Thank you to everyone who was able to join us at the IRCC meeting last week. It was great to see so much representation from ACA members, and we are grateful to you for giving your time and sharing your experiences. 

For those who were unable to attend, we are providing a summary below of the IRCC’s responses to questions submitted by ACA members.

We recognize that the discussion did not answer all our questions or provide a clear path for addressing the significant workload pressures that archives are experiencing due to Bill C-3. ACA would like to continue the conversation, compile a new list of questions and concerns for IRCC, and create a space where members can share their experiences and support one another. We hope you can join us for the following event: 

Bill C-3 Member Follow-Up and Advocacy Discussion 
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 
2:00–3:00 p.m. Eastern Time 
Registration link

During this meeting, we will:

• Discuss the information provided by IRCC and identify areas that still require clarification;

• Hear how Bill C-3-related requests are affecting archivists and archival institutions;

• Compile additional questions and concerns to bring forward to IRCC; and

• Discuss opportunities for further advocacy regarding the resources and funding archives need to respond to increased demand.

Complete the ACA’s Survey

ACA is planning further advocacy with the federal government regarding the need for additional funding and support for archival institutions. To help us demonstrate the impact archives are experiencing, please complete our short survey by Monday August 10th:

Survey Link

IRCC’s Responses to ACA Member Questions

1. What evidence is accepted for citizenship-by-descent applications?

• IRCC indicated that applicants need to provide documentation for each generation in the line of descent.

• The list of documents on IRCC’s website is not exhaustive. Officers assess each application individually and must consider all relevant evidence provided by the applicant.

2. How does IRCC assess sacramental records?

• Sacramental records may be submitted as supporting evidence.

• Baptismal records are considered secondary evidence rather than primary evidence.

3. What formatting and certification requirements apply?

• Documents do not need to be certified. Applicants are not required to obtain certified copies. However, when an institution’s normal practice includes a seal, covering letter, stamp and/or wet signature, IRCC will accept the document in that form. The primary consideration is whether the evidence is authentic and verifiable. If questions arise, IRCC may subsequently request a certified copy or additional documentation.

• Documents that are not in English or French must be translated by a certified translator or accompanied by an affidavit from the translator, in accordance with IRCC requirements.

• When an original record cannot be obtained, the applicant must explain in writing:

• IRCC described the “original authority” as the organization that created or issued the record, or the organization that is now responsible for maintaining it.

• Copies should be:

4. What is required when no record can be located?

• A formal or certified “No Record Found” letter is not required.

• Email correspondence from the archive, or documentation showing the results of a search of the responsible authority’s records, is sufficient to demonstrate that efforts were made to locate the record.

5. What can archivists do about rising workloads?

• IRCC emphasized that applicants are responsible for planning ahead and obtaining the documents needed for their applications.

• IRCC stated that archivists:

• Archives may also direct applicants to the information available on IRCC’s website.

6. How far back may records be used as evidence?

• IRCC shared that there is no fixed cutoff date.

• Applicants may need to trace their family line back to the relevant ancestor, described during the session as “generation zero.” This may be a person who was born or naturalized as a British subject in Canada and whose status may have resulted in Canadian citizenship.

• Applicants must demonstrate citizenship and parentage through each subsequent generation.

• Depending on the circumstances, a claim may rely on records dating from before 1947. The relevant question is whether the ancestor’s status would have resulted in Canadian citizenship.