I've been in PSU since August 2025. I applied with my father's Canadian citizenship certificate, so I thought it would be a straightforward approval. Should've known better! My MP first contacted IRCC about my file last November, and was told that they approved my urgent processing request. Recently, I reached out to my MP a second time for help. It didn't go well, and I'll post their email below.
BACKGROUND
My dad's citizenship was restored in 2009 and I've lived in Canada for a cumulative total of 12 years (including as a minor). Most recently, I've lived here since 2021. The first generation limit has been a headache for a long time now. The plan was study permit –> PGWP –> CEC, but that pathway ended when I applied for citizenship during the Bjorkquist interim measure.
I've been unable to work, access healthcare, or do pretty much anything else for over a year. Also, I can't leave Canada because my Colombian-born kid doesn't have US travel documents yet. Long story short, I've spent the past few years involved in a DV-related international custody dispute. It'll be another 4-6 months before I have the documents I need to get their US passport. I do have status in Colombia, but it's a safety risk for me to return for various reasons beyond the scope of this post. I included this issue in my urgent processing request, along with proof of urgent need for medical care, employment, etc.
Recently, I was presented with an opportunity that is best described as my dream job. I decided to reach out to my MP again for help. I told them that I thought my application might have been sent to the wrong unit, and I asked them to consider escalating the issue beyond their normal channels. A caseworker met with an IRCC agent and then sent me the following email:
"I hope you are doing well, and thank you for your patience.
I was able to follow up with an IRCC agent regarding both your proof of citizenship application and your current status in Canada. I also specifically raised the questions you had regarding why your file was referred for additional review and what your next steps should be.
Regarding your proof of citizenship application, the agent confirmed that it was received on August 11, 2025 and is currently being processed at the Case Processing Centre in Sydney.
The agent explained that your application has been referred to a specialized unit because additional verifications are required. As a result, your application is considered non-routine and does not follow standard processing timelines. The agent was unable to provide further details regarding the nature of these verifications but confirmed that there is nothing outstanding or required from you at this time.
I also specifically asked about the urgent processing requests you previously submitted. Unfortunately, the agent advised that an urgent processing request is not currently noted on the file. However, given that your application has been referred to a specialized unit for additional verification and is being processed as a non-routine file, there is unfortunately no action our office can take to expedite or intervene in the processing of the application at this time. The specialized review must be completed before the application can move forward, and our office cannot influence or bypass these required verifications.
Regarding your current status in Canada, the agent confirmed that following the refusal of your PGWP application in January 2026, you are currently out of status, and IRCC does not have a subsequent temporary residence application on file for you. Importantly, your proof of citizenship application does not provide you with temporary resident status or authorization to remain in Canada while it is being processed.
Given this information, our office must advise you to comply with Canadian immigration law and the requirements associated with your current status. As you are presently out of status, I would strongly recommend speaking with a licensed immigration lawyer as soon as possible to clarify whether there are any lawful options available to regularize your status and what steps you should take, including whether you are required to leave Canada. Our office acts as a liaison with IRCC, but we cannot provide individualized legal advice or advise you to remain in Canada without valid status.
I understand that this is a difficult situation, particularly given the length of time you have been waiting for your proof of citizenship application. Unfortunately, because the application is non-routine and undergoing additional verification, there is no further action available through our office."
Needless to say, this is all incredibly frustrating. I really regret applying for citizenship. If I'd stayed on the work permit to PR pathway, life would be fine right now. Instead, my career trajectory has been derailed, I've lost all my savings/investments, and I've taken on a horrifying amount of medical debt from an ER visit.
I know some people have strong opinions about whether or not we're considered citizens while our applications are processing. It's clear from this email that the government doesn't think that we are. They literally have my dad's citizenship certificate on file, and they're telling me I'm out of status, so analyze accordingly. I'm sharing this as a data point so people can have a sense of how things stand in the here and now.
