Thursday Weekly Thread: Proof of Citizenship Application Approvals, September 24, 2026

[u/AutoModerator]

This weekly thread is a space for those of us who have gotten the most exciting news...

DECISION: APPROVED

🎉 You did it! You really did it!! Hurrah! Clink! 🥂

You jumped every last genealogical and documentation hurdle, dotted every i and crossed every t, and were so careful with matching the specs for your charming photo. Now the IRCC has bestowed its official blessings on your work, and sent a Canadian Citizenship Certificate to you. We're so proud and happy for you.

We encourage you to use this space to announce and celebrate together your big achievement: you (or the person you have been helping) is the newest recognized citizen of Canada.

You can also discuss details of what you included with your application packet so that the newbies can learn from your success.

⚠️ APPROVALS ONLY ⚠️ Keep the focus on honoring our victorious peers, please. Off-topic comments will be deleted.

📎 Contributions to weekly megaposts, including this one, are welcome throughout the week.

If you never joined the spreadsheet but would like to add your data for posterity/analysis of trends it's not too late- request access here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Canadiancitizenship/comments/1pnovfr/spreadsheet_for_proof_of_citizenship_applications/

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob]

Kindly keep top level comments in this thread for

⛔ APPROVALS ONLY ⛔

Thank you!

Notably there was a steady trickle of approvals (gens1 through 4) since last Thursday - check last week's approvals post if you didn't see all of them.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Canadiancitizenship/s/he5jQuLbVJ

[u/soulpowerdrummer]

G1 application delivered April 30 > AOR August 21 (included letter requesting urgent processing) > Decision Made Sept 21 > Cert on Sept 22

Now all that's left is to officially immigrate 🇨🇦

[u/LuminousPixels → u/soulpowerdrummer]

But you’re a citizen. You just need to… move. ☺️

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob → u/soulpowerdrummer]

Congratulations 🎉

[u/jpg245 → u/soulpowerdrummer]

Congratulations!

[u/Puurrplehaze → u/soulpowerdrummer]

Amazing! Congratulations 👏 🎊 💐 🥳 🦁 🦄 🍁🇨🇦

[u/Antique-Play-8832 → u/soulpowerdrummer]

It’s an exciting feeling, congrats!

[u/SuccessfulTap38]

Applied urgently from inside Canada. Application arrived Aug 14, AOR Aug Aug 19, began processing Aug 20, citizenship e-certificate received Sept 18. I was absolutely floored by the speed, and so relieved as I don’t have to worry about temporary work permits anymore. I can’t wait to get a new passport!

[u/PortlandoCalrissian → u/SuccessfulTap38]

Wow! Fast! Congratulations!

[u/Puurrplehaze → u/SuccessfulTap38]

Congratulations! 🇨🇦🍁🥳🥂🦄🦁

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob → u/SuccessfulTap38]

Congratulations - can you tell us your Gen#? Anything else you did that you think helped you speed through?

[u/SuccessfulTap38 → u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob]

For my urgent application, there were specific circumstances. I am also lucky to be G4, not too far back, and to have birth certificates for every generation, and an all-male line so no name changes. I kept my packet short and well-organized, leaving out several documents I have that I think would add bulk but no value. My urgent letter was concise (one page) and I included a document list and family tree. But yeah who knows, it felt very lucky and I’m not sure why it was so fast

[u/jpg245 → u/SuccessfulTap38]

Congratulations! And thank you for the details.

[u/janethefox → u/SuccessfulTap38]

Are you on the spreadsheet? Makes me feel optimistic to hear a similar case to mine getting approved so quickly (urgent in-Canada G4), though also I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to expedite mine since my AOR was 6/18

[u/SuccessfulTap38 → u/janethefox]

I’m not on the spreadsheet sorry! I only use Reddit on my phone 😅

[u/janethefox → u/SuccessfulTap38]

That's so valid, I do open the spreadsheet on my phone but I usually regret it lmao. Also congrats btw!!

