Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) admitted on Tuesday that vague guidelines may have allowed more than 6,000 individuals to obtain Canadian citizenship without meeting legal requirements.
The admission came after the department issued 6,500 citizenship-by-descent certificates under Bill C-3, which expanded eligibility criteria.
>>> Severe Weather Delays Mexico vs Ecuador World Cup Match
Immigration Minister Lena Diab has ordered a comprehensive review of all certificates issued since the law took effect.
According to IRCC, 6,433 certificates met legal conditions, while 67 cases remain unresolved and under investigation.
The federal agency stated that individuals whose files do not satisfy the criteria will lose their citizenship status.
A temporary pause on finalizing new applications remains in place during the administrative investigation.
IRCC explained that guidelines for acceptable supporting documents lacked clarity, potentially leading to certificates being issued without sufficient proof.
The ministry said criteria have since been clarified for both applicants and immigration officers.
IRCC will validate eligibility or request additional information, expecting to complete the process within a few days.
Background of the Citizenship-by-Descent Rule
Before Bill C-3, citizenship by descent was limited to the first generation born outside Canada.
>>> Mexico World Cup Jerseys Near Sellout Ahead of Ecuador Match
The Ontario Superior Court declared that rule unconstitutional in 2023, prompting the legislative reform.
Minister Diab stated she ordered the investigation as soon as she learned of the problem, without knowing its full scope.
She confirmed that no new applications are being finalized and all pending requests are under review.
Individuals under review who have already relocated to Canada will maintain their status and right to work during the investigation.
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the situation in Ottawa, affirming that affected individuals deserve a prompt explanation.
Colorado resident Bridget Burnett, who received a recall notice before her citizenship was reconfirmed, described the experience as stressful.
Burnett said an immigration agent could not explain why her family's files were initially targeted.
>>> John Hickenlooper Wins Colorado Democratic Senate Primary
Despite having her status restored, Burnett expressed lingering anxiety about the permanence of her family's relocation to Vancouver Island.
