Canadian withdrawing citizenship application paperwork at desk
On This Page You Will Find:
- Step-by-step withdrawal process that protects your refund eligibility
- Three official submission methods (including fastest online option)
- Critical timing considerations that could save you hundreds in fees
- What happens to your application after withdrawal and your future options
- Common mistakes that lead to denied withdrawal requests
Summary:
If you've submitted an application for Canadian proof of citizenship and need to withdraw it, acting quickly could mean the difference between getting a partial refund or losing your fees entirely. This guide reveals the official three-step withdrawal process, including the mandatory CIT 0027 form requirement, submission deadlines that affect your refund eligibility, and why some withdrawal requests get denied. Whether you applied in Canada or abroad, you'll discover exactly how to navigate the withdrawal process while protecting your financial interests and future application options.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Complete Form CIT 0027 immediately - each family member needs their own signed form
- Submit online for fastest processing, or mail to Case Processing Centre in Sydney, NS
- Right of Citizenship fees are refundable, but processing fees are lost once review begins
- Withdrawal requests can be denied if you're under investigation or received procedural fairness notices
- Future applications require completely restarting the process and paying all fees again
Maria Santos stared at her computer screen, her heart sinking as she read the job offer. The position of a lifetime had just landed in her inbox – but it required relocating to the United States within 60 days. After waiting eight months for her Canadian citizenship certificate application to process, she now faced an impossible choice: pursue her dream job or continue waiting for Canadian documentation she might not need for years.
If you've found yourself in a similar situation, you're not alone. Thousands of Canadians withdraw their citizenship certificate applications each year due to changed circumstances, urgent relocations, or shifting priorities. The good news? There's a straightforward process to withdraw your application – and if you act quickly, you might even get some of your money back.
Understanding the Withdrawal Process
Withdrawing your proof of citizenship application isn't as simple as sending an email or making a phone call. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires specific documentation and follows strict procedures to ensure legitimate requests.
The most critical piece of this puzzle is Form CIT 0027 – the Request for Withdrawal of Citizenship Application Form. This isn't optional paperwork; it's your official ticket out of the application process. Without this completed and signed form, your withdrawal request will be automatically rejected, regardless of how urgent your situation might be.
Here's what makes this particularly important for families: if you applied as part of a group application (perhaps including your spouse and children), each person needs their own completed form. Yes, even minor children require individual forms, though parents or guardians can sign on their behalf.
Three Ways to Submit Your Withdrawal Request
Option 1: Online Web Form (Fastest Processing)
The digital route offers the quickest processing times. IRCC's online web form allows you to upload your completed CIT 0027 form and receive confirmation within 24-48 hours. This method also provides automatic tracking, so you'll know exactly when your request enters the system.
To access the online form, log into your IRCC account using the same credentials you used for your original application. Navigate to the "Submit a web form" section and select "Citizenship" as your inquiry type.
Option 2: Mail or Courier Service
For those who prefer traditional submission methods, you can mail your withdrawal request to:
Case Processing Centre - Sydney P.O. Box 12000 Sydney, NS B1P 7C1
When mailing your request, use registered mail or a courier service that provides tracking. This ensures your documents don't get lost and gives you proof of delivery – crucial if questions arise about timing or receipt.
Processing times for mailed requests typically range from 2-4 weeks, depending on current volumes and mail delivery speeds.
Option 3: International Applications
If you originally submitted your citizenship application at a Canadian embassy, high commission, or consulate abroad, the process requires an additional step. You'll need to:
First, contact the diplomatic mission where you submitted your original application to inform them of your withdrawal request. This courtesy notification helps prevent confusion and ensures your file receives proper attention.
Second, mail your completed CIT 0027 form directly to that same diplomatic mission. Don't send it to the Sydney processing centre – international applications follow different routing procedures.
The Money Question: What About Refunds?
Understanding the financial implications of withdrawal can save you significant money, but timing is everything.
Right of Citizenship Fee: This portion of your payment is fully refundable upon withdrawal, regardless of how long your application has been processing. For 2024, this fee is $100, and you should expect to receive this refund within 6-8 weeks of your withdrawal confirmation.
Application Processing Fees: Here's where timing becomes critical. If IRCC hasn't begun processing your application, you may receive a partial refund of processing fees. However, once processing begins – which can happen within days or weeks of submission – these fees are non-refundable.
The processing fee for citizenship certificate applications in 2024 is $75. While this might seem modest, every dollar counts when you're managing unexpected life changes.
Pro tip: Check your online account status before submitting your withdrawal. If your application status shows "In Progress" or "Under Review," processing fees are likely non-refundable.
