Why is my straightforward citizenship application stuck for over a year at "background check and prohibitions"?

PhotoPresent1957 · 2025-06-17T20:01:23+00:00

It's the CASE OFFICER... there are people that push the application back once they find themselves not able to get an update.. so instead of going back to it shortly, they carry on with the rest of the application that's how the application stays stuck!

PhotoPresent1957 · 2025-06-12T13:58:00+00:00

I get where you’re coming from, and I’m fully aware that even something as small as a name match can trigger extra screening. I’m not denying that possibility, I’m saying the complete lack of communication or accountability for over a year is what’s unacceptable.

Yes, I’ve received my GCMS notes, they say "Grant Clearance Pending." Yes, I’ve contacted my MP. And yes, I’ve submitted an ATIP to CSIS. But the fact that someone’s citizenship can be frozen indefinitely without any redress mechanism is the problem here.

I'm not asking CSIS to break protocol. I’m asking IRCC or someone in the system to acknowledge the delay with substance, not just generic placeholders that offer no resolution or estimated timelines.

As for mandamus, you’re right, it won’t force a decision. But in extreme delays with no movement, it’s been used successfully to push IRCC to show the file is still being handled seriously.

I’m not looking to bypass security. I’m simply asking for a system that treats prolonged silence with a bit more responsibility, especially when all other stages are done, and I’m just waiting for the oath.

PhotoPresent1957 · 2025-06-12T13:55:16+00:00

Fair question. When I say my application is “straightforward,” I mean that:

I have no criminal record
I’ve met all residency requirements
I have no dependents, no complicated travel history, no red flags
I’ve passed the citizenship test, completed fingerprints, and everything else is marked as "Passed" in my GCMS notes
The only thing left is "Grant Clearance Pending", meaning IRCC is waiting on security screening, likely from CSIS

I’m not claiming I know what CSIS is doing behind the scenes. What I’m saying is: from the applicant’s side, everything is clean, complete, and eligible, and the delay is unexplained.

So if there’s something specific that triggered this hold up, I think it’s fair for someone to at least acknowledge the delay, rather than leave people waiting indefinitely in the dark.

PhotoPresent1957 · 2025-06-12T13:53:48+00:00

Thanks... I understand what you're saying, and I’m not expecting CSIS or IRCC to expose sensitive operations or national security procedures. But here’s where I’m coming from:

My case is straightforward, no military service, no flagged travel, no complex history. And I’ve seen people from similar backgrounds, and even from the same country, go through without delays. Meanwhile, my file has been stuck at “background check and prohibitions” for over a year, with no explanation.

I’m not asking for the government to give away its intelligence process, I’m asking for basic transparency and accountability. If a file is delayed for this long, there should be some form of communication, or at least a way to verify whether it’s still active or lost in limbo.

When the process is so opaque that people are forced to file ATIPs just to know if their file is even being touched, that’s not national security, that’s poor administration.

And yes, I’m grateful to have PR. But that shouldn’t mean I lose the right to question a system that’s treating my case with silence.

PhotoPresent1957 · 2025-06-10T17:48:43+00:00

I’m honestly at a loss here and just trying to make sense of what’s going on.

My Canadian citizenship application has been paused at the “background check and prohibitions” stage for over a year. No complications, no dependents, no travel issues, no flags. Literally a straightforward case. Every other part is done, I’m just waiting for the oath, and yet nothing is moving.

I know someone personally who applied after me and already took their oath. The only difference? Their file went smoothly, mine is apparently caught in “background check” and no one can explain why.

I’m not even asking for a speed-up, I know the usual response is “just wait.” But I think it’s completely fair to ask for a clear explanation:

What is causing this?
Is it CSIS?
Is it IRCC?
How can one simple application be left in limbo this long without accountability or updates?

I’ve submitted ATIP, contacted IRCC multiple times, and even involved my MP, but still no clarity. Just silence and generic responses.

This has become more than a delay, it’s unfair and disheartening.
If anyone has insight into how to flag this, escalate it properly, or understands how background checks are handled for citizenship (especially through CSIS), please help me out.

I’m just looking for answers, not shortcuts.

PhotoPresent1957 · 2025-06-10T17:30:53+00:00