How to Withdraw Your Canadian Citizenship Application

Navigate citizenship application withdrawal with confidence and clarity

On This Page You Will Find:

• Step-by-step withdrawal process using the official CIT 0027 form
• Three convenient submission methods to cancel your application
• Critical financial implications and refund eligibility details
• Impact on future citizenship applications and family considerations
• Expert guidance to avoid costly mistakes in the withdrawal process

Summary:

Withdrawing your Canadian citizenship resumption application requires completing Form CIT 0027 and understanding the financial consequences. While the Right of Citizenship fee can be refunded, processing fees are non-refundable once your application has begun processing. The good news? Withdrawing won't negatively impact future citizenship applications, giving you flexibility to reapply when circumstances improve. This guide walks you through the entire withdrawal process, submission options, and strategic considerations to help you make the best decision for your citizenship journey.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Use Form CIT 0027 to officially withdraw your citizenship resumption application
• Processing fees are non-refundable, but Right of Citizenship fees can be refunded
• Withdrawal won't harm your eligibility for future citizenship applications
• Each family member must submit their own individual withdrawal form
• Your request may be denied if you're under investigation or received a procedural fairness notice

Maria Santos stared at her citizenship application paperwork, weighing a difficult decision. After months of waiting and a sudden job opportunity abroad, she wondered: "Can I withdraw my Canadian citizenship application without ruining my chances forever?" If you're facing a similar crossroads, you're not alone. Thousands of applicants each year need to pause their citizenship journey due to changing circumstances, financial constraints, or timing issues.

The reality is that life doesn't always align with government processing timelines. Whether you're dealing with unexpected travel requirements, financial hardship, or simply need more time to prepare, withdrawing your application to resume Canadian citizenship is a legitimate option that won't derail your future plans.

Understanding the Withdrawal Process

Required Documentation

To withdraw your application to resume Canadian citizenship, you must complete Form CIT 0027 (Request for Withdrawal of Citizenship Application). This official government form specifically covers applications to resume Canadian citizenship (CIT 0301) along with other citizenship applications.

The form requires your signature and must be completed accurately to ensure your withdrawal is processed without delays. Each applicant, including minors, must complete their own individual form – even if you originally applied as a family unit.

Three Submission Options

You have flexibility in how you submit your withdrawal request, allowing you to choose the method that works best for your timeline and preferences.

Online Submission The fastest option involves using the official government web form. This digital submission method provides immediate confirmation that your request has been received and typically results in quicker processing times.

Mail Submission You can send your completed Form CIT 0027 via regular Canada Post to:

Case Processing Centre - Sydney P.O. Box 12000 Sydney, NS B1P 7C1

Courier Services For added security and tracking capabilities, courier services like FedEx, UPS, or Purolator can deliver your withdrawal request to the same Sydney address.

Financial Implications You Need to Know

Understanding the fee structure before withdrawing can save you from unpleasant surprises and help you make an informed decision about your citizenship journey.

Non-Refundable Processing Fees

Here's the reality that catches many applicants off guard: if your application has already begun processing, you won't receive a refund of the application processing fee. This means the time and money you've invested in the initial processing stages cannot be recovered.

This policy exists because Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has already allocated resources to review your file, conduct background checks, and begin the assessment process. Once these wheels are in motion, the associated costs cannot be reversed.

Refundable Right of Citizenship Fee

The silver lining in the fee structure involves the Right of Citizenship fee. If you paid this fee as part of your application, you are entitled to a full refund when your withdrawal is accepted. This refund can provide some financial relief as you reconsider your citizenship timeline.

The refund process typically takes 6-8 weeks after your withdrawal is approved, though processing times can vary depending on current workload and payment method.

Future Application Costs

Should you decide to pursue Canadian citizenship again, you'll need to submit a completely new application with all associated fees. This includes both the processing fee and Right of Citizenship fee, regardless of any previous payments or refunds.

Consider this financial reality when making your withdrawal decision. If you anticipate reapplying within the next 12-18 months, it might be worth exploring alternatives like requesting additional time to submit documents rather than withdrawing entirely.

