Eligible students who are planning to study in Canada are being fast-tracked in their proof of Canadian citizenship applications.
In some cases, they may be able to receive a citizenship certificate in time for their starting semester.
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In contrast, most American applicants currently face a wait time of over two years, as of the time of writing, to receive the same proof of Canadian citizenship certificates.
Why this matters right now
Proof of citizenship applications have piled up since Bill C-3 removed the first-generation limit on Canadian citizenship by descent on December 15 2025. The change opened the door for millions of people abroad before that date, many of them from the United States, to claim Canadian citizenship through a Canadian parent or grandparent.
The surge has come at a cost. Processing times for proof of citizenship applications have steadily risen throughout the last year and have now climbed to 25 months as of August. For most applicants, that means a much longer wait time than they were expecting.
But Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the federal department that handles citizenship applications, sets aside a faster “urgent processing” route for a limited number of situations. One of them applies to people who need their citizenship certificate for education.
That’s a meaningful option for anyone who discovers Canadian ancestry and is also planning or open to studying in Canada.
How to request urgent processing through education
To be considered for urgent processing , an applicant needs to actively request it.
A request for urgent processing on education grounds must include:
- A cover letter that requests urgent processing and mentions which scenario this qualifies under;
- A letter explaining why urgent processing is needed and how it relates to their education; and
- Proof of education in Canada, such as a letter of acceptance from the Canadian school and a tuition summary.
This documentation has to be submitted alongside the applicant’s complete proof of citizenship application package.
An officer will then decide whether the request qualifies. IRCC clarifies on its website that it can’t guarantee you’ll get your citizenship certificate in time.
As a Canadian citizen, you may qualify for domestic tuition, but there’s a catch
It’s also worth noting that Canadian citizens generally pay domestic tuition, not the international rate, at Canadian colleges and universities. This gap can save thousands of dollars in a year.
That said, some provinces charge non-residents a separate, higher tuition rate, even when they hold Canadian citizenship or permanent residence. For example, in Quebec, non residents can pay a rate that is higher than what in-province residents pay in tuition fees, but still much lower than what international students pay.
It’s worth confirming with your school rather than assuming you’ll get the lowest rate available.
There’s also a timing catch. Being a Canadian citizen under the law isn’t the same as being recognized as one by your school. Institutions need a citizenship certificate on file before they can apply the domestic rate. That means that you may need to pay the international tuition rate if your application has not been processed yet.
In such cases, it may be best to reach out to your international institution. Once you receive your citizenship certificate, you can check whether it’s possible to apply under a different rate for the next year or semester.
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What counts as urgent processing, more broadly
Education is only one of several reasons IRCC will consider speeding up a proof of citizenship certificate. According to the Canadian government other qualifying situations include:
- Avoiding harm or hardship linked to race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, or membership in a particular group;
- Bringing a minor child with a Canadian parent to Canada;
- Resolving a case of statelessness;
- Travelling because of a death or serious illness in the family;
- Giving up foreign citizenship by a set deadline;
- Starting or keeping a job; or
- Accessing social benefits, including health care.
Requesting urgent processing doesn’t guarantee you will receive it. IRCC reviews each request on its own merit. The department also won’t process an incomplete application, urgent or not.
Still, the fast track has worked for several applicants this year. Some LGBTQ Americans have reported receiving their certificates in as little as two weeks.
Other benefits of Canadian citizenship
Tuition savings aren’t the only upside. Canada and the United States both allow dual citizenship, so claiming your Canadian citizenship doesn’t mean giving up your American one.
As a Canadian citizen by descent, you can also work unlimited hours while studying, unlike international students on a study permit, whose off-campus work hours are capped at 24 hours a week. Canadian citizenship can also open access to over 35 countries through International Experience Canada, letting those under the age of 30 (or in some cases 35) live and work abroad.
If you believe you are a Canadian citizen through ancestry, you need to apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate. That means gathering the documentation that connects you to your Canadian ancestor, filling out the application, sourcing the required identity documents and photos, paying the fees and submitting the application package to IRCC.
If you’re unsure where to start, CanadaVisa has an eligibility checker that can help you figure out if you qualify, and a licensed immigration lawyer can guide you through the rest of the process.
Get a Free Consultation on Applying for Proof of Canadian Citizenship