Applications for Canadian citizenship certificates from individuals worldwide have been surging in recent months, with a significant increase in requests coming from the United States, as per information uncovered by CBC News. The adoption of the “Lost Canadian” legislation by Parliament late last year led to a nearly 50% rise in the number of individuals granted certificates between April 1 and May 31, according to newly acquired data by CBC.
Known as Bill C-3, the legislation permits citizenship for those able to demonstrate descent from a Canadian ancestor, even if that ancestor emigrated from the country several generations ago. This change came about after courts deemed the previous restriction of citizenship to only the first generation born outside of Canada as overly limiting.
From mid-December, when Bill C-3 became effective, to May 31, approximately 6,100 citizenship certificates were bestowed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to those now eligible. This marks a substantial increase from the 4,075 certificates granted from mid-December to March 31 due to Bill C-3.
Moreover, an additional 17,390 individuals have received certificates by virtue of having a Canadian parent. Before the legislation, individuals born outside Canada were required to have a Canadian parent to qualify for citizenship.
The acquired certificates enable the newfound 23,490 Canadian citizens to apply for Canadian passports, reside, and work in Canada. Nonetheless, Elections Canada stipulates that they cannot partake in federal elections unless they have resided in Canada at some point.
Nearly half of the individuals recognized between mid-December and the end of May were born in the U.S. Data from IRCC reveals that 3,110 Americans have met the criteria for Canadian citizenship certificates under Bill C-3, with an additional 8,125 Americans receiving certificates due to having a Canadian-born parent.
Despite these numbers, this represents merely a fraction of the total applications awaiting processing. In April, approximately 56,000 applications were awaiting a decision, escalating to 70,400 in May. Presently, IRCC’s website indicates that 121,800 individuals are awaiting a verdict, encompassing applications ranging from seeking recognition under Bill C-3 to routine replacement requests for lost or stolen certificates.
Meanwhile, the estimated processing period for a decision has doubled from 12 months in May to 25 months as of August 10. The potential number of individuals qualifying for Canadian citizenship under Bill C-3 varies, with projections ranging widely. The parliamentary budget officer approximates that 115,000 people could be impacted by the legislative change.