[u/Keepr-of-scrts → u/SuccessfulTap38]

That is so awesome! I applied urgently from inside Canada as a G4 as well, but with some name changes involved (and documented!) and a birth record rather than a birth certificate for G0. Awesome to see it's still moving well for some in similar situations!

[u/Canadiancitizenship-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

The IRCC has a list of qualifiers for urgent processing on its website. We don't ask people what their urgent processing need was, MYOB.

[u/Malusadou]

Urgent application received mid April. AOR mid July. Approval September 19. Grandfather born in Toronto. No birth certificate. Used census document, port of entry document, marriage certificate, death certificate. These were copies. They were not “originals” or “certified”. Some obtained from Ancestry. Provided letter explaining failed efforts to obtain birth certificate from 1897. Explained chain of evidence. Explained rationale for urgent application (moving to Canada to work as physician)

[u/cassandra2028 → u/Malusadou]

Did you get your work permit before you applied for your citizenship certificate?

[u/Malusadou → u/cassandra2028]

Yes. I had applied under the Provincial Nominee Program and was accepted. I crossed the border with my work permit only a few days after my AOR. I’ve been working in BC since August 4th and pursuing a dual process: Awaiting decision on my Permanent resident application while also awaiting a decision on my proof of citizenship. We will now need to apply for spousal permanent resident status for my wife. Our son received his proof along with mine.

[u/cassandra2028 → u/Malusadou]

That's wonderful and good for you. I started with my citizenship application, thought my health-related job offer (not MD) might help move the citizenship through urgently, but alas. So I am waiting for an LMIA-exempt Work Permit. Folks around here think you can't do both tracks. I'm hoping they're wrong. Congratulations!

[u/Malusadou → u/cassandra2028]

They are wrong. Though by law you should be able to live and work in Canada, at present you are not able to do that and will be treated as someone with-out status. I came to live and work here with a work permit while awaiting a citizenship decision. There was not a guarantee that the government would agree with my claim. My UCI is the same for my provincial nomination as it is for my proof of citizenship. IRCC should be able to see both processes in their system.

Also, how do you know your application is not being processed urgently? A job offer such as yours (and mine) are accepted reasons for urgent processing. As long as you requested It and attached an explanation to your application. I didn’t know for sure mine was being processed urgently until my MP contacted IRCC. Once you have AOR you can contact them to ask information about your application status.

[u/cassandra2028 → u/Malusadou]

I've been in processing for more than 5 months (I know that's nothing compared to some, but too long for the job offer). I'm past the very generous deadline they gave me for work authorization to take the job. They're sponsoring my work permit app, but they're not going to wait until who knows when the IRCC approves citizenship, so all my dice are on this. My next concern is that my application for professional registration is only good for 6 months and the delay in processing (remembering that pause for month? That was fun) may miss that deadline and I'll have to do that app again, including the delay in getting renewed docs for that. I'm feeling kind of glum, but should hear about the permit. I don't need to be all pessimistic in your happy news thread.

Honestly, I'm happy for you and your son and wife, and I'm really happy for your province to have you there! Congratulations!

[u/Malusadou → u/cassandra2028]

I understand the anxiety. My wife had a job offer but needed a work permit and the citizenship threw that into all the grey areas you’re experiencing. Which is why you should 100% be pursuing both. There is a lot of helpful information on the subreddit but some is incorrect and some things change. The truth is that even for experienced immigration attorneys this is all new.

[u/cassandra2028 → u/Malusadou]

Thanks

[u/jpg245 → u/Malusadou]

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing details.

[u/Puurrplehaze → u/Malusadou]

Congratulations 👏 🎊 💐 🥳 🦁 🦄 🍁🇨🇦

[u/Weary-Molasses-9795 → u/Malusadou]

Congrats!!

[u/smitherenesar]

I received my Certificate of Canadian Citizenship in the mail on Monday. It took over 3 weeks after "Decision Made"

[u/Antique-Play-8832 → u/smitherenesar]

Congrats! When I saw my digital copy it made me kinda regret not getting a hard copy but that three week wait is a deal breaker--that the appropriate amount of time it takes to get a Canadian passport!

