Canada Fast-Tracks Citizenship

Canada is fast-tracking citizenship certificate applications for students planning to study in the country, allowing eligible applicants to potentially receive their certificates before their semester begins. This expedited route is particularly useful for those claiming Canadian citizenship by descent who need the certificate to enroll at a Canadian school.

Regular proof of citizenship applications can take up to 25 months to process, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). However, applicants seeking expedited processing for studies in Canada can submit a request along with their complete citizenship certificate application. To be considered for urgent processing, applicants must provide a cover letter, a letter explaining why the certificate is urgently needed for education, and proof of admission to a Canadian educational institution.

The expedited processing is a result of the growing backlog of citizenship applications, which has increased since Bill C-3 removed the first-generation limit on Canadian citizenship by descent in December 2025. This change allowed millions of people abroad to seek citizenship through Canadian family ties.

## Why it matters Canadian citizens generally qualify for domestic tuition rates at Canadian colleges and universities, which can be significantly lower than international student fees. However, tuition rules vary by province and institution. International students, on the other hand, are currently limited to 24 hours of off-campus work per week during academic sessions. By receiving their citizenship certificates promptly, students can avoid these limitations and take advantage of the benefits of being a Canadian citizen.

IRCC reviews urgent processing requests individually and does not guarantee that the certificate will arrive before the applicant's semester begins. Nevertheless, the fast-tracked application process provides an opportunity for eligible students to receive their citizenship certificates in time for their studies, making it easier for them to enroll in Canadian educational institutions and access domestic tuition rates.