Search of citizenship records: Urgent processing

Processing times show how long it takes us to process applications for a search of citizenship records. We can process applications faster in special cases.

You can ask for urgent processing if you need a search of citizenship record to:

• prove to a foreign government that you’re not a citizen, for example to get a passport from that country
• administer the estate of a deceased person or execute a will
• show you are or are not a citizen to get a certain job

Your request for urgent processing must include:

• an explanation letter
• supporting documents, for example:
  • letter from a foreign government stating that they need the information
  • documents that show you’re administering an estate or the executor of a will
  • letter from an employer

We review your request to see if it qualifies. Even if you qualify, we can’t guarantee that you’ll get your search of citizenship record on time.

How to request urgent processing

If you haven’t sent your application

Apply online and request urgent processing

When you apply online, we’ll ask you if you need urgent processing.

Answer “Yes” and:

• explain why you need urgent processing
• upload documents to support your explanation

Our online application tool works best in Google Chrome.

Create an account or sign in

Apply on paper and request urgent processing

Complete the application package. With your application, include

• a letter explaining why you need urgent processing
• documents to support your explanation

Write “Urgent – Search of citizenship records” in large, dark letters on the envelope.
Follow the instructions outlined in Step 4 of the Instruction Guide (CIT 0058) that describe how to mail your paper application once you are ready to submit.

If you already sent your application and your situation has since become urgent

You applied online

Fill out the web form and explain why you need urgent processing.

You applied on paper and live in Canada or the United States

Fill out the web form and explain why you need urgent processing.

You applied on paper and live outside Canada and the United States

Contact the Canadian embassy, consulate or high commission where you submitted your application.