Immigration minister says Canada is ‘not finalizing any new’ citizenship-by-descent applications, reviewing all files

Canadian Citizenship Applications Frozen -- July 2026 -- What It Means for You

On July 3, 2026, Canada's immigration minister announced that the country is not finalizing any new citizenship-by-descent applications, and all files are being reviewed. This news affects individuals who have applied for Canadian citizenship 2026 through descent, a process that allows individuals to obtain citizenship if one of their parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of their birth. According to IRCC, this review will ensure that all applications are thoroughly examined to prevent any potential issues with the citizenship process. The exact number of applications affected by this review is not yet available, but it is expected to impact a significant number of individuals who have applied for citizenship-by-descent in recent months.

What Happened

The announcement by the immigration minister has caused concern among individuals who have applied for Canadian citizenship 2026 through descent. According to IRCC, the review of all files is necessary to ensure that the citizenship process is fair and secure. This review will involve examining all applications to ensure that they meet the necessary requirements, and that all documentation is in order. The review process is expected to take several months, and it is not yet clear when it will be completed. Individuals who have applied for citizenship-by-descent can expect to receive updates on their application status in the coming weeks. The review of citizenship-by-descent applications is a significant development in the Canadian citizenship 2026 process, and it is expected to have a major impact on individuals who have applied for citizenship through this route.

Who Is Affected

The announcement by the immigration minister affects individuals who have applied for Canadian citizenship 2026 through descent. This includes individuals who were born outside of Canada to a Canadian parent, and who have applied for citizenship through the descent process. International students, PGWP holders, and work permit holders who have applied for citizenship through descent may also be affected by this review. For example, a PGWP holder who applied for citizenship-by-descent in March 2026 may experience a delay in the processing of their application. According to IRCC, the review of all files will ensure that the citizenship process is fair and secure, but it may cause delays for individuals who have applied for citizenship through descent. Express Entry candidates who have applied for citizenship through descent may also be affected, as the review of their application may take longer than expected. Permanent residents who have applied for citizenship through descent may also experience delays in the processing of their application.

What This Means in Plain English

The announcement by the immigration minister means that individuals who have applied for Canadian citizenship 2026 through descent will experience a delay in the processing of their application. If you applied for citizenship-by-descent in June 2026, this means that your application will not be finalized until the review of all files is complete. According to IRCC, the review process will ensure that all applications are thoroughly examined to prevent any potential issues with the citizenship process. For example, if you were born outside of Canada to a Canadian parent, and you applied for citizenship through the descent process, you can expect to receive updates on your application status in the coming weeks. The review of citizenship-by-descent applications is a complex process, and it may take several months to complete. Individuals who have applied for citizenship through descent can expect to receive updates on their application status, and they can contact IRCC for more information on the status of their application.

Historical Context

The review of citizenship-by-descent applications is not a new development in the Canadian citizenship 2026 process. According to IRCC, the citizenship process has undergone several changes in recent years, including the introduction of new requirements for language proficiency and residency. In 2019, the Canadian government introduced Bill C-6, which made significant changes to the citizenship process, including the removal of the requirement for applicants to intend to reside in Canada. The review of citizenship-by-descent applications is part of the government's efforts to ensure that the citizenship process is fair and secure. On June 15, 2026, the Canadian government announced that it would be subjecting immigration language tests to greater scrutiny, a move that is expected to impact individuals who have applied for Canadian citizenship 2026. As reported in a recent article on Canada subjects immigration language tests to greater scrutiny, this move is part of the government's efforts to ensure that the immigration process is fair and secure.

What to Do Right Now

Individuals who have applied for Canadian citizenship 2026 through descent should contact IRCC for more information on the status of their application. They can also expect to receive updates on their application status in the coming weeks. According to IRCC, the review of all files will ensure that the citizenship process is fair and secure, but it may cause delays for individuals who have applied for citizenship through descent. If you are a PGWP holder who has applied for citizenship-by-descent, you can expect to experience a delay in the processing of your application. You can contact Ask Ikovia your immigration question for more information on the status of your application and to get guidance on the next steps to take. For example, if you are an international student who has applied for citizenship through descent, you can expect to receive updates on your application status, and you can contact IRCC for more information on the status of your application. As reported in a recent article on Saskatchewan announces it has used over half of this year’s provincial immigration quota, the Canadian government is taking steps to ensure that the immigration process is fair and secure.

What to Expect Next

Based on the pattern of this announcement, it is likely that IRCC will continue to review all files to ensure that the citizenship process is fair and secure. According to IRCC, the review of citizenship-by-descent applications is a complex process, and it may take several months to complete. Individuals who have applied for Canadian citizenship 2026 through descent can expect to receive updates on their application status, and they can contact IRCC for more information on the status of their application. As reported in a recent article on Fewer foreign researchers coming to Canada and staying permanently, the Canadian government is taking steps to ensure that the immigration process is fair and secure.

How Ikovia Can Help

Ikovia can help individuals who have applied for Canadian citizenship 2026 through descent by providing guidance on the next steps to take. Ask Ikovia your immigration question can provide more information on the status of your application and guide you through the process. 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).