Forward Regulatory Plan: 2021 to 2023
Amendments to the Citizenship Regulations to enable modernization of the Citizenship Program and allow greater flexibility in program delivery

Enabling Act: Citizenship Act

Description

Recent events and the ongoing response to COVID-19 have revealed a lack of flexibility in the citizenship program, which is paper-based and relies on in-person services.

Amendments to the Citizenship Regulations are being considered to provide for greater flexibility in the administration of the citizenship program to move towards online and virtual services. The aim would be to facilitate electronic program delivery. Additionally, the use of electronic systems and tools would benefit clients and improve processing and program integrity, while enabling greater confidence in the screening of citizenship applicants.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

The initiative is not part of formal bilateral agreement or a formal regulatory cooperation agreement.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

The proposed regulatory change is expected to have limited to no impact on businesses, trade or investment.

The proposed changes will provide added flexibility in program delivery which will in turn improve service to Canadians and clients of the citizenship program.

Consultations

The target date for publication of the final amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part II, is 2023-2024, pending further consultations.

Departmental Contact Information

Teny Dikranian
Director, Citizenship Legislation and Program Policy, Citizenship
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Email: IRCC.CITConsultations-ConsultationsCIT.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
Telephone: 613-437-5632

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan: October 18, 2020