Permanent residents who apply for Canadian citizenship usually wait for around 13 months for a decision. This means the process often takes more than one year.

However, some applicants might qualify for urgent processing if their case is considered “exceptional” by immigration authorities.

This article explains who qualifies for faster Canadian citizenship processing, what counts as an exceptional case and how to request faster processing of a Canadian citizenship application.

So, without further ado, let us begin!

Who Can Request Urgent Citizenship Processing?

In cases that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) considers exceptional, a citizenship application might be processed faster than normal.

IRCC does not provide a fixed list of situations that qualify. However, it gives the following examples of cases that may be accepted for urgent processing:

  • Canadian citizenship is needed to get or keep a job
  • A family emergency, such as a serious illness or death, requires travel, and a passport from the current country of citizenship is not available
  • A federal court has ruled in favour of an appeal related to a past citizenship application

Other situations may also qualify if IRCC decides they meet the standard for an exceptional case.

Important Points To Know

All requests for urgent processing are reviewed carefully. Meeting the definition of an exceptional case does not guarantee faster processing.

Even if urgent processing is approved, IRCC does not promise that the application will be completed by a specific date.

Moreover, if a request does not meet the requirements, the application will continue under normal processing times.

How To Request Urgent Processing?

If a citizenship grant application has not yet been submitted and urgent processing is needed, the application must be sent by mail.

The process includes the following steps:

Step 1: Download, print, and fully complete the correct application package. Make sure all forms are filled out and all questions are answered.

Step 2: Include a written explanation of why urgent processing is being requested. Add documents that support the reason for the request.

Step 3: Place the application form [CIT 0002], the explanation, supporting documents, all required documents from the checklist, two citizenship photos, and the fee payment receipt ($649.75 per adult / $100 per minor) in an envelope.

Step 4: Write clearly on the envelope in large, dark letters:
“Request Urgent Processing – Grant of Citizenship.”

Step 5: Mail the application to the address listed in the instruction guide.

Can Urgent Processing Be Requested After Applying?

It is still possible to request urgent processing even after a citizenship application has already been submitted, either online or by mail.

This can be done through IRCC’s online web form by completing all required fields, including:

  • Full name, date of birth, email address, and phone number
  • Unique Client Identifier (UCI) or application number

There is a section at the bottom of the form called “Tell us about your request.” This section should explain why the case is exceptional and why urgent processing is needed.

Supporting documents should be attached to the form. These files must meet IRCC’s requirements:

  • Accepted formats: PDF, JPEG, TIFF, DOC, DOCX
  • File size limits: Each file must be 2MB or smaller, & the total size of all files must not exceed 3.5MB. Moreover, IRCC provides guidance online to help reduce file sizes if needed.

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