Fast-Track Your Canadian Citizenship Application in 2026

Permanent residents who apply for Canadian citizenship grants often have to wait around 13 months for processing. However, under certain exceptional cases, they can request urgent processing of the citizenship grant application. Read on to know more about it.

Expedited Citizenship Processing Canada– Eligible Applicants

For certain exceptional cases, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allows for faster processing of citizenship grant applications than the standard time. A definitive checklist of Canada citizenship urgent processing eligibility has not been given by IRCC. 

IRCC evaluates the situation and decides whether you qualify or not. Some instances of exceptional cases are when you need faster processing to start new employment or to maintain your current job, when you are unable to obtain a passport from your present nationality for emergency travel, and in a case where you were given a positive federal court decision related to a previous citizenship application. If the request submitted does not meet the exceptional criteria, then IRCC will continue with the standard processing timeline of your application.

You must know that requesting expedited citizenship processing Canada and meeting the exceptional case criteria does not guarantee approval for urgent processing. Also, even when approved, IRCC does not promise that the application will be processed within a specific time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Expedited Citizenship Processing Canada

In a scenario where you have not filed the application for your citizenship grant and you are seeking faster processing, then when you submit your application, you can request urgent processing. You must apply by directly mailing the application by paper with all the documents to the correct address.

The process is not complicated, and by considering the below steps carefully, you can ensure faster processing of your citizenship grant.

1. Get the Correct Application Package

The first step is to download the correct application package for the citizenship grant. Print it and complete all the necessary forms carefully. Check that you have filled out all the sections and have answered all the questions.

2. Prepare an Explanation Request

Include in your application a detailed and clear explanation why you require urgent processing for your Canadian citizenship application. You must also submit any supporting documents that prove your urgency.

3. Assemble The Application And The Documents

Your application must have:

• The completed CIT 0002 application form
• Written explanation request for urgent processing Canadian citizenship application
• Supporting documents that justify your request
• Documents as per the official checklist
• Two citizenship eligible photos
• Receipt of fee payment - $649.75 per adult applicant or $100 per minor applicant

After gathering the documents, check them and place them in an envelope. Write “Request Urgent Processing – Grant of Citizenship” in bold, dark, and big letters on the envelope.

4. Mail the application

You can send the application envelope to the address listed in the official instruction guide for citizenship applications.

Requesting Expedited Citizenship Processing After Submission of Application

If you have already submitted your citizenship application online or by paper and are looking for expedited processing, then you can submit a request to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) using the online web form.

• Fill out all the necessary fields of the IRCC’s web form, such as full name, date of birth, email address and phone number, and Unique Client Identifier (UCI) or application number.
• Give the explanation regarding your reason for requiring urgent processing and why your situation is exceptional at the bottom section of the form labelled “Tell us about your request.”
• Upload the supporting documents that prove your need for faster processing. The files you attach must meet the technical criteria, such as:
• Accepted formats: PDF, JPEG, TIFF, DOC, or DOCX
• Maximum file size: 2MB per file
• Total file size: 3.5MB - if you are submitting multiple files

The request must be complete with proper supporting documents to increase the chance of Canadian citizenship expedited review process.

ImmiLaw Immigration, with expertise in immigration laws and procedures, can help you effectively present your case for urgent processing with strong supporting evidence and also ensure that the documents submitted are without any errors.

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