Common Factors That Can Complicate Your Canadian Citizenship Application (And How to Avoid Them)

Are you a permanent resident ready to apply for Canadian citizenship? While the process may seem straightforward, many applicants face unexpected delays due to avoidable mistakes. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most common issues that can complicate your citizenship application — and more importantly, how to handle them. We'll also explore how real-life scenarios impact outcomes and offer practical advice to help you succeed.

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What Makes a Citizenship Application “Complex”?

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a "non-routine" or "complex" application typically faces delays because:

• Additional documentation is required

• You miss a citizenship test, interview, or hearing

• IRCC identifies potential admissibility issues (criminal or security-related)

While the average processing time is around 8 months, complex cases can take significantly longer, especially with IRCC’s backlog of over 42,000 cases.

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Missing or Incomplete Documentation

Keyword: Canadian citizenship application documents

One of the biggest reasons for delays is the failure to include all required documents upfront. Here's what every applicant must include:

✅ Required Documents:

• Completed Application for Canadian Citizenship (CIT 002)

• Proof of physical presence (online calculator printout or CIT 0407)

• Copies of passports covering the last 5 years

• Language proof (CLB 4 or higher)

• Two government-issued IDs

• Two citizenship photos meeting IRCC specifications

• Fee receipt and document checklist (CIT 0007)

Real-Life Example:

A PR from India submitted his application without complete travel history details. IRCC requested additional documents, causing a 4-month delay. Using a checklist and cross-verifying your documents can prevent such setbacks.

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Missed Appointments: Test, Interview, or Hearing

Keyword: Missed citizenship test Canada

Failing to attend any scheduled appointments with IRCC can severely delay or cancel your application.

What To Do If You Miss:

• Citizenship Hearing: Inform the office immediately using the contact provided in the notice.

• Citizenship Interview: Send a letter or use IRCC’s web form to explain your absence.

• Citizenship Test: If it’s your first missed test, IRCC usually reschedules. A second missed test requires direct contact, or your application may be abandoned.

Real-Life Example:

A nurse working shifts in Alberta missed her online citizenship test twice due to her schedule. After submitting a formal explanation and supporting documents, IRCC allowed one final test attempt. Timely communication is critical.

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Criminal Inadmissibility or Misrepresentation

Keyword: Criminal rehabilitation for Canadian citizenship

Applicants with a criminal record or misrepresentation issues face serious hurdles.

⚖️ Options Include:

• Criminal Rehabilitation Application: Clears past offenses under Canadian law (must be 5+ years since sentence completion).

• Legal Opinion Letter: Prepared by an immigration lawyer to explain the impact of charges on your admissibility.

⚠️ Misrepresentation Risks:

Even unintentional omissions can result in a 5-10 year ban from applying for PR or citizenship.

Real-Life Example:

A tech worker omitted a DUI conviction thinking it was irrelevant. IRCC flagged it, resulting in application refusal and a five-year bar. Always disclose full legal history, even minor offenses.

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Special Waivers and Considerations

Keyword: Canadian citizenship waiver

Some applicants may qualify for waivers if they can't meet the language or knowledge requirements due to compassionate or medical reasons.

Required Forms:

• Waiver Request Form (CIT 0116)

• Medical Opinion Form (CIT 0547)

• Any supporting documentation (test results, medical letters, affidavits)

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Should You Hire an Immigration Consultant or Lawyer?

While it’s not mandatory, hiring an experienced immigration lawyer can significantly boost your chances if:

• Your case involves criminal inadmissibility

• You’ve missed important appointments

• You’re unsure about required documents

A consultant can help you:

• Ensure your application is complete

• Avoid misrepresentation

• Prepare documentation for complex issues

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Alberta PNP Update: Immigration Opportunities for Health Professionals

Keyword: Alberta PNP healthcare jobs

Alberta recently issued 81 invitations through three streams of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), specifically targeting healthcare professionals.

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Recent AAIP Draws (April 2025)

 

Date	Stream	Invitations	CRS Cutoff
April 1	Dedicated Health Care Pathway (Express Entry)	34	60
April 4	Alberta Express Entry – Priority Sectors	19	71
April 8	Dedicated Health Care Pathway (non-Express Entry)	28	53

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Eligible Health Care Professions

To qualify, applicants must be licensed in Alberta and belong to one of the following professions:

• Physicians (CPSA)

• Nurses (CRNA, CLPNA)

• Occupational Therapists (ACOT)

• Physiotherapists (CPA)

• Psychologists (CAP)

• Social Workers (ACSW)

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Application Requirements

• Valid job offer from an Alberta healthcare employer

• CLB 5 in language ability (or proof from regulatory body)

• Licensure from the corresponding college

• Valid work permit or maintained status

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Real-Life Use Case:

A Nigerian RN working in Calgary applied through the AAIP non-Express Entry stream with a job offer from a long-term care facility. She received a nomination in 3 months after submitting all documents and proof of licensure.

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Final Thoughts: Prepare, Prevent, Prosper

Citizenship delays and missed immigration opportunities are usually preventable. Stay informed, organized, and honest throughout the process. Whether you’re applying for citizenship or a provincial nomination like Alberta PNP, small oversights can lead to big delays.