Great news for citizenship hopefuls! On February 10, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its rules about waivers on compassionate grounds under the Citizenship Act’s subsection 5(3). If you’re struggling to meet some citizenship requirements—like language tests or living in Canada long enough—this could be your ticket in. Here at Immigration2Canada.com, we’re breaking it down simply as of March 1, 2025, so you know exactly how these changes might help you or your family.
What’s a Waiver and Why Does It Matter?
Normally, to become a Canadian citizen, you need to check certain boxes: live here for 3 years, speak English or French, know about Canada, and take an oath. But what if you can’t? That’s where waivers come in. Unlike accommodations (like extra test time or wheelchair access), waivers let IRCC skip some rules entirely if you’ve got a tough situation—think medical issues or personal hardships. This update makes it clearer who can get help and how.
Who Can Get a Waiver?
IRCC’s latest rules say waivers are for people who can’t meet citizenship requirements due to “compassionate grounds.” That’s a fancy way of saying they’ll cut you some slack if life’s been rough. Here’s who might qualify:
- Adults (18-54):
- Can skip the language test (English/French) or the knowledge test (about Canada) if you’ve got a serious reason.
- Examples: A long-term illness, disability, trauma from war or refugee camps, or trouble reading/writing in your first language.
- Can skip the oath if you have a mental disability that stops you from understanding it.
- Adults (18+):
- Only get an oath waiver if a mental condition makes it impossible to grasp what the oath means—no other reasons count here.
- Kids (14-17):
- Can skip the oath for broader reasons—like medical issues or tough personal stories—not just mental disability.
- Kids Applying Alone (Under 18):
- Can skip the 3-year living rule, having a parent sign the form, or the oath (if 14+), depending on their situation.
- Over 55?: You’re off the hook for language and knowledge tests anyway—no waiver needed!
What’s “Compassionate Grounds” Mean?
IRCC looks at big challenges in your life. It could be:
- A health problem (physical or mental) that’s lasted—or will last—a year or more.
- Hard experiences like war, torture, or living in a refugee camp.
- Struggles with education or reading in your own language.
- Other big issues that make the usual rules unfair for you.
For adults skipping the oath, it’s stricter—only a mental disability counts. But for language, knowledge, or kids’ oaths, they’re more flexible.
How Do You Ask for a Waiver?
You don’t need to wait—ask anytime before IRCC decides your application! Here’s how it works:
- At the Start: Fill out your citizenship form and add a waiver request. Use these:
- Waiver Request Form (CIT 0116): Adults explain their story (medical or not).
- Medical Opinion Form (CIT 0547): A doctor fills this out for health-related issues—must for adult oath waivers, optional otherwise.
- Waiver Request Form for Minors (CIT 0554): Kids use this for non-medical oath waivers.
- Later On: If you’re already in process and realize you need help—like failing the test—tell IRCC. They’ll pause and check your waiver before moving forward.
- Officer Spots It: If you’re at an interview or test and can’t keep up, the officer might suggest a waiver and send your file for review.
The Citizenship Management Branch (CMB) handles all waivers. If they say no, you’re back in line to try the regular way—no instant rejection!
What You Need to Send
- Adults:
- Waiver Request Form: Tell your story—sickness, trauma, whatever’s stopping you.
- Medical Opinion Form: Get a Canadian doctor to back you up if it’s health-related (required for oath waivers).
- Extra proof like affidavits or letters helps too.
- Kids:
- Minor Waiver Form: For oath issues not tied to health.
- Medical Opinion Form: If it’s a medical reason for skipping the oath.
If IRCC needs more info and you don’t reply, they’ll decide with what they’ve got—no abandoning your application.
Why This Rocks
- Flexibility: Adults stuck on language or facts, and kids facing the oath, get a real shot now.
- Fairness: Hardship doesn’t auto-kick you out—IRCC looks at your whole story.
- Toronto Bonus: Busy areas with lots of newcomers might see more waivers—perfect for diverse communities!
Watch Out For
- Oath Limits: Adults only skip it for mental disability—other issues won’t cut it.
- Proof Matters: No solid evidence? CMB might say no, so load up on docs.
- Timing: Ask early to avoid delays—later requests pause your file.
Your Next Step
Got a health issue, tough past, or a kid who needs a break? This 2025 update could be your golden ticket. Grab those forms, talk to a doctor if needed, and tell IRCC your story.
About Author
