Permanent residents facing employment or family emergencies may be able to obtain Canadian citizenship faster under updated guidance published February 9. In a bulletin aimed at managing backlogs, IRCC reiterated that standard processing now averages 13 months but confirmed that applicants who prove an “exceptional need”—such as a time-sensitive job offer or the need to travel on a Canadian passport for a medical crisis—can request expedited treatment.
To qualify, applicants must mail a complete paper package clearly marked “Request Urgent Processing – Grant of Citizenship,” together with supporting documents. Those who have already submitted a regular application can switch tracks by uploading evidence and an explanatory letter via the IRCC web form. Examples that have historically been accepted include military deployment, loss of employment without citizenship, or a favourable Federal Court ruling.
The reminder comes as demand for citizenship surges: 290,000 files were awaiting decision at year-end 2025, according to internal IRCC statistics obtained under access-to-information laws. Backlogs are partly driven by higher permanent-resident intakes and a resumption of in-person citizenship ceremonies across Canada.
![IRCC Outlines ‘Urgent Processing’ Option for Canadian Citizenship Applications]()
Individuals unsure about gathering the right documentation or coordinating emergency travel may find it helpful to enlist a specialist. VisaHQ, a global visa and passport services provider, can guide applicants through compiling evidence, arranging interim visas, and meeting tight timelines; more details are available at https://www.visahq.com/canada/
For employers, the urgent-processing pathway can prevent assignment cancellations when a foreign worker’s job requires an unrestricted Canadian passport—for instance, roles involving government clearances or offshore travel to visa-heavy jurisdictions. HR teams should assess upcoming project timelines and, where appropriate, fund the $649.75 application fee and legal costs to accelerate key talent.
IRCC warns that not all requests are granted and that even urgent files cannot be guaranteed within specific dates; however, historical data suggest many are finalized within eight weeks. Applicants should therefore maintain valid foreign passports and visas as a fallback.
To qualify, applicants must mail a complete paper package clearly marked “Request Urgent Processing – Grant of Citizenship,” together with supporting documents. Those who have already submitted a regular application can switch tracks by uploading evidence and an explanatory letter via the IRCC web form. Examples that have historically been accepted include military deployment, loss of employment without citizenship, or a favourable Federal Court ruling.
The reminder comes as demand for citizenship surges: 290,000 files were awaiting decision at year-end 2025, according to internal IRCC statistics obtained under access-to-information laws. Backlogs are partly driven by higher permanent-resident intakes and a resumption of in-person citizenship ceremonies across Canada.
Individuals unsure about gathering the right documentation or coordinating emergency travel may find it helpful to enlist a specialist. VisaHQ, a global visa and passport services provider, can guide applicants through compiling evidence, arranging interim visas, and meeting tight timelines; more details are available at https://www.visahq.com/canada/
For employers, the urgent-processing pathway can prevent assignment cancellations when a foreign worker’s job requires an unrestricted Canadian passport—for instance, roles involving government clearances or offshore travel to visa-heavy jurisdictions. HR teams should assess upcoming project timelines and, where appropriate, fund the $649.75 application fee and legal costs to accelerate key talent.
IRCC warns that not all requests are granted and that even urgent files cannot be guaranteed within specific dates; however, historical data suggest many are finalized within eight weeks. Applicants should therefore maintain valid foreign passports and visas as a fallback.
