estimates suggest a wide range of individuals could qualify for Canadian citizenship under Bill C-3, potentially impacting around 115,000 people. The sudden influx of requests for genealogical records to prove lineage under Bill C-3 has overwhelmed Canadian archivists, prompting calls for additional funding to meet the heightened demand for records. Archivists are facing challenges in evolving document requirements from IRCC and potential emotional strain due to the personal nature of the requests.
Recent suspensions of issued certificates by IRCC have sparked concerns among archivists, who fear that applicants may need to gather additional genealogical records to address document-related issues. The resolution of these suspensions is ongoing, with potential repercussions for individuals failing to provide adequate proof of Canadian ancestry, including certificate revocation. Opposition voices have raised questions about the suspension process and its impact on affected individuals.
