May 2026 - Citizenship Applications Time Line

[hamster04293]

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?

 

[ABCAN2023]

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.

 

[Julia.jenn4]

May applicants getting aor pleaae reply. Im may 12th

 

[Julia.jenn4]

Thank you for your input. I had already resubmitted it with that sentence highlighted before I received your suggestion. However, if this document is returned again, I may request an official transcript from my university.

Did u graduate or still studying

 

[Takita]

Type: Online application
Location: Windsor, ON
Physical Presence Days: 1125
Application Type: Online
Application sent: 12-MAY-2026
Delivered: 12-MAY-2026

AOR: 14-AUG-2026

 

[canadavisauser001]

Did u graduate or still studying

Still studying. Seems like there’s nothing I can do at the moment since I already resubmitted the document this week. If IRCC returns it again, I guess I’ll have to submit an official transcript.

 

[haddad287]

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