Hello everyone,
I would discourage new citizens from choosing an e-certificate based on my personal experience (at least for now).
In August 2023, I fulfilled the Canadian citizenship requirements and received my citizenship certificate. I was presented with the option of selecting either a conventional paper certificate or an electronic certificate. Considering that both options are acknowledged by the IRCC as valid documents confirming my citizenship as per their website, I opted for the e-certificate due to its expedience and convenience.
The same month I submitted an application to the BC Vital Statistics Agency for an official name change, utilizing my e-certificate as proof of Canadian citizenship. However, a month later I received correspondence from the agency stating that my citizenship e-certificate is not recognized as a valid foundational identity document according to their policies. The letter explicitly stated their inability to accept e-certificates for name change purposes, citing that they do not consider them as original documents.
I called and talked to the agency's rep, and she confirmed their inability to accept the e-certificate, even though I stressed that the IRCC's website states it's a valid citizenship document. Consequently, I had to reach out to the local IRCC office via email, requesting the issuance of a paper certificate. They complied with my request a week later. I also heard that people faced similar issues when applying for the passport.
I emailed my MP about the issue and her office replied back with (quote): "Over the past few months we had been contacted by two other constituents who have shared similar problems when dealing with provincial agencies". The MP's office forwarded me to David Eby’s office, but I haven't got any response from them so far.
I find this situation ridiculous and frustrating. Next year my family will also be applying for citizenship, and we will definitely make sure to choose a paper certificate to avoid all this hassle.
I would discourage new citizens from choosing an e-certificate based on my personal experience (at least for now).
In August 2023, I fulfilled the Canadian citizenship requirements and received my citizenship certificate. I was presented with the option of selecting either a conventional paper certificate or an electronic certificate. Considering that both options are acknowledged by the IRCC as valid documents confirming my citizenship as per their website, I opted for the e-certificate due to its expedience and convenience.
The same month I submitted an application to the BC Vital Statistics Agency for an official name change, utilizing my e-certificate as proof of Canadian citizenship. However, a month later I received correspondence from the agency stating that my citizenship e-certificate is not recognized as a valid foundational identity document according to their policies. The letter explicitly stated their inability to accept e-certificates for name change purposes, citing that they do not consider them as original documents.
I called and talked to the agency's rep, and she confirmed their inability to accept the e-certificate, even though I stressed that the IRCC's website states it's a valid citizenship document. Consequently, I had to reach out to the local IRCC office via email, requesting the issuance of a paper certificate. They complied with my request a week later. I also heard that people faced similar issues when applying for the passport.
I emailed my MP about the issue and her office replied back with (quote): "Over the past few months we had been contacted by two other constituents who have shared similar problems when dealing with provincial agencies". The MP's office forwarded me to David Eby’s office, but I haven't got any response from them so far.
I find this situation ridiculous and frustrating. Next year my family will also be applying for citizenship, and we will definitely make sure to choose a paper certificate to avoid all this hassle.
