Applications for Canadian citizenship certificates from individuals worldwide have surged recently, with a significant increase in submissions from the United States, according to CBC News findings. The adoption of the “Lost Canadian” legislation by Parliament late last year led to a nearly 50% rise in the number of certificates issued between April 1 and May 31, as per new data obtained by CBC.
The enactment of Bill C-3 permits citizenship for those able to demonstrate descent from a Canadian ancestor, irrespective of how many generations back the ancestor left the country. This change came after courts deemed the previous restriction of citizenship to only the first generation born outside of Canada to be overly limiting.
Between mid-December, when Bill C-3 took effect, and May 31, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) granted around 6,100 citizenship certificates to eligible individuals. This marks a notable increase from the 4,075 certificates issued from mid-December to the end of March.
Furthermore, an additional 17,390 individuals have obtained certificates due to having a Canadian parent. Previously, individuals born outside Canada needed a Canadian parent to qualify for citizenship before the bill’s implementation.
The newly recognized Canadian citizens, totaling 23,490, now have the opportunity to apply for Canadian passports and reside and work in Canada. However, they are ineligible to vote in federal elections unless they have lived in Canada at some point in their lives.
Of the individuals recognized between mid-December and the end of May, almost half are born in the U.S. Approximately 3,110 Americans have qualified for Canadian citizenship certificates under Bill C-3, while an additional 8,125 Americans received certificates due to having a Canadian-born parent.
The number of pending citizenship certificate applications has soared, with around 121,800 individuals currently awaiting a decision, up from 56,000 in April and 70,400 in May. Moreover, the estimated wait time for a decision has doubled from 12 months in May to 25 months as of August 10.
Estimates vary widely on the number of individuals eligible for Canadian citizenship under Bill C-3, with the parliamentary budget officer suggesting that approximately 115,000 people could be impacted by the legislative change.
The Association of Canadian Archivists reports a significant increase in requests for genealogical records essential for proving lineage from a Canadian ancestor for citizenship certificate applications under Bill C-3. Archivists are overwhelmed by the surge in requests, which often involve complex historical records predating Confederation.
Archivists are advocating for increased funding to cope with the mounting demand for genealogical records required under Bill C-3. The recent suspension of some issued citizenship certificates by IRCC has raised concerns among archivists about potential additional requests for further genealogical evidence, further straining resources.