Yes, I have the same question. I had this same understanding.. My Security clearance is pending hence BG is in progress. IRCC is so weird.
April 2025 - Citizenship Applications
- Thread starter TheInterceptor
- Start date
I guess there is a missing link in what she said to him and what he understood, if his BG turned green that is.
Exactly what I thought, my BG has been completed since June 2025, it got me confused when she said she’s just waiting for my security clearance.
I don't think this is true.
There are aspects of BG which likely overlap with 'security', but there are also things in prohibitions that only 'security services' would be able to begin to look into, mostly because sources of information and evidence are outside of Canada.
So I would say in no case should anyone think that because they got BG cleared, that 'security' is complete.
The reason why I said that is because, IRCC agent told me that my criminality has passed (done) and security is still in progress. My BG on tracker still shows in progress and is not green yet. So, this explains the fact that it is two parts and not one. Once BG turns fully green then BG is complete with both parts.
I was unclear in what I posted and I misread your post. My mistake. I thought you were saying that security is complete if BG is complete - a thing some here believe, and I see it all the time, so that's why I read it that way.
That said, your point that 'security is complete' if BG is green is also not true.
My understanding: security overlaps with BG and prohibitions. Plenty of files get cleared (green) for BG when prohibitions are not yet done, and that does not mean that 'security' is not still in process. There are - or at least there seem to be - distinct 'security' aspects for both. I do not know the exact split or what they consider 'distinct' between the two. (Most likely it's not a simple split)
My /guess/ only is that the security aspect of BG is from a simple evaluation and database query (combined with previous applications and flags that may be in the account), and that evaluation gives some kind of conclusion or recommendation for the level of security background checks needed, and if that conclusion (recommendation?) is in some lower risk group (meaning roughly 'no significant traces/no obvious issues'), the BG flag may turn green. (Or possibly it turns green after some human review by some 'security' delegated/authorized personnel).
But again, only a guess. And if subsequent level of inquiry (for prohibitions) turns anything up needing more detailed review, could still take long/longer.
FWIW.
Hey guys, questions.
I REALLY don't want to give up my PR card at the ceremony. It will break my heart to see it get cut up. I guess I'm not afraid to ask it - can I just forget it on the day and say I forgot somewhere? Like, why the hell do they have to cut it up FFS?
Second, I'm at an in-person ceremony. If I opt for an "e-certificate" do I still get to take photos with a physical certificate? Obviously the photos are a big deal on the day.
I REALLY don't want to give up my PR card at the ceremony. It will break my heart to see it get cut up. I guess I'm not afraid to ask it - can I just forget it on the day and say I forgot somewhere? Like, why the hell do they have to cut it up FFS?
Second, I'm at an in-person ceremony. If I opt for an "e-certificate" do I still get to take photos with a physical certificate? Obviously the photos are a big deal on the day.
Hello @moscatojuices,
Please be advised that you must present your Permanent Resident (PR) Card on the day of your ceremony. If you do not provide your PR Card at that time, your Citizenship Certificate will not be issued. As you will officially become a Canadian citizen, surrendering your PR Card is a mandatory requirement. Rest assured, your PR Card will not be cut or destroyed in front of you during the ceremony. Officials will simply collect it as part of the process. While it may feel difficult to give it up, it is a necessary step in the process.
Having an in-person ceremony generally means that you will receive the physical (paper) copy of your Canadian Citizenship Certificate on the same day you take the Oath of Citizenship. During the ceremony, once you have officially taken the oath and signed the required documentation, you will be presented with your Citizenship Certificate as formal proof that you are now a Canadian citizen.
Surrendering the card is EVEN WORSE!!!!
If you conveniently lose your card, they do include in the email the "Solemn Declaration Concerning a Lost, Stolen, Destroyed, or Never-Received PR Card".
Why do I have to be such an honest person argh
Oh, do chill out. It's an ID card. Take a picture. You'll soon enough have a passport, way nicer doc.
They say they take it to reduce risk of identity fraud and the like. Whether that still makes sense - not my bailiwick.
If if matters so much you have to scream in caps lock, well, I have amazing news. You have the option to stay a PR for life. That way you can keep your gold medal and always use it if you want. Just skip the ceremony or go but don't pronounce the oath...
Similar threads
