Canada reviews citizenship-by-descent cases

Mikaela Ariar, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
June 17, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Paul Giamou

CANADA – The government of Canada is requesting a few individuals who recently got their citizenship certificates under the country’s developed citizenship-by-descent law to return documents due to the reviewal of applications.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) sent notices last June 13 to inform the people that they might have provided insufficient evidences to prove their connections to a Canadian ancestor.

Affected people acquired citizenship under Bill C-3, which was effective December of 2025. The legislation increased qualification for citizenship by descent, allowing a few individuals born outside the country to claim it through Canadian ancestors beyond the first generation. It was to address long-standing problems faced by lost Canadians and their descents.

However, IRCC has made it clear that these do not amount to revocations, but reassessments. Those who are affected will be given the chance to submit additional information of lineage before a final decision. The department stated that if a review verifies eligibility, their citizenship certificate will be sent back.