I just had a consultation with a client asking if it is possible to request an “urgent” processing of his application for grant of citizenship.
Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will process applications for proof of citizenship, search for citizenship records for Canadian citizens, and resumptions and applications for grant of citizenship are expedited if documents support the need for urgency.
Below are some examples of situations of urgent cases. It is important to keep in mind that the applicant must provide proof or must be able to support the need for urgency in the processing of their application:
– the applicant must request urgent processing, and this must be received from the Office of the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship;
– the applicant’s need to travel because of a death or serious illness in the family and cannot obtain a passport in their present nationality (which includes the Canadian passport);
– asper subsection 5(1) the grant applicant has 1095 or more days of physical presence in Canada and faces loss of employment or of employment opportunity because they are not a Canadian citizen;
– the applicants are Canadian citizens and face loss of employment or of employment opportunity because they are not in possession of a document establishing Canadian citizenship;
– an application is delayed due to an administrative error;
– an applicant for grant of citizenship has a successful appeal to the Federal Court;
– the applicant is in any situation in which not expediting the citizenship application harms them (for instance, the need to renounce foreign citizenship by a certain date); or
– the applicant needs citizenship to access certain benefits such as a pension, a social insurance number or health care.
As mentioned previously, if you request an urgent processing YOU MUST PROVIDE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO SUPPORT your urgent case request.
For example, if an applicant is facing loss of employment or of employment opportunity, they must submit a letter from the Employer. The letter should indicate that the applicant will lose employment or potential employment if he is not a Canadian citizen. The letter must also indicate why Canadian citizenship is a job requirement and why the employer cannot make other arrangements.
Another example is in case of death of a family member. In these instances, the applicant is required to submit a copy of Death Certificate or for serious illness, a Physician’s Certificate.
BE REMINDED that even if you request an expedited processing of your application, you must still demonstrate that you MEET all the requirements of citizenship and provide all necessary documentation as per the Checklist.
If you have questions regarding the above article you may contact Marjorie at info@mcncanadaimmigration.com
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