When Withdrawal Requests Get Denied
Not every withdrawal request receives automatic approval. IRCC maintains the authority to deny or postpone withdrawals under specific circumstances, and understanding these scenarios can help you prepare for potential complications.
Active Investigations: If you're currently under investigation for any prohibition under the Citizenship Act, your withdrawal request will likely be postponed or denied. These investigations typically involve concerns about:
- Criminal activity
- Security issues
- Misrepresentation on applications
- Violation of citizenship residency requirements
Procedural Fairness Notices: If IRCC has issued you a procedural fairness notice (essentially a formal warning about potential application issues), your withdrawal may be denied until those matters are resolved.
Incomplete Documentation: Surprisingly common, incomplete withdrawal requests get rejected regularly. Double-check that:
- All forms are completely filled out
- Signatures are present and match your original application
- Family members each have individual forms
- Contact information is current and accurate
What Happens After Withdrawal
Once IRCC approves your withdrawal request, several things occur automatically:
Your application file is permanently closed and cannot be reopened or resumed. This means if you decide to pursue Canadian citizenship documentation in the future, you'll start completely from scratch.
All supporting documents submitted with your original application are either returned to you or securely destroyed, depending on IRCC's current document retention policies.
Your online account will reflect the withdrawal status, typically showing "Withdrawn" or "Closed" within 2-3 business days of processing.
Any scheduled appointments (such as interviews or document verification sessions) are automatically cancelled, and you'll receive confirmation of these cancellations via email.
Planning Your Next Steps
Before submitting your withdrawal request, consider the long-term implications of your decision. Life circumstances change, and what seems urgent today might resolve itself within months.
If you're withdrawing due to temporary relocation, remember that Canadian citizenship applications don't expire. Your current application will continue processing even if you're living abroad, and you can receive your citizenship certificate at any Canadian embassy or consulate worldwide.
However, if your circumstances have genuinely changed and citizenship documentation is no longer a priority, withdrawal might be the practical choice. Just remember that future applications will require:
- Completely new application forms
- Updated supporting documentation
- Full fee payment (which will likely be higher due to regular fee increases)
- Restarting the entire processing timeline, which currently averages 5-9 months
Monitoring Your Withdrawal Status
After submitting your withdrawal request, stay engaged with the process through your online IRCC account. This portal provides real-time updates and serves as your primary communication channel with immigration officials.
Typical withdrawal processing follows this timeline:
- Days 1-3: Request received and entered into system
- Days 4-10: Initial review and validation
- Days 11-21: Final approval and account updates
- Days 22-56: Refund processing (if applicable)
If your withdrawal hasn't been processed within 30 days, contact IRCC directly through their web form system or phone support line. Delays occasionally occur due to high volumes or technical issues, but proactive follow-up ensures your request doesn't fall through administrative cracks.
Making the Final Decision
Withdrawing your citizenship application represents more than just paperwork – it's a decision about your future relationship with Canada and your long-term residency plans. Take time to consider whether your current circumstances truly warrant withdrawal or if patience might serve you better.
Remember Maria from our opening story? She ultimately chose to maintain her citizenship application while pursuing her US opportunity. Six months later, she received her citizenship certificate at the Canadian consulate in New York, giving her valuable documentation for future cross-border opportunities.
Your situation is unique, but the withdrawal process doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're facing urgent relocation, changed family circumstances, or simply shifting priorities, following the proper procedures ensures a smooth exit from the citizenship application process while protecting your options for the future.
The key is acting decisively once you've made your choice. Delaying withdrawal won't improve your refund eligibility, and it ties up processing resources that could benefit other applicants. Complete Form CIT 0027, choose your submission method, and move forward with confidence in your decision.
FAQ
Q: What is Form CIT 0027 and why is it mandatory for withdrawing my citizenship certificate application?
Form CIT 0027 is the official "Request for Withdrawal of Citizenship Application Form" required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for all withdrawal requests. This form serves as your legal declaration to terminate your citizenship certificate application and cannot be substituted with emails, phone calls, or letters. The form requires specific information including your application number, personal details, and a signed declaration. If you applied as part of a family group, each family member needs their own completed CIT 0027 form, including minor children (though parents can sign on their behalf). Without this properly completed form, IRCC will automatically reject your withdrawal request regardless of urgency. The form is available for download on the IRCC website and must be filled out completely with signatures that match your original application documents.
Q: How quickly can I withdraw my application and which submission method is fastest?
