Citizenship Revocation
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The revocation of Canadian citizenship is a serious matter that can significantly impact a person’s status in Canada. If Canadian authorities believe citizenship was obtained fraudulently or through misrepresentation, the individual may lose their citizenship and, in some cases, even their permanent resident status — potentially leading to removal from Canada.
If you or a family member is facing potential citizenship revocation, it’s important to understand the process, your rights, and what steps you can take. As Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), we can help you understand your options, prepare documentation, and assist in preparing responses or submissions at various stages of the process.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (IRCC) can initiate revocation proceedings if they believe you obtained citizenship through:
False representation
Fraud
Knowingly concealing material circumstances
For example, this could include:
Misstating your residency period in Canada
Failing to disclose a criminal record
Using a false identity or documents during your application
In addition, recent amendments to the Citizenship Act (not yet in force) may allow IRCC to revoke citizenship from individuals involved in serious offences such as terrorism or treason.
If your permanent residence application was honest and only the citizenship application included misrepresentations, you may return to permanent resident status upon losing citizenship.
However, becoming a permanent resident again doesn’t guarantee continued status. If it’s discovered that you:
Committed a crime overseas before applying for citizenship, and
Did not disclose this when applying
— then IRCC may find you inadmissible to Canada and begin removal proceedings.
If there was also misrepresentation in your permanent residence application, revocation of citizenship could directly lead to the loss of permanent resident status as well.
To learn more about criminal inadmissibility, [click here].
Notice of Intent to Revoke Citizenship
IRCC begins the process by sending a formal Notice. This document outlines the reasons and evidence for revocation.
Responding to the Notice
If you receive such a notice, you typically have 30 days to respond. You can submit written arguments or request that the matter proceed to the next decision-making stage (which may involve judicial review).
Ministerial Decision and Final Recommendation
If IRCC proceeds with revocation, a report is prepared and submitted to the Governor in Council (Cabinet), which includes your submissions, if any. The final decision is made via Order in Council.
What You Can Do
While RCICs do not represent clients in Federal Court, we can help you:
Understand the allegations and their implications
Prepare a strong response to IRCC
Organize documentation and submissions
Connect with legal counsel if your case progresses to a judicial stage
If you have lost Canadian citizenship and are eligible to apply again, the Citizenship Resumption process may be available to you. This option is only open in specific circumstances and has strict requirements. We can help assess your eligibility and guide you through the application process.
Contact Odogwu Immigration Consulting today for a confidential assessment. We are here to support you with professional, ethical, and personalized immigration guidance.
