Recent applicants who received Canadian citizenship through expanded rules for citizenship by descent are now facing additional scrutiny from the government, even after their applications were initially approved.
Under recent amendments to Canada’s Citizenship Act, many people successfully applied for citizenship based on their family lineage. However, some of these new citizens have received official letters from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requesting them to surrender their citizenship certificates for further review.
These letters were sent to individuals across the United States and possibly other locations. Many recipients already held their citizenship certificate, had applied for a Canadian passport, or obtained a Social Insurance Number in preparation for moving to Canada.
What the Letter Says
The letters reference subsection 26(1) of the Citizenship Regulations. This allows the Registrar of Canadian Citizenship to request the return of a citizenship certificate if there is reason to believe the person may not fully qualify.
Important points to note:
- This is not a revocation of citizenship, but a review process.
- Recipients are asked to return the physical certificate (if issued in paper form) while their file is re-examined.
- Applicants can submit additional documentary evidence to support their claim.
- If the review confirms eligibility, the certificate will be reissued.
Why Are These Applications Being Flagged?
IRCC has highlighted two main issues in these review letters:
- Documents not from the original source authority — Records must come directly from official bodies such as civil registries, vital statistics offices, or recognized provincial archives. Printouts or scans from genealogy websites (like Ancestry or FamilySearch) are generally not accepted as primary evidence.
- Missing explanations for unavailable documents — When a required record could not be obtained, applicants did not provide a clear written explanation along with proof of their efforts to locate it.
In short, while many applicants are genuinely Canadian by descent, they have not yet provided the level of rigorous proof that IRCC requires to close the file.
Common Reasons for Review
- Using genealogy site printouts as main proof instead of official records.
- Submitting certified copies from archives that IRCC does not consider primary source authorities.
- Gaps in the family lineage (e.g., missing birth records for ancestors from the 1800s) without formal documentation explaining the gap.
What Should You Do If You Received a Letter?
Stay calm — this is an opportunity to strengthen your application. The letter usually specifies the exact concerns, giving you a clear path forward:
- Gather stronger evidence directly from source authorities (vital statistics offices or provincial archives).
- For any missing records, obtain a formal “letter of no record” from the relevant office and include a detailed written explanation of your search efforts.
- Submit everything together with copies for your records.
- Processing times for these reviews can take several months, so respond promptly and keep thorough documentation.
Many people in this situation benefit from professional guidance to ensure their response addresses IRCC’s requirements precisely.
How to Avoid These Issues in Your Citizenship Application
To increase your chances of approval on the first try:
- Source Documents Only: Request certified copies directly from the issuing authority (provincial vital statistics offices, civil registries, etc.). Avoid relying solely on secondary sources.
- Build a Complete Chain: Provide at least one strong linking document (e.g., birth or marriage certificate) for each generation in your line of descent.
- Document Gaps Properly: If records are unavailable, include official “no record” letters plus your own explanation detailing the steps you took to search for them.
- Name Changes: Always include marriage certificates or other documents that explain surname changes.
Citizenship by descent ultimately comes down to clear, verifiable proof of your connection to a Canadian citizen ancestor. With the right documentation and attention to detail, most genuine claims can succeed.
If you are applying for Canadian citizenship by descent, facing a review letter, or need help strengthening your file, our team at Career Brick can guide you through the process. We specialize in Canadian immigration matters and help clients prepare robust applications and responses.
For personalized assistance with your Canadian citizenship or study abroad plans, reach out to us at Career Brick Consultants in Janakpuri West, Delhi.