The fastest withdrawal method is submitting Form CIT 0027 through IRCC's online web form, which typically processes within 24-48 hours and provides automatic confirmation and tracking. To use this method, log into your IRCC account, navigate to "Submit a web form," and select "Citizenship" as your inquiry type. The second option is mailing your form to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, NS, which takes 2-4 weeks depending on mail delivery and current processing volumes. For international applications originally submitted at Canadian embassies or consulates abroad, you must contact the specific diplomatic mission where you applied and mail your withdrawal form directly to that location - don't send it to Sydney. International withdrawals typically take 3-6 weeks due to additional routing requirements and coordination between the diplomatic mission and Canadian processing centers.
Q: Will I get my money back if I withdraw my citizenship certificate application?
Your refund eligibility depends on which fees you paid and the timing of your withdrawal. The Right of Citizenship fee ($100 in 2024) is fully refundable regardless of how long your application has been processing, and you should receive this refund within 6-8 weeks of withdrawal confirmation. However, the application processing fee ($75 in 2024) is only partially refundable if IRCC hasn't begun processing your application yet. Once your application status shows "In Progress" or "Under Review" in your online account, processing fees become non-refundable. To maximize your refund potential, check your online account status before submitting withdrawal - if processing has already begun, you'll only receive the Right of Citizenship fee back. All refunds are processed automatically after withdrawal approval and are typically issued to the original payment method used for your application.
Q: Under what circumstances might IRCC deny my withdrawal request?
IRCC can deny or postpone withdrawal requests in several specific situations. If you're currently under investigation for any prohibition under the Citizenship Act - including criminal activity, security concerns, misrepresentation on applications, or violation of residency requirements - your withdrawal will likely be denied until the investigation concludes. Withdrawal requests are also denied if you've received a procedural fairness notice, which is a formal warning about potential application issues that must be resolved first. Additionally, incomplete documentation causes automatic rejection - this includes missing signatures, unfilled form sections, lack of individual forms for family members, or outdated contact information. If you're involved in any legal proceedings related to your citizenship status or have outstanding requests for additional documentation from IRCC, these must typically be resolved before withdrawal approval. The denial rate for properly completed withdrawal requests is relatively low, but these circumstances can significantly complicate the process.
Q: What happens to my application file and future options after withdrawal is approved?
Once IRCC approves your withdrawal, your application file is permanently closed and cannot be reopened, resumed, or transferred to a new application. All supporting documents you submitted are either returned to you or securely destroyed according to IRCC's document retention policies - you'll be notified which option applies to your case. Your online account will show "Withdrawn" or "Closed" status within 2-3 business days, and any scheduled appointments like interviews or document verification sessions are automatically cancelled with email confirmation. If you decide to apply for Canadian citizenship documentation in the future, you must start completely from scratch with new forms, updated supporting documents, full fee payment (which increases regularly), and a fresh processing timeline currently averaging 5-9 months. Your previous application history doesn't negatively impact future applications, but you receive no processing advantages or fee discounts from your withdrawn application.
Q: Can I withdraw my application if I'm currently living outside Canada or applied internationally?
Yes, you can withdraw your citizenship certificate application regardless of your current location, but international applicants must follow specific procedures. If you originally applied through a Canadian embassy, high commission, or consulate abroad, you must first contact that specific diplomatic mission to notify them of your withdrawal intention, then mail your completed Form CIT 0027 directly to that same location - not to the Sydney processing centre. This two-step process ensures proper file handling and prevents processing delays. If you applied within Canada but are now living abroad, you can still use the standard withdrawal methods: online web form (fastest) or mail to Sydney. Your citizenship certificate application continues processing regardless of where you live, and approved certificates can be delivered to Canadian diplomatic missions worldwide. However, if your international move is temporary, consider whether withdrawal is necessary since you can receive your citizenship documentation abroad and the application doesn't expire due to travel.
Q: How long should I wait before contacting IRCC if my withdrawal hasn't been processed?
Standard withdrawal processing follows a predictable timeline: request entry into the system (days 1-3), initial review and validation (days 4-10), final approval and account updates (days 11-21), and refund processing if applicable (days 22-56). If your withdrawal hasn't been acknowledged within 30 days of submission, contact IRCC directly through their web form system or phone support line, as delays beyond this timeframe typically indicate processing issues rather than normal volume. Online submissions usually receive faster processing, so if you mailed your request and haven't heard back within 4-6 weeks, follow up proactively. When contacting IRCC, have your application number, withdrawal submission date, and tracking information (if mailed) ready to expedite their review. Delays occasionally occur due to high application volumes, technical system issues, or incomplete documentation that requires additional review. Monitoring your online IRCC account provides the most current status updates and serves as the primary communication channel throughout the withdrawal process.
