Why Canada is asking new citizens to return citizenship certificates
What's the story
Canadian immigration authorities are reviewing citizenship-by-descent applications, leading to a request for some recently approved citizens to return their citizenship certificates. The move comes amid concerns over documentation and proof of lineage. However, applicants have the option to submit additional evidence in support of their claims. The review process is not an automatic revocation of citizenship but rather a reassessment of the initial approval.
Process
The review process was initiated by IRCC
The review process was initiated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) after concerns were raised about the documentation used to establish citizenship by descent. Some applications were based on records not directly obtained from official government sources, while others lacked explanations for missing documents. The authorities are now looking to verify family lineage claims and ensure applicants have provided sufficient evidence linking them to a Canadian citizen ancestor.
Reassessment
Affected applicants have been given an opportunity
The review process doesn't automatically mean citizenship has been revoked. Affected applicants have been given an opportunity to provide further documentation to support their claims while their files are reassessed. Some recipients have been asked to surrender their citizenship certificates during this period. If officials confirm eligibility after examining the additional evidence, the certificates will be returned.