Citizenship · Canada
Citizenship lawyers in Abbotsford, Surrey and Vancouver
Most citizenship applications are straightforward, but a refusal, a long delay, a criminal charge or an allegation of misrepresentation can put your citizenship at risk. We help permanent residents and families with difficult citizenship cases, from refusals and delays to citizenship by descent and revocation.
- Refused or delayed citizenship applications
- Federal Court judicial review and mandamus
- Citizenship by descent and revocation cases
Book a citizenship consultation
Tell us a little about your situation and we'll be in touch to arrange a time.
Citizenship refused? There is no appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division. To challenge a refusal in the Federal Court, you must file within 30 days of being notified of the decision.
A citizenship refusal cannot be appealed to the Immigration and Refugee Board. The main remedy is the Federal Court.
- Judicial review: you must file an application for leave and judicial review within 30 days of being notified of the refusal
- Common refusal reasons include physical presence calculations, missing documents and credibility concerns
- If IRCC has taken far longer than normal without a good reason, an application for mandamus can ask the Federal Court to order a decision
- Sometimes reapplying with stronger evidence is faster than going to court. We will tell you which route fits your case
Keep the refusal letter and the email or envelope it came in: the date you were notified starts the 30-day clock.
Bill C-3 changed who is a citizen by descent, and IRCC can try to take citizenship away if it believes it was obtained by misrepresentation.
- Since December 15, 2025, Bill C-3 has extended citizenship by descent beyond the first generation born abroad. People born before that date may now be citizens and can apply for proof of citizenship
- For children born or adopted abroad after December 15, 2025, the Canadian parent must have spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before the birth or adoption
- If you receive a notice that IRCC intends to revoke your citizenship, the deadlines are short, and in many cases you can ask for the Federal Court to decide the case
If you are not sure whether you are already a Canadian citizen, a proof of citizenship application may be the right first step.
- Review your situationWe look at your application, refusal letter or notice and the deadlines that apply.
- Choose the routeReapplication, judicial review, mandamus or a proof of citizenship application, depending on your case.
- Evidence and submissionsWe build the physical presence record, gather documents and prepare written arguments.
- Court or IRCCWe file in the Federal Court or with IRCC and keep you updated until a decision.
Citizenship questions
Not to the Immigration Appeal Division. You can ask the Federal Court to review the decision, but you must file within 30 days of being notified. In some cases reapplying is the better option.
You need at least 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada in the five years before you apply. Days spent in Canada as a temporary resident or protected person before you became a permanent resident count as half days, up to 365 days. IRCC has an online physical presence calculator.
First ask IRCC for an update. If the delay is much longer than normal and IRCC has no good reason for it, an application for mandamus in the Federal Court can ask the court to order IRCC to make a decision.
Possibly. Since December 15, 2025, Bill C-3 has extended citizenship by descent to more people born abroad to Canadian parents. If you think you qualify, a proof of citizenship application confirms it.
Yes. You cannot take the citizenship oath while you are charged with certain offences, on probation or parole, or serving a sentence. Get legal advice before your test or oath if you have been charged.
Official sources: IRCC: Citizenship eligibilityFederal Court: Citizenship judicial review
Guides from our lawyers
Other immigration services
Family sponsorshipPermanent residenceHumanitarian and compassionateRefugee claimsPre-removal risk assessmentRefusals and appealsIRCC delays and mandamusStays and deferrals of removalInadmissibilityEntering Canada with a DUIVisit, study and work
Citizenship help in Abbotsford, Surrey and Vancouver
Meet us at any of our offices, or by phone or video from anywhere in Canada or abroad.
Citizenship refused or delayed?
Book a consultation and we will explain your options and the deadlines that apply.