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I have read on some forums that some Canadian citizenship applications are being returned because the submitted photos do not meet IRCC’s photo specifications.

I had my citizenship photo taken professionally at Shoppers Drug Mart and received the digital copy from them. Since Shoppers provides professional photography services, I was wondering why photo-specification issues can still occur.

I am a May 2026 applicant and I am still waiting for my AOR, so I am a little concerned about whether my photo could cause my application to mbe returned.

Has anyone who used Shoppers Drug Mart for their citizenship photo experienced any issues with their application or photo?
 
Type: Online application
Location: Vancouver, BC
Physical Presence Days: 1150 and 1098
Application Type:
Family
Application sent: May 09, 2026
Delivered: May 09, 2026
AOR: still waiting


I received an email today from IRCC stating that my application was missing some information and asking me to log in to my account to check the details. When I logged in, I was asked to provide my physical presence in Canada between May 9 2026 and August 12 2026.
My family and I had travelled to the U.S. during this period, so I updated the absence details accordingly and resubmitted our applications.
Has anyone else received a similar email or encountered this situation?
This is just my 2 cents, but the follow-up is likely tied to your spouse's physical presence days, only 3 days above the 1095-day minimum. Any travel after submitting brings that closer to the edge, so IRCC probably wants it confirmed before moving forward. Your 1150 days should be fine on its own, it's just riding along since this is a joint application. Should all be okay as long as the absence dates you entered match your passport/CBSA records exactly.
 
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i don't think enrolment letter from your university qualifies as a language proof as it doesn't show that you've completed such program in good standing.

as per IRCC official guide, the following are acceptable:
  • diploma
  • transcript
  • certificate
Ya he is right, it wont count

Just do the IELTS General Training. That would count if you dont have diploma or transcript
 
Type: Single
Location: Toronto
Physical Presence Days: More than 1100
Application Type:Online
Application sent: 05/18/2026
Delivered:05/18/2026
AOR: August 17th 2026
Tracker activated:
Test invitation email received:
Test in progress on tracker:
Test window:
Background complete:
Background complete shown on tracker:
Test taken:
Test complete:
Test complete in tracker:
LPP complete:
LPP complete shown on tracker:
Ceremony in progress:
Instructions to download e-certificate email:
Oath Ceremony scheduled:
 
I think you’ll find the answer on the following page:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...adian-citizen/eligibility/language-proof.html

Again, what I said in #99 is that IRCC’s wording says “send a copy of proof that you completed or are attending a program with your application” which does not necessarily mean “completed in good standing.” This is the opposite of what he said: “You’ve completed such a program in good standing.”

BTW, before you leave a comment, just make sure you read and understand it properly first. Otherwise, sarcastic comments only make you look like you don’t understand what you’re reading.
 
Type: Online application
Location: Mississauga, ON
Physical Presence Days: 1100
Application Type: Online
Application sent: 06-MAY-2026
Delivered: 06-MAY-2026
AOR- 14th of Aug 2026(This is to acknowledge receipt of your application for Canadian Citizenship. We will review your
application and supporting documents and will contact you if additional information is required.
All citizenship applicants between 18 and 54 years of age on the date they sign their application
must meet language and knowledge requirements to become a Canadian citizen. If this includes
you, you will need to:
• Demonstrate competence in basic communication in English or French.
• Pass a written or if necessary, an oral test on your knowledge of Canada and the rights
and responsibilities of citizenship.
The knowledge test is based on the information provided in the official citizenship study guide. It
is 20 multiple choice questions and you must get at least 15 correct to pass.
• The study guide is available on the IRCC website at:
On the same page, you will find more
information on how to prepare for the test.
When your application has been reviewed and has met basic eligibility, IRCC will send you
correspondence to invite you to a knowledge test. It could take a few months before you hear
from us.
Contact information
It is very important that you notify IRCC of any changes in your contact information (i.e. address,
email, and telephone number).
Date:

Citizenship Official
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
canada.ca/immigration

... 2

How to change your contact information;
Application processing times;
Checking the status of your application.

