The Government of Canada has abruptly suspended citizenship certificates issued under the law designed to restore status to so-called "lost Canadians," CBC reports. The suspension affects documents granted under the remedial legislation that Parliament passed to fix gaps in Canada's citizenship rules.

"Lost Canadians" are people who lost, or never received, Canadian citizenship because of outdated or flawed provisions in earlier citizenship legislation. The remedial law was intended to restore their status and allow them to obtain proof of citizenship. The new suspension stops the issuance of certificates under that framework, leaving applicants in uncertainty about when processing will resume.

According to CBC, the government did not give advance notice of the decision. Applicants who applied for certificates under the "lost Canadians" provisions now face delays in receiving proof of their status. CBC reports that the move has caught affected individuals and advocates by surprise.

It remains unclear from the announcement how long the suspension will last and whether the government will reissue or review certificates already granted under the law. Applicants whose cases fall under the "lost Canadians" framework should monitor official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) channels for updates on processing status and next steps.

Passport File will continue to track this story as further official details become available. Anyone affected should consult IRCC's official communications and, where needed, seek advice from a licensed immigration professional regarding their individual circumstances.