Many people are now eligible to apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate under Canada’s updated citizenship by descent rules. Since Bill C-3 came into effect on December 15, 2025, millions of people with Canadian ancestry may now qualify for Canadian citizenship.
Before sending an application, it is important to carefully review every document and form. Even a small mistake can result in the application being returned, leading to unnecessary delays.
The following checklist highlights some of the most common mistakes applicants should avoid before mailing their citizenship by descent application.
Make Sure Documents Come From The Original Authority
In June 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its citizenship certificate document checklist (CIT 0014).
The updated checklist clearly states that supporting documents must come directly from the government authority that originally created or maintains the record. This may include a provincial vital statistics office, civil registry, or government archive.
Documents downloaded from genealogy websites or other third-party sources are not accepted as the only proof, even if they contain the correct information.
If an official record is no longer available, applicants should include evidence showing they tried to obtain it. This may include a no-record letter or written communication from the archive or government office.
Submit High-Quality Colour Copies
IRCC requires clear, high-resolution colour photocopies of all supporting documents.
Black-and-white copies are one of the most common reasons citizenship applications are returned.
Applicants should only send original documents if IRCC specifically requests them. In most cases, documents submitted with the application are not returned.
Check That Photos Meet IRCC Requirements
Citizenship photos must follow IRCC’s official photo requirements.
The photos must have the correct size, a plain white or light-coloured background, and the back of one photo must include the photographer’s name, studio information, and the date the photo was taken.
Only photos that meet Canada’s citizenship photo requirements are accepted. Selfies, edited photos, and AI-generated images cannot be used.
Pay The Required Fee And Include The Receipt
Although the application is submitted by mail, the application fee must be paid online through IRCC’s payment system.
After making the payment, applicants should print the payment receipt and include it with the paper application package.
Missing the payment receipt may cause the application to be returned as incomplete.
Complete Every Part Of The Application Form
Every question on the application form should be answered.
Leaving sections blank may cause IRCC to treat the application as incomplete.
If a question does not apply, applicants should write ‘N/A’ instead of leaving the space empty.
Before mailing the application, every page should be reviewed carefully to make sure nothing has been missed.
Review The Signature And Date
One of the easiest mistakes to avoid is forgetting to sign the application.
IRCC requires applicants to sign the form using black ink and include the correct date.
The application must not be dated more than 90 days before IRCC receives it, and future dates are also not accepted.
A missing signature or incorrect date can result in the application being returned.
Keep Copies And Track The Application
Before sending the application package, applicants should make photocopies of all forms and supporting documents for their own records.
IRCC also recommends using a courier or postal service with tracking. This helps confirm that the application has been delivered successfully.
Taking a little extra time to review the application before mailing it can help avoid unnecessary delays.
According to IRCC’s latest updates, citizenship certificate applications currently take about 19 months to be completed. Making sure everything is correct before submission can help applicants avoid having their package returned and needing to start the process again.
Applicants with complex family histories, missing records, or questions about eligibility may also benefit from speaking with a licensed Canadian immigration lawyer or regulated immigration consultant before submitting their application.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
