Confusion Grows as Canadian Authorities Revisit Citizenship Certificates

The Canadian government has reportedly sent letters to individuals who recently acquired citizenship, asking for the return of their certificates. This action has caused confusion and concern on social media platforms.

According to messages on Reddit and local media reports, the letters were dispatched to individuals whose citizenship certificates were issued in 2026. These certificates were issued after the enactment of Bill C-3 in December 2025. This legislation removed the first-generation limit, allowing more people to apply for citizenship.

Losing citizenship status would classify a person as a foreign national. This could potentially lead to their removal from Canada. It’s also associated with a 10-year ban on reapplying for any status in the country, according to the legal website lawyerinfo.ca.

IRCC’s Response

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed to Newsweek that they are reviewing a limited number of cases involving citizenship certificates issued under Bill C-3. The IRCC emphasizes that the review seeks to ensure certificates were properly issued under the legal requirements.

This review involves an individualized process where affected individuals can provide further documentation supporting their cases. If verified, the certificates will be returned. The IRCC stated they aim to evaluate these cases fairly and consistently while adhering to the law. They clarified that this situation focuses on individual processing issues rather than the legislation itself.

Understanding Bill C-3

Bill C-3, enacted in 2025, reformed Canada’s Citizenship Act. This overhaul particularly affected people born abroad. The law abolished the policy that prevented Canadians born outside the country from passing citizenship to their children if they, too, were born abroad. Instead, the new system mandates a substantial connection to Canada. Parents must have spent at least three years in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption for the child to qualify for citizenship.

This significant policy change opened citizenship opportunities to thousands of people, especially those with clear ties to Canada but previously restricted under the old law, such as Canadians abroad with children born outside Canada.

The IRCC emphasized the intention to safeguard the value of Canadian citizenship. Bill C-3 introduced modern rules for descent-based citizenship and required applicants to prove a significant connection to Canada.

Scope of the Issue

From April 2025 to March 2026, Canada granted 285,500 new citizenships according to the IRCC’s latest data. This implies a potential impact on thousands of people who received citizenship after Bill C-3’s passage.

Contents of the Letter

Letters, purportedly from Peggy Sun, Registrar of Canadian Citizenship, have surfaced on Reddit. These letters state that the certificate holders might not be entitled to them due to submission issues with the supporting documentation.

Recipients are advised to provide further evidence if source documents were unavailable. They must explain why and show efforts to obtain them. Failing to submit necessary documentation has led to a call for the surrender of citizenship certificates for review. The status remains in review and if entitlement is confirmed, the certificates will be issued back.

Community Reactions on Reddit

Users on Reddit have reacted with concern, forming a megathread to share information. One user expressed fear upon receiving their letter, while another described confusion despite having submitted valid documents.

A megathread initiated by a user requested affected individuals to share details of their cases, including application approval dates, processing requests, applicant generation, and document submission issues. This aimed to identify patterns in those receiving the letters. Participants were encouraged to remain calm and support each other. One user even volunteered to conduct cybersecurity checks to verify the letter’s authenticity from IRCC.