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Is your citizen application delayed for security checks?

paul2587

Star Member
Jan 1, 2013
146
57
NS
Category........
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2013
Hi guys, just saw this thread, not sure if anyone is active here but if you are please let me know if anyone is in the same boat as Iam and guide me as well.
I gave my test in August 2019 and during the interview I was told that all good only one clearance (also for me only not other family members) is pending and as soon as they receive it, I and my family will be called for oath. They said the delays are normally due to workload at the other party’s end who does clearance. It’s now more than 4 months and i haven’t heard from them and my ecas still says IP while wife’s is DM. I sent the web inquiry but received standard response that they are processing the file. I wonder if any one else is/was in the same boat and any suggestions?
This is very normal. I'm a fellow US applicant and I just became a citizen earlier this month. I applied in December 2018 and at my citizenship test in June 2019 I was told the exact same thing by the IRCC officer during the interview; they were waiting on my security clearance. The good news is that the clearance finally came through for me and I became a citizen a few weeks ago and got my passport two days ago. The bad news is that it took over 5 months after my test/interview before my clearance was received and processed by IRCC. I did not receive my oath invite until late November.

It seems like IRCC is ordering security clearances for quite a few different reasons and there is a backlog, so don't be alarmed or take it personally that yours is taking a while. If you've traveled frequently out of Canada as a PR (even if it's just to the USA), if you have a name that might be similar to someone with a criminal history, or if you've ever worked for a foreign government or if you have prior military service, these are just a few reasons IRCC might scrutinize you more. Also keep in mind, the average citizenship application takes 12 months from start to completion. Everyone thinks theirs will be faster, and some are, but most average a year. If you get past a year without an oath invite, contact your MP to lodge an enquiry.
 

Civil engg

Star Member
Sep 20, 2010
64
7
This is very normal. I'm a fellow US applicant and I just became a citizen earlier this month. I applied in December 2018 and at my citizenship test in June 2019 I was told the exact same thing by the IRCC officer during the interview; they were waiting on my security clearance. The good news is that the clearance finally came through for me and I became a citizen a few weeks ago and got my passport two days ago. The bad news is that it took over 5 months after my test/interview before my clearance was received and processed by IRCC. I did not receive my oath invite until late November.

It seems like IRCC is ordering security clearances for quite a few different reasons and there is a backlog, so don't be alarmed or take it personally that yours is taking a while. If you've traveled frequently out of Canada as a PR (even if it's just to the USA), if you have a name that might be similar to someone with a criminal history, or if you've ever worked for a foreign government or if you have prior military service, these are just a few reasons IRCC might scrutinize you more. Also keep in mind, the average citizenship application takes 12 months from start to completion. Everyone thinks theirs will be faster, and some are, but most average a year. If you get past a year without an oath invite, contact your MP to lodge an enquiry.
Thanks mate for your good guidance. It is comforting but only thing is I applied in October 2019 and my application has passed 12 months time
 

BeingMe

Member
Oct 6, 2015
17
0
Below are the details for my husband and I, His security is under review while Mine is cleared. Is this even possible? we are in under the same file but his is held, we have been waiting now for over a year and no response, anything that can be done? I have contacted our Local MP and this is what was sent to us.
  • The application was received at the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on June 3, 2019.
    • The applicant has passed the citizenship test on January 6, 2020.
  • The criminality verifications are currently valid.
  • The security verifications are under review.
  • As per our current processing times, it may take, on average, 12 to 24 months to finalize the application,
    • if the applicant needs to travel during this time, they should apply to renew their permanent resident card if they are eligible.
  • If the application is approved:
    • the next step is to wait for the ceremony appointment. At the ceremony, the applicant will take the oath and receive their citizenship certificate.
  • If the application is refused:
    • a refusal letter will be sent to the applicant to inform them of the decision, and
    • the Right of Citizenship Fee will be refunded.
We can provide you with the following details about the status of application for a Citizenship Adult Grant for

  • The application was received at the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on June 3, 2019.
    • The applicant has passed the citizenship test on January 6, 2020.
  • The criminality verifications are currently valid.
  • The security verifications are currently valid.
  • As per our current processing times, it may take, on average, 12 to 24 months to finalize the application,
    • if the applicant needs to travel during this time, they should apply to renew their permanent resident card if they are eligible.
 

umanitoba

Hero Member
May 30, 2015
831
166
Below are the details for my husband and I, His security is under review while Mine is cleared. Is this even possible? we are in under the same file but his is held, we have been waiting now for over a year and no response, anything that can be done? I have contacted our Local MP and this is what was sent to us.
  • The application was received at the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on June 3, 2019.
    • The applicant has passed the citizenship test on January 6, 2020.
  • The criminality verifications are currently valid.
  • The security verifications are under review.
  • As per our current processing times, it may take, on average, 12 to 24 months to finalize the application,
    • if the applicant needs to travel during this time, they should apply to renew their permanent resident card if they are eligible.
  • If the application is approved:
    • the next step is to wait for the ceremony appointment. At the ceremony, the applicant will take the oath and receive their citizenship certificate.
  • If the application is refused:
    • a refusal letter will be sent to the applicant to inform them of the decision, and
    • the Right of Citizenship Fee will be refunded.
We can provide you with the following details about the status of application for a Citizenship Adult Grant for

  • The application was received at the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on June 3, 2019.
    • The applicant has passed the citizenship test on January 6, 2020.
  • The criminality verifications are currently valid.
  • The security verifications are currently valid.
  • As per our current processing times, it may take, on average, 12 to 24 months to finalize the application,
    • if the applicant needs to travel during this time, they should apply to renew their permanent resident card if they are eligible.
Did finally your husband security passed? How long did it take?