When and how do I apply urgently for a citizenship certificate?
Status of changes to the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent Updated December 15, 2025
On December 15, 2025, the Government of Canada passed Bill C-3 to change the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent.The Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled in December 2023 that the limit was unconstitutional for many people. In March 2025, we introduced an interim measure to support those affected.
We will now process all applications submitted under the interim measure using the new rules.
In some cases, we may be able to process applications faster than our normal processing times.
You can apply urgently for a citizenship certificate (proof of Canadian citizenship) for reasons such as:
- to help avoid situations of potential harm or hardship due to factors such as
- race
- religion
- nationality
- sexual orientation
- gender identity or expression, or
- membership in particular groups
- to move your minor child (under 18) to Canada and they
- were born outside Canada, and
- have a Canadian parent
- to help with a case of statelessness
- to travel because of death or serious illness in the family, and you’re unable to get a passport in your other nationality
- to give up (renounce) foreign citizenship by a certain date
- for employment or education, specifically to:
- apply for a job
- avoid losing a current job
- attend a school, college or university
- you need to access social benefits like
- a pension
- health care
- a social insurance number
Your request for urgent processing must include
- an explanation letter
- supporting documents, for example
- your plane ticket or itinerary, with proof of payment
- a letter from your employer
- a letter from your school
- a doctor’s note
- a death certificate
We’ll review your request to see if it qualifies. Even if you qualify for urgent processing, we can’t guarantee that you’ll get your citizenship certificate on time.
Urgent processing for dual Canadian citizens
Dual Canadian citizens can apply for a citizenship certificate urgently. To qualify, you must
- also be a citizen of a visa-exempt country
- have proof of air travel to Canada within 6 months following the date of application
- have applied at the same time for a citizenship certificate and a Canadian passport
You can apply for urgent processing
- online, if you qualify, or
- on paper
Urgent processing: Submitted paper application (from outside Canada and the United States)
Contact the Canadian embassy, consulate or high commission (opens in a new tab) where you submitted your application.
You need to prepare
- a letter explaining why you need urgent processing
- documents to support your explanation
Urgent processing: Submitted paper application (from Canada or the United States)
Fill out the web form (opens in a new tab) to explain why you need urgent processing.
Include
- your full name, date of birth, email address and telephone numbers
- a message that starts with “Request for urgent processing”
- any documents that will support your explanation
- Make sure your documents are in the correct format.
Urgent processing: Submitted online application
Fill out the web form (opens in a new tab) to explain why you need urgent processing.
Include
- your full name, date of birth, email address and telephone numbers
- a message that starts with “Request for urgent processing”
- any documents that will support your explanation
- Make sure your documents are in the correct format.
Urgent processing: New online application
We’ll ask you if you need urgent processing in the application.
Answer yes, and
- give an explanation of why you need urgent processing
- upload documents to support your explanation
Urgent processing: New paper application
-
Complete the application package(opens in a new tab) .
Include with your application
- a letter explaining why you need urgent processing
- documents to support your explanation
- Pay your application fee (opens in a new tab) .
- Submit your application.
- Write “Urgent – Citizenship Certificate (Proof)” in large, dark letters on the envelope.
- Find out where to submit your application (opens in a new tab) .
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