Citizenship: Advance approval for waivers
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
Advance approvals of waivers should only be requested in exceptional cases. For instance, if the applicant is in a medical situation where a delay in approving the use of subsection 5(3) would be of detriment to the applicant.
These cases are usually ones where a combined or simultaneous interview and presentation is required, for instance, at a hospital or nursing home.
Send requests for advance approval to Case Management Branch (CMB). Include the relevant documentation and information.
Include advance approval on file
When CMB gives advance approval, include the approval in the applicant’s file. After citizenship is granted, send the file to the officer in CMB who granted the advance approval.
If advance approval is given but the citizenship officer decides not to recommend a waiver
If CMB gave advance approval but the citizenship officer decides not to recommend a waiver or decides a waiver is not required, the application should be approved or refused as usual. The officer should inform CMB that the waiver was not required and what the final decision is on the case so that they may close their file.