Citizenship Waiver Requests

Some Canadian citizenship applicants who cannot meet a specific citizenship requirement because of compassionate circumstances may request a waiver from IRCC.

A waiver may be available for the citizenship test, English or French language requirement, or Oath of Citizenship, depending on the applicant’s age and circumstances. Waivers are discretionary and assessed individually.

Anka Canada Immigration Consulting assists applicants with assessing whether a citizenship waiver may be appropriate and preparing the request together with supporting evidence.

Services are provided by Volkan Sacilik, RCIC-IRB, CICC Licence No. R1042981.

​​​​​

What Citizenship Requirements Can Be Waived?

For adult applicants, IRCC may consider a waiver of:

• the English or French language requirement for applicants aged 18 to 54;

• the citizenship test for applicants aged 18 to 54; or

• the Oath of Citizenship for adult applicants.

Minors aged 14 to 17 may request a waiver of the Oath of Citizenship. Applicants who are already exempt because of their age do not need to request a waiver.

Waivers are considered on compassionate grounds. Relevant circumstances may include a serious or long-term medical condition, physical or developmental disability, mental impairment, trauma, limited education or literacy, or other circumstances that significantly affect the applicant’s ability to meet the requirement.

Supporting evidence can therefore be an important part of the request. Depending on the circumstances, this may include medical documentation, educational records or other evidence explaining how the applicant is affected.

​​​​​

Waiver or Accommodation?

A waiver is different from an accommodation.

A waiver asks IRCC to exempt the applicant from a requirement. An accommodation helps the applicant meet the requirement in a different or accessible way.

Examples of accommodations may include additional test time, an oral or accessible test format, sign-language interpretation or accessibility arrangements for a citizenship event.

Determining which option is appropriate is important before submitting a request.​

​​

Supporting a Proof of Citizenship Application

Anka can review the applicant’s circumstances and citizenship requirements to determine whether there may be reasonable grounds for a waiver.

Where retained, we can assist with:

• identifying the citizenship requirement affected;

• reviewing relevant medical, personal or other circumstances;

• preparing the waiver request and supporting explanations;

• organizing supporting evidence; and

• preparing the citizenship application together with the waiver request where appropriate.

Waiver requests are assessed by IRCC on a case-by-case basis, and approval is not automatic.

​

Important Information

A citizenship waiver is intended for applicants who cannot meet a particular requirement because of circumstances that may justify compassionate consideration. It should not be confused with an accommodation for someone who can meet the requirement with appropriate assistance.

This page provides general information only and does not guarantee that IRCC will approve a citizenship waiver request.