Urgent Need for a Citizenship Certificate (Proof of Citizenship)

Citizenship certificates may be issued to Canadians who demonstrate an urgent need to have their application processed. Every urgent application will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if the requirements to issue a citizenship certificate are met and if the application meets the urgent processing criteria.

Example of urgent processing criteria:

• You need a citizenship certificate for imminent travel outside Canada because of death or serious illness in the family.
• You need a citizenship certificate to prove your Canadian citizenship status for employment.
• Your need a citizenship certificate to access certain benefits such as a pension, a Social Insurance Number, or health care.
• Your application for a citizenship certificate has been delayed for administrative reasons that are not under your control.

Consult the Application Processing Times page to find out how long it is currently taking to process an application for a citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship).

Applying for a Citizenship Certificate on an Urgent Basis

If you have not yet mailed your application

To apply for a citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship) urgently:

From within Canada, you can download the Application for a citizenship certificate from Inside Canada.

From outside of Canada, you can download the Application for a citizenship certificate from Outside Canada.

Complete the application form, include all the required documents with the application, and write “Urgent – Citizenship Certificate (Proof)” prominently on your envelope. Include an explanation of why you need urgent processing and any supporting documents. An agent from the Case Processing Centre will examine your application on a priority basis to determine whether your request for a citizenship certificate can be urgently processed.

Please ensure that you answer all the questions on the application form and provide all requested documents, including photographs and fees. Your application cannot be processed urgently if it is incomplete.

If you have already mailed your application and now require urgent processing

Contact our Call Centre and speak to an agent. The agent will evaluate whether it is possible to expedite the issuance of your citizenship certificate and explain to you the steps you will need to take.

If you have already mailed your application and you want to find out if the processing has begun

You can check to see if the processing of your application has begun through the e-Client Application Status (e-CAS) online service. If you reside in Canada, you can also contact the Call Centre and speak to an agent. If you reside outside Canada, contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your region.