Reasons why your application for Canadian citizenship may be delayed

We are committed to processing applications within the times listed in the section General Processing Time for Routine Applications. However, your application may be delayed for any of the following reasons:

• Your application is not complete. Please make sure you sign your application and send us the correct fee.
• Your application does not have the necessary supporting documents.
• Your signature does not fit in the white signature strip on the front of your photographs or you do not sign your photographs with your usual signature.
• You do not send the proper photographs.
• You need to supply extra documents or have an interview with a citizenship officer.
• Your documents are in a language other than French or English and you have not sent acceptable translations along with an affidavit from the translator (see the appropriate application for instructions).
• You do not pass the citizenship test.
• You do not inform us of a change of address.
• You ask us to delay your test, hearing, or ceremony.
• You do not appear for your citizenship test, hearing, or ceremony.
• You ask us to transfer your application to another office.
• We are in the process of verifying that there are no immigration, criminal, or security issues that may affect your application for citizenship.
• You need to submit fingerprints in order to verify your identity and confirm that you do not have any criminal charges or convictions that could affect your application.
  • Where there is an indication that a criminal record may be involved, we must be sure that there is no mistake about your identity. The only way to avoid such a mistake is by checking fingerprints. This step may take approximately eight to 12 months to complete.
• You need a hearing with a citizenship judge to assess your ability to speak and understand English or French and your knowledge of Canada. The citizenship judge may also need to check to make sure you meet the residence requirement and to make sure you are not subject to any immigration, criminal or security prohibitions. There may be other reasons why you need to see a citizenship judge.
• You live more than 100 kilometres from a Citizenship and Immigration office.

Please note that each case is different and processing times may vary.

Read additional information on how we process your application for Canadian citizenship.