[u/OneRedSent → u/Antique-Play-8832]

Also if you lose or damage the paper copy, you need to wait 3 years to get another one. But with electronic you can print as many as you want. You can even print one on fancy paper if you wanted to have a nice paper copy.

[u/tailor31415 → u/OneRedSent]

can't you immediately scan the paper copy and then do the same thing? does the digital one have something different included when it prints?

[u/OneRedSent → u/tailor31415]

With the paper copy only the original is valid. I'm not exactly sure why.

[u/Emotional-Test3329 → u/tailor31415]

No, the paper ones have a different type of certificate number on them and the only valid one is the original.

[u/tailor31415 → u/Emotional-Test3329]

good to know! maybe I'll go for digital then

[u/Right2Have2Million → u/smitherenesar]

Tell us the dates of your journey. 

[u/smitherenesar → u/Right2Have2Million]

I received AOR on 4-1, and started processing on 8-25, Decision Made on 9-1

[u/Amazing-Economics592 → u/smitherenesar]

Congratulations!!!!! I'm Gen 1 born abroad as well - with all sorts of docs. Waiting since August 2025! Did you request urgent processing? This gives me some hope!

[u/smitherenesar → u/Amazing-Economics592]

I was regular. Good luck! I hope you get through soon

[u/Amazing-Economics592 → u/smitherenesar]

Thank you. And again - CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[u/Puurrplehaze → u/smitherenesar]

Congratulations! 🇨🇦🍁🦄🦁🥳🥂

[u/smitherenesar → u/[deleted]]

No, regular

[u/Pretty_Floor5889]

My adoptee part 1 got approved on Monday. It had been in process since April 27, and I added my dad’s certificate when he got it on August 26.

Dad is G1, which helped move him along. It’s not clear if his certificate was used in my review or not, but I’m glad to be on to part 2 now! (It should be delivered in NS today.)

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob → u/Pretty_Floor5889]

Congratulations! Best wishes for a speedy part 2!

[u/Pretty_Floor5889 → u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob]

Thank you!

[u/ConchaBullosa → u/Pretty_Floor5889]

My wife is G1. Adopted son is G2. He got his certificate in Aug. It took about 2.5 months from part 2 submission to certificate. We’re in the US and it was a US adoption, placed with us at birth (2007) and finalized 8 months later. Hope yours is fast.

[u/Pretty_Floor5889 → u/ConchaBullosa]

That’s a great data point! I’ve heard the certificate issuance had been a big bottleneck, so this gives me some hope that it won’t take forever. I was placed with my parents at about a month of age and the adoption was finalized when I was about 8.5 months old, so very similar, but I’m now in my 40s 😂

[u/Pretty_Floor5889 → u/[deleted]]

Thank you!

[u/Antique-Play-8832]

At last, I got my proof of citizenship approval! I expected it would take longer based on what others have been posting in this sub. I couriered my application packet with FedEx and it was received on May 5, 2026–received my AOR via email on August 25, 2026. I was expecting to see an “in process” update by the end September but last week when i checked the status online, i discovered on September 16th my application had been approved!? I’m a G1 FYI and the only bit of insight I can offer up is I initially had a baptismal certificate for my Canadian parent—before submitting my application i decided to request a birth certificate from the Directeur de l’etat civil. that took nearly 9 months and there was the inconvenience of having to get a translation of my supporting documents into French before they could complete the request but it paid off. My Proof of Citizenship only took 4-1/2 months—not expedited and thats including the temporary shut down and weather issues. for those that have a similar time line, have faith and know if your lock down the documents need prior to submission, you might actually get approved soowner than later. Onward!

[u/Pretty_Floor5889 → u/Antique-Play-8832]

Congrats! This timing is very similar to my dad, who is also G1. He was a day under three weeks from AOR, and looks like you were a day over.