When Your Withdrawal Request Might Be Denied

Not all withdrawal requests are automatically approved. Immigration authorities may deny or postpone your withdrawal under specific circumstances that relate to ongoing investigations or procedural matters.

Active Investigations

If you're currently under investigation for a prohibition under the Citizenship Act, your withdrawal request will likely be denied or postponed until the investigation concludes. These investigations typically involve concerns about:

• Criminal activity or charges
• Security threats or concerns
• Misrepresentation in your application
• Failure to meet residency requirements

Procedural Fairness Notices

If you've received a procedural fairness notice, your withdrawal request may be postponed until you've had the opportunity to respond. These notices are issued when immigration officers have concerns about your application and want to give you a chance to address those concerns before making a final decision.

The procedural fairness process is designed to protect your rights as an applicant, but it also means you cannot simply withdraw to avoid addressing the concerns raised.

Impact on Future Citizenship Applications

Here's the reassuring news that many applicants don't realize: withdrawing your citizenship application will not negatively impact your eligibility for future grants of citizenship. This policy recognizes that circumstances change and applicants should have the flexibility to reapply when conditions are more favorable.

Clean Slate for Future Applications

When you submit a new citizenship application after withdrawing a previous one, immigration officers will assess your new application based on current eligibility requirements and your circumstances at the time of the new application. The fact that you previously withdrew an application is noted in your file but doesn't count against you.

Maintaining Permanent Resident Status

Withdrawing your citizenship application doesn't affect your permanent resident status in any way. You retain all the rights and responsibilities of permanent residence, including the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.

This means you can take time to address any issues that prompted your withdrawal – whether financial, personal, or related to meeting residency requirements – while maintaining your legal status in Canada.

Special Considerations for Family Applications

Family dynamics add complexity to the withdrawal process, particularly when multiple family members applied together but circumstances have changed for only some applicants.

Individual Withdrawal Requirements

Even if you originally submitted a family application, each person who wants to withdraw must complete and sign their own Form CIT 0027. This includes:

• Spouses or partners
• Adult children (18 and older)
• Minor children (with parent/guardian signature)

Partial Family Withdrawals

You might find yourself in a situation where one family member needs to withdraw while others want to continue with their applications. This is perfectly acceptable and won't negatively impact the remaining applicants' chances of success.

For example, if a spouse receives a job opportunity requiring extended travel outside Canada, they can withdraw their application while their partner and children continue with the citizenship process.

Minor Children Considerations

When withdrawing applications for minor children, parents or legal guardians must sign the withdrawal form on their behalf. Consider the long-term implications carefully, as children who are close to meeting citizenship requirements might benefit from continuing with their applications even if parents need to withdraw.

Strategic Timing Considerations

Before finalizing your withdrawal decision, consider these timing factors that might influence your choice:

Current Processing Times

If your application is nearing completion, it might be worth waiting rather than withdrawing and starting over. Current processing times for citizenship resumption applications typically range from 12-18 months, so withdrawing late in the process means significant additional waiting time for future applications.

Upcoming Travel or Work Commitments

If temporary travel or work commitments are prompting your withdrawal consideration, explore whether you can maintain your application while managing these obligations. Sometimes, communicating with IRCC about temporary absences is preferable to complete withdrawal.

Financial Planning

Consider the total cost of withdrawal and reapplication versus continuing with your current application. Factor in not only the fees but also the opportunity cost of delayed citizenship benefits like voting rights, passport privileges, and enhanced travel freedom.

Making the Right Decision for Your Situation

The withdrawal process itself is straightforward, but the decision to withdraw requires careful consideration of your unique circumstances. Take time to evaluate whether withdrawal truly serves your long-term interests or whether alternative solutions might better address your current challenges.

If you decide to proceed with withdrawal, ensure you complete Form CIT 0027 accurately and submit it through your preferred method. Keep copies of all documentation for your records and track your submission to confirm receipt.

Remember that withdrawing your citizenship application is not a permanent setback – it's a strategic pause that allows you to regroup and reapply when circumstances align better with your citizenship goals. With proper planning and understanding of the process, you can navigate this decision confidently and maintain your path toward Canadian citizenship.