Proof of citizenship: Canadian processing time rises to 19 months with the queue nearing 100,000 | ImmigraCan

Proof of citizenship: Canadian processing time rises to 19 months with the queue nearing 100,000

On 2026-07-08, the Canadian immigration landscape saw a relevant update for Brazilians who are planning or already in process with IRCC. The information comes from CIC News (original source), a network specializing in Canadian immigration.

Canadian citizenship is the final step of the immigration journey and comes with rights that permanent residence doesn't offer: a Canadian passport (visa-free access to 139 countries), the right to vote federally and provincially, and Canadian consular protection. For Brazilians, it also means dual citizenship — Canada allows it, and Brazil accepts it.

Basic requirements (adults)

To qualify today:

• Residency: 1,095 physical days in Canada over the past 5 years (3 years as a PR count in full; up to 365 days as a temporary resident count at half value)
• Taxes: filed for the required years
• Language: CLB 4 in English or French (proven through IELTS General, CELPIP General, or a certified LINC class)
• Citizenship test: 20 questions on Canadian history, geography, and rights (for ages 18–54)
• No prohibitions: no relevant criminal record, no inadmissibility

Context behind this change

Citizenship remains a strategic priority for Canada — in 2024 and 2025, the government set records for newly naturalized citizens. Infrastructure, however, hasn't kept pace: application queues are at historic highs.

What to do if you're Brazilian

1. Track your physical days — use a spreadsheet or IRCC's official "Physical Presence Calculator" app. Being off by even 1 day can invalidate your application
2. Renew your PR Card BEFORE applying — if it's close to expiring
3. Pass CLB 4 early — even if your English is good, the test has its own quirks
4. Study for the Discover Canada guide — the official, free guide that forms the basis of the citizenship test
5. Prepare for a 12–24 month wait — current processing times are well beyond historical norms

What if you want citizenship by descent?

Brazilians with Canadian great-grandparents/grandparents (or Canadian parents born outside Canada) may be entitled to citizenship by descent under Bill C-3 (2009) and the ongoing reforms. This is a separate legal path from the standard immigration process — see our guide on citizenship by descent if this applies to you.

Next steps

• If you're a PR and have reached 1,095 days, check the document checklist
• If you're not yet a PR, the path to citizenship starts here: take the free quiz

Conclusion

IRCC policy changes affect Brazilians differently depending on profile, application timeline, and current status. This is just a snapshot of an update from 2026-07-08 — for the full picture of your case, take ImmigraCan's free eligibility quiz.

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*This content is informational and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. ImmigraCan is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or IRCC. Always confirm official data at canada.ca and, for your specific case, consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or specialized lawyer. Source: CIC News.*