Apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate: About the process

Your processing time starts the day we receive your complete application and ends when we make a decision. Processing times will vary based on:

• the type of application submitted
• if the application is complete
• how quickly we expect to process applications we’ve already received
• how easily we can verify your information
• how long you take to respond to any requests or concerns
• other factors

Learn how processing times are calculated.

Add 3 to 4 months to account for mailing time if you

• live outside Canada and the U.S. and
• are applying through a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate

Add 6 to 8 months to processing time if you

• are applying for a minor (under 18) who lives outside Canada and the U.S. and
• sent the application directly to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia