Recall and cancellation of citizenship certificates

This section outlines the procedure for cancelling and recalling certificates. Recalling a certificate is to require, in writing, that a person surrender a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of citizenship, a miniature certificate of citizenship (citizenship card), or a certificate of renunciation for the reasons outlined in subsection 26(1) of the Regulations.

Contact Case Management Branch

In all circumstances in which a citizenship officer believes a person is not entitled to hold a certificate, contact Case Management Branch with the details of the situation.

Policy

Section 26 of the Regulations state that the Registrar must recall and cancel a Certificate of Citizenship, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Renunciation issued under the current Act, former legislation or any related regulations, if the Minister decides the holder does not have a right to the certificate.

If the Registrar does not have physical possession of the certificate:

The minister may order the holder, in writing, to return the certificate. The holder must comply immediately.

This may occur when a person has lost his or her citizenship status or has been issued a certificate by mistake.