Citizenship Program (Grants)
Case Processing Centre - Sydney
P.O. Box 12000
Sydney NS B1P 7C2)

Fingerprint Request- 17th of August 2026(REQUEST FOR FINGERPRINTS FOR: >>>>>>>>You are receiving this letter because your fingerprints are required to continue processing your
application for Canadian citizenship.
After reviewing the biographical information on your application form, there are questions in your case
with regard to sections 21 and/or 22 of the Citizenship Act, explained further on the second page of this
letter.
To proceed with your application, you must have your fingerprints taken within thirty (30) days of
the date of this letter.
Fingerprinting procedure
Fingerprints must be taken electronically by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), local police, or
an accredited private fingerprint agency. For a list of RCMP accredited digital fingerprinting agencies,
please see our website at: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/fingerprint.asp.
Please note:
• If the RCMP sends the fingerprint results directly to you, forward them to this office as soon as
possible so that we can resume processing your application.
• Please contact the agency you are planning to visit to find out the current fee.
1. Bring the following information with you to get your fingerprints taken:
 this letter, so that your application number and the address of the citizenship office
requesting your fingerprints are noted on the fingerprint form;
 your proof of permanent resident status - Record of Landing (IMM1000) or Confirmation
of Permanent Residence (IMM5292 or IMM5688);
 your Permanent Resident Card (if you have ever received one);
 at least two (2) pieces of valid identification, one of which contains your photo and
signature;
 the appropriate fees.

2. Get your fingerprints taken electronically (not by ink)
• Ensure that your application number is included on the fingerprint form.

CIT 0421 (12-2016) E GCMS (DISPONIBLE EN FRANÇAIS - CIT 0421 F)
3. What happens next:
• The agency sends the fingerprint form directly to the RCMP and advises the appropriate
citizenship office that the fingerprints have been forwarded.
• Once your fingerprints are received by the RCMP, the results are sent to the citizenship office
and processing of your application continues.
• Once your file has been finalized, no copy of your fingerprints is retained by either the
RCMP or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The requirement to provide additional information or evidence when requested can be found in section
23.1 of the Citizenship Act.
It is important to be aware that the Citizenship Act contains provisions that treat an application as
abandoned if you do not contact IRCC with a reasonable explanation for not having your fingerprints
taken within thirty (30) days of the date of this letter. It is therefore very important that you contact IRCC if
you cannot have your fingerprints taken within thirty (30) days of the date of this letter.
Should you wish to discuss this matter or should you have particular questions, please contact the office

at Client Information / Informations Client (IRCC) IRCC.ClientInformation-
InformationsClient.IRCC@cic.gc.ca

Thank you,)

Note: Not able to make an account on Tracker.
Someone please help me to understand.
 
I think you’ll find the answer on the following page:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...adian-citizen/eligibility/language-proof.html

Again, what I said in #99 is that IRCC’s wording says “send a copy of proof that you completed or are attending a program with your application” which does not necessarily mean “completed in good standing.” This is the opposite of what he said: “You’ve completed such a program in good standing.”

BTW, before you leave a comment, just make sure you read and understand it properly first. Otherwise, sarcastic comments only make you look like you don’t understand what you’re reading.
Before u leave a comment, ur the one that should understand first. I thought u said IELTS does not quality, simple as that. Dont make anything bigger then it needs to be. U could have replied “i am referencing something else not regarding to IELTS”

IELTS does qualify, thats all i meant.
 
Before u leave a comment, ur the one that should understand first. I thought u said IELTS does not quality, simple as that. Dont make anything bigger then it needs to be. U could have replied “i am referencing something else not regarding to IELTS”

IELTS does qualify, thats all i meant.

Interesting. You’re the one who’s making this a bigger deal than it needs to be. Did I mention anything about IELTS in #99?