The official estimate is about 34 months
IRCC updates its processing-time data for a citizenship certificate, also called proof of Canadian citizenship, once a month. At the most recent update, on October 9, 2026, the estimate was about 34 months, and about 130,700 people were waiting for a decision.
A citizenship certificate is for a person who needs official evidence that they are already a Canadian citizen. It is different from applying for a grant of citizenship as a permanent resident. The certificate is not a travel document, so travellers still need a valid passport or other travel document.
A processing time is an estimate, not a deadline
IRCC explains that the figure estimates how long an application received now may take, based on the current inventory, processing capacity and the number of applications it expects to receive. It can change again as those factors change.
The clock starts when IRCC receives a complete application and stops when a decision is made. An incomplete application, a complex file or a delay in answering IRCC's requests can make an individual case take longer.
Applications from outside Canada and the United States may take longer
IRCC says applicants living outside Canada and the United States who apply through a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate should add 3 to 4 months for mailing time.
For a minor under 18 who lives outside Canada and the United States and whose application is sent directly to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia, IRCC says to add 6 to 8 months to the published processing time.
Confirm that proof of citizenship is the right application
A citizenship certificate can be used to prove status, to access services and benefits such as a pension, or to apply for a Canadian passport. Before filing, confirm that you need proof of citizenship rather than a grant of citizenship, a passport service or another immigration document.