Canada’s expanded citizenship-by-descent rules created new opportunities for thousands of individuals with Canadian ancestry to obtain proof of Canadian citizenship. However, recent reports indicate that some individuals who were already issued citizenship certificates under the new legislation have been asked by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to return those certificates while their applications undergo further review.
For many affected families, the development has created uncertainty about their status, travel plans, and future in Canada.
In this article, we explain what is happening, who may be affected, and what applicants should do if they receive a notice from IRCC.
What Are “Lost Canadians”?
The term “Lost Canadians” generally refers to individuals who were entitled to Canadian citizenship through their family lineage but were excluded because of outdated provisions in Canada’s Citizenship Act.
Following years of legal challenges and advocacy, Canada expanded citizenship-by-descent eligibility through legislative reforms that came into force in December 2025. The changes allowed many descendants of Canadian citizens born outside Canada to obtain proof of Canadian citizenship, even if they were beyond the previous first-generation limit.
The reforms led to a significant increase in citizenship-by-descent applications and approvals, particularly from individuals in the United States with Canadian parents, grandparents, or more distant Canadian ancestors. Approximately 48% of the additional approvals under the new legislation originated from U.S.-based applicants.
Why Is IRCC Reviewing Some Citizenship Certificates?
According to recent media reports, IRCC has contacted certain individuals who received citizenship certificates under the new citizenship-by-descent provisions and requested that they surrender their certificates pending further review. The reviews appear to focus primarily on whether applicants provided sufficient documentation establishing an unbroken family lineage to a Canadian ancestor.
Reports indicate that IRCC is examining cases where applications may have relied heavily on genealogical records or secondary evidence rather than original source documents such as:
- Long-form birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Death certificates
- Official vital statistics records
- Civil registry documents
IRCC has stated that affected individuals may be asked to provide additional evidence to confirm their entitlement to citizenship by descent.
How Many People Are Affected?
Media reports suggest that approximately 4,075 citizenship certificates were issued under the new citizenship-by-descent provisions between December 2025 and March 2026. A portion of these cases are now being reviewed by IRCC. Many affected individuals are descendants of Canadians born in the United States.
Importantly, this review does not affect:
- Canadian citizens born in Canada
- Individuals who obtained citizenship through naturalization
- Most citizenship-by-descent cases approved under previous legislation
The review appears limited to specific applications approved under the expanded “Lost Canadians” provisions.
Has Citizenship Been Revoked?
One of the most important points for affected individuals is understanding the difference between a review and a revocation.
Current reporting indicates that IRCC has initiated a review of certain citizenship certificates and requested that physical certificates be returned while eligibility is reassessed. This is not the same as a formal citizenship revocation proceeding based on fraud or misrepresentation.
In many cases, applicants may simply be required to provide additional documentation demonstrating their family relationship to a Canadian ancestor.
However, because each case is unique, individuals who receive correspondence from IRCC should seek legal advice before responding.
What Documents May Be Needed?
Applicants pursuing citizenship by descent should ensure they can establish a complete documentary chain linking themselves to their Canadian ancestor.
Examples may include:
For the Canadian Ancestor
- Canadian birth certificate
- Canadian citizenship certificate
- Naturalization records
For Each Generation
- Long-form birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Adoption records (if applicable)
- Legal name change records
Supporting Evidence
- Historical civil records
- Government-issued identity documents
- Official registry documents
The stronger and more complete the documentary trail, the easier it is to establish eligibility.
What Should You Do If You Receive an IRCC Notice?
If you receive correspondence indicating that your citizenship certificate is under review:
1. Read the Notice Carefully
Review all deadlines, requests for documentation, and instructions provided by IRCC.
2. Gather Original Documentation
Locate certified copies of birth, marriage, and other vital records that establish your lineage.
3. Do Not Ignore the Request
Failure to respond within the required timeframe could negatively affect your application.
4. Seek Professional Advice
Citizenship-by-descent cases can involve complex legal and evidentiary issues. An immigration lawyer can help assess the request and prepare a response supported by the appropriate documentation.
What This Means for Future Citizenship-by-Descent Applicants
The recent reviews highlight the importance of preparing citizenship-by-descent applications carefully from the outset.
Individuals seeking Canadian citizenship through a parent, grandparent, or other Canadian ancestor should ensure they submit:
- Official source documents whenever available
- Complete lineage records
- Clear explanations for any unavailable documents
- Evidence of efforts made to obtain historical records
As demand for citizenship by descent continues to grow, applicants should expect increased scrutiny of supporting documentation. Recent reports suggest that applications under the expanded legislation have surged since the law came into effect.
How Visaserve Can Help
Citizenship-by-descent applications often involve historical records, multiple jurisdictions, and complex family histories. Whether you are applying under the expanded Lost Canadians provisions or responding to an IRCC review request, professional legal guidance can help ensure your application is supported by the strongest possible evidence.
At Visaserve Immigration Law, we assist individuals and families in assessing eligibility, gathering documentation, preparing applications, and responding to requests from IRCC.
If you have questions about Canadian citizenship by descent or have received a notice regarding your citizenship certificate, contact Visaserve Immigration Law to discuss your options.
Reach out to our team at info@visaserve.ca or call 905-203-2266 to speak with an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer today.
