People who received the certificates were told to return them while officials review their applications. The government says some files may be missing important original documents needed to prove citizenship eligibility.
The move has left many applicants shocked and frustrated. Some had already made major life plans based on their new citizenship status, including preparing to move to Canada.
The certificates were issued after Parliament passed Bill C-3 in November, expanding citizenship by descent rules. The law allows some people with Canadian ancestors to claim citizenship, even if their family has lived outside Canada for several generations.
Immigration lawyers say it is unusual for citizenship certificates to be suspended after they have already been issued. They say the government should have reviewed any concerns before approving the applications.
More than 4,000 people received citizenship certificates under the new rules, and it is not yet clear how many have been affected by the suspension.
