The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has begun contacting naturalised citizens whose applications were recently approved, requesting the return of their citizenship certificates amid concerns that they may not have been eligible to become Canadians.

It was gathered that the individuals being contacted are people granted citizenship under the descent framework following the implementation of Bill C-3 in December last year, making it easier for descendants of “Lost Canadians” and people born or adopted by Canadian parents abroad to become eligible for Canada citizenship. 

Since June 13, the IRCC has reportedly started sending letters or emails to a number of people who acquired their citizenship under the framework to return their certificates, notifying them that their applications, which had previously been approved, are now being reviewed amid concerns about the vulnerability of the process to fraud. 

“The purpose of this letter is to inform you that I have information in my possession that indicates that you may not be entitled to hold a Canadian certificate of citizenship,” a portion of the letters by Peggy Sun, the Registrar of Canadian Citizenship, read. 

Reports indicate that IRCC cited two reasons for the recall of the certificates: the submitted documents did not originate from the source authority, and the applicants failed to provide written explanation that they attempted, but were unable, to obtain a source document.

It was further learnt that the majority of the affected nationals are primarily in the United States of America. They must now return the certificates while their applications are being re-examined. 

Additionally, the current recall letters reportedly did not allege any fraudulent activity and also noted that the individuals would be given an opportunity to submit additional documentary evidence in support of their citizenship claim.