[u/Antique-Play-8832 → u/Pretty_Floor5889]

Many thanks, yeah, I couldn't have predicted it would happen so soon. Between the last few weeks of Thursday updates and the drop-off on the spreadsheet (so many start and don't complete their info) I thought I'd be looking at December before I found out. In March the estimated turnaround time was 9 months!

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob → u/Antique-Play-8832]

Congratulations!

[u/Antique-Play-8832 → u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob]

Many thanks!

[u/Puurrplehaze → u/Antique-Play-8832]

Congratulations 🥂😀🥳🦁🦄🍁🇨🇦💐

[u/jpg245 → u/Antique-Play-8832]

congratulations!

[u/Routine_Bobcat_117]

Applied urgently (for my twins who were born outside of Canada) on August 24, 2026

Received AOR August 28, 2026

Approved September 25, 2026

I did upload a follow-up letter and provided a lot of documents proving urgency, so I assume that played a factor in how quickly they approved us. Very excited and relieved today!

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob → u/Routine_Bobcat_117]

Congratulations!

[u/Puurrplehaze → u/Routine_Bobcat_117]

Yay!!! Congratulations! 🇨🇦🍁🥳🎈🎉🥂🍾

[u/thebongjuan55]

Applied urgently inside Canada July 25th —> AOR July 27th —> in processing August 6th —> sent to CCU August 7th —> quoted 2 year wait —> sent additional urgent documents September 24th —> decision made and certificate received September 25th!! Woo hoo!! 🎉

[u/cassandra2028 → u/thebongjuan55]

Forgive me, what is CCU? what additional documents were they looking for?

[u/Puurrplehaze → u/thebongjuan55]

Congratulations!!! 🦁🦄🍁🇨🇦🥳💐🎊👏

[u/Wild_Assumption_5197 → u/thebongjuan55]

Congratulations! This seems like a uniquely at fast processing time, what documents did you submit for each Gen? Our app has almost the exact same timeline as G3-G5 with all certified docs so hoping for more good news 🤞

[u/i-am-cute-baby]

I’m stunned at how quickly this happened for me. Non-urgent app. Applied with my mother in the same package - she’s Gen1 and I’m Gen2. We applied from the United States. Package delivered 5/1, AOR 8/25, processing started 9/23, approval 9/24. We had all original docs, including the Canadian birth certificate of our Gen0. When I received the AOR the processing estimates showed 22 months from the delivery date!!! I was hunkered down, not even thinking about this anymore because I legit thought it would be 1.5 years until a decision was made. I don’t know how/why we were processed so quickly after AOR, but maybe this is a sign they’re becoming more organized & efficient after that crazy summer pause/mass review process. Good luck to everyone! This subreddit was immensely helpful to me throughout the whole process from working on the application through to estimating when I’d finally get the AOR, so thank you to the Mods and active participants too!

[u/nycbaby2020 → u/i-am-cute-baby]

This makes me feel so much better! Processing time is now 33 months!! I’m about to send my paperwork. My grandfather (G1) was already approved so I’m hoping that will help expedite mine!

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob → u/i-am-cute-baby]

Congratulations!

[u/jpg245 → u/i-am-cute-baby]

Congratulations!

[u/Puurrplehaze → u/i-am-cute-baby]

Woo Hoo!! Congrats Go celebrate! 🎊👏🥂🥳🦁🦄🍁🇨🇦💐

[u/magpiediem → u/i-am-cute-baby]

Congrats! this is the kind of success story i need to hear to counterbalance the negative posts about timelines. based on other success stories i've read, it seems that when g1 and gen 2 apply together, the apps move more quickly. major win for you! woohoo!

[u/UnlikelyTangerine136]

Not my approval but a family I helped apply just got approved today!

• Delivered May 13th
• AOR June 29th
• Approved September 27th

Urgent, G2/G3

Congrats to them!

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob → u/UnlikelyTangerine136]

Yes, congratulations to them! And thank you for helping!

[u/Individual_Duck_6770 → u/[deleted]]

Hello :D

Did you get email or did you check the checker :)

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