If Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) finds one relative’s citizenship-by-descent application incomplete, it returns every application in the family’s package, not just the incomplete one. That means if you submit as a group and one file is missing a document, the entire family’s timeline resets to day one.
Current processing time for citizenship-by-descent applications is around 25 months. A returned package puts everyone back at the start of that queue, even if the other applications were complete.
What does applying together actually mean?
Applying together does not mean sharing documents. Each application must include its own full set of forms, supporting documents, and fees. One copy of the shared ancestor’s birth certificate does not cover multiple applicants. IRCC assesses each file independently — bundling them into one outer package does not allow you to pool documents.
If you choose to apply together anyway, best practice is to add a cover letter noting the related applications, ensure every individual file is complete on its own, use separate envelopes for each applicant inside one outer package, and pay all fees together with one consolidated receipt. That said, the risk remains: if any single application is returned, the entire package comes back.
When does it make sense to apply individually?
Submitting individually means each application moves on its own schedule. If one file is missing a notarized translation or a clear photocopy, only that applicant’s timeline is affected. The rest of the family’s applications continue processing.
This approach is often more reliable when timelines matter — for example, if one family member needs Canadian citizenship confirmed before a work or study start date, or if different applicants have varying levels of documentation ready. It also reduces the administrative burden of coordinating multiple perfect submissions at once.
The trade-off is convenience: you cannot pay once or send one outer envelope. Each applicant submits separately, pays separately, and tracks their own file. For families with straightforward cases and plenty of time, that may feel like extra work. For families with any uncertainty about document completeness, it is often the safer choice.
What if you are unsure whether your documents are complete?
If you are not certain every document meets IRCC’s requirements — notarization, translation quality, clarity of photocopies — submitting individually limits the downside. A professional review before submission can also help, particularly for cases where the family tree is complex or the ancestor’s citizenship status is not immediately obvious from the documents on hand.
At Immisa, we work with families applying for Canadian citizenship by descent to review each application independently, confirm document completeness, and help you decide whether to submit together or separately based on your specific timeline and risk tolerance. We are regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, and our guidance is grounded in a realistic assessment of processing timelines and risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share documents between family members applying at the same time?
No. Each citizenship-by-descent application must include its own complete set of forms and supporting documents. IRCC assesses each file independently, even if they arrive in the same package.
What happens if IRCC returns one application in a family package?
If IRCC finds any single application incomplete, it returns the entire package — including applications that were complete. Everyone’s processing timeline resets to day one, which currently means an additional 25-month wait.
Is there any advantage to applying together?
The main advantage is convenience: one outer envelope, one consolidated fee payment, and a single tracking reference for the family. However, this does not speed up processing, and the risk of a full return often outweighs the convenience for families with uncertain documentation.
If you are considering a citizenship-by-descent application for yourself or your family and want a realistic assessment of your timeline and options, book a consultation with Immisa. We will review your documents, help you decide whether to apply individually or together, and guide you through the process with precision, transparency, and care.
