Canada’s processing time for proof of citizenship jumps to 19 months

IRCC Processing Times 2026 -- July 2026 -- What It Means for You

The processing time for proof of citizenship has increased to 19 months as of July 8, 2026. According to IRCC, this change affects all citizenship applicants who have submitted their applications and are waiting for processing. The IRCC processing times 2026 have been a topic of interest for many applicants, and this latest update brings significant changes to the waiting period. As the immigration landscape continues to evolve, understanding the implications of these changes is crucial for those navigating the Canadian immigration system. The increased processing time may impact various groups, including international students, PGWP holders, and Express Entry candidates, who may be considering applying for citizenship in the future.

What Happened

On July 8, 2026, the IRCC announced the updated processing time for proof of citizenship, which now stands at 19 months. According to IRCC, this change is effective immediately, and all new applications will be subject to the revised processing time. The IRCC processing times 2026 have seen several updates in recent months, and this latest change may indicate a trend towards longer waiting periods for certain immigration applications. As the IRCC continues to work on processing applications, applicants can expect to wait nearly a year and a half for their proof of citizenship to be processed. This change may have significant implications for those planning to apply for citizenship, and understanding the reasons behind the increase in processing time is essential.

Who Is Affected

The increased processing time for proof of citizenship affects citizenship applicants directly, but it may also have indirect implications for other groups, such as international students and PGWP holders. For instance, a PGWP holder in Ontario with a CRS score of 462 may be considering applying for citizenship in the future. However, with the increased processing time, they may need to wait longer to receive their proof of citizenship, which could impact their long-term plans. Similarly, Express Entry candidates who have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) may also be affected, as they may need to wait longer to receive their proof of citizenship after landing in Canada. Permanent residents who are eligible to apply for citizenship may also be impacted, as they will need to factor in the longer processing time when planning their application.

What This Means in Plain English

The increased processing time for proof of citizenship means that applicants will need to wait nearly a year and a half for their application to be processed. If you applied for proof of citizenship in March 2026, this means your wait time changed from the previous estimated time to 19 months. According to IRCC, the processing time is calculated from the date the application is received, and it may vary depending on the complexity of the application. To put this into perspective, if you are a citizenship applicant who submitted your application on July 8, 2026, you can expect to wait until February 2028 for your application to be processed, assuming the processing time remains the same. This change may require applicants to adjust their plans and expectations, and understanding the IRCC processing times 2026 is crucial for navigating the immigration system.

Historical Context

The increased processing time for proof of citizenship is not unprecedented, as the IRCC has experienced fluctuations in processing times in the past. According to IRCC, the processing time for proof of citizenship has been increasing over the past year, with some applications taking up to 18 months to process. In comparison, the processing time for Express Entry applications has remained relatively stable, with most applications being processed within 6 months. The IRCC processing times 2026 have been influenced by various factors, including changes in application volumes and updates to the immigration system. As the IRCC continues to work on processing applications, it is essential to consider the historical context and trends in processing times to better understand the implications of these changes.

What to Do Right Now

Citizenship applicants who have already submitted their applications should monitor their application status regularly and be prepared to wait for the revised processing time. If you are considering applying for citizenship, it is essential to factor in the increased processing time and plan accordingly. You can Ask Ikovia your immigration question to get personalized guidance on your application and to better understand the implications of the increased processing time. Additionally, applicants can use the IRCC's online tools to track their application status and receive updates on the processing time. By taking proactive steps and staying informed, applicants can navigate the immigration system more effectively and make informed decisions about their application.

What to Expect Next

Based on the pattern of this announcement, it is possible that the IRCC may continue to update the processing times for other immigration applications. According to IRCC, the department is committed to processing applications as efficiently as possible, and any changes to processing times will be communicated to applicants in a timely manner. As the immigration landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to stay informed about any updates or changes to the IRCC processing times 2026.

How Ikovia Can Help

Ikovia's Document Tracker can help you stay on top of your application and receive personalized alerts when there are updates to the IRCC processing times 2026. By using the Document Tracker, you can track your application status and receive notifications when there are changes to the processing time. Get personalized alerts when news like this affects your specific profile. Start free at Ikovia.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information is based on official IRCC announcements and may change. Always verify current requirements at canada.ca or consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).