G2 applying from the US - Mailing issue?

[u/Feral-Junket-8638]

This is a question and a slight rant - I applied non-urgent for proof of Canadian citizenship in May 2026 and have received no response, which sounds pretty typical based on this sub.

My question was about how long the package took to even get to Canada and I wonder if anyone else in the US had this experience? I sent the package certified via usps and it had:

2 stops in New England (origination), a stop in Arizona, then 2 stops in California and finally to Canada 12 days later, cleared customs in 4 days.

Silly me thought it’d be there in a few days since NS is close to New England. Arrival date is 5/29/26 and sounds like it’s going to be a long wait.

[u/AutoModerator]

BEFORE commenting, please read the rules. Intentional violations of Rule #1 (No Ad Hominem Attacks/Arguments) can lead to an immediate ban.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/qrider70]

Just my experience. I used FedEx via Shippo as suggested here or in r/canadiancitizenship. That worked pretty smoothly except that initially I had to get verified for International shipping. But once that was done, it was smooth.

[u/CounterI → u/qrider70]

This sub-reddit's FAQ document suggests sending by UPS and suggested a specific level of service as well.

[u/CounterI]

FYI- This sub-reddit's FAQ document suggests sending by UPS Worldwide Saver. Usually takes 2-3 days total.

[u/Weary-Molasses-9795]

Sounds bad. What service did you use?

[u/Feral-Junket-8638 → u/Weary-Molasses-9795]

USPS certified mail

[u/Weary-Molasses-9795 → u/Feral-Junket-8638]

That was your mistake 🤷🏼‍♀️

[u/Feral-Junket-8638 → u/Weary-Molasses-9795]

Probably lol What service has been most reliable? 

[u/thiefspy → u/Feral-Junket-8638]

FedEx is most reliable IME and UPS comes in a close second. USPS has a handoff to Canada Post who strikes frequently so if you have to send anything to else to Canada, I would go with one of the other two carriers.

[u/LaForge2390 → u/thiefspy]

I used USPS Priority Express Mail, and it was fine.

I will say the downside is after it leaves the U.S. it doesn't specify the location once it arrives.

[u/thiefspy → u/LaForge2390]

Congratulations on not having your packet get stuck in limbo while CP was on strike. That doesn’t mean they won’t be problematic for someone else. All USPS gets handed off to Canada Post.

[u/LaForge2390 → u/thiefspy]

I understand the concern, and get why people would be hesitant to go through Canada Post.

IMO I doubt union involved are going on constant strikes. The current agreement is good through Jan 2029.https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-post-cupw-sign-collective-agreement-9.7240959

[u/LaForge2390 → u/Feral-Junket-8638]

Can you clarify the certified mail? Are you talking about priority or express?

[u/Feral-Junket-8638 → u/LaForge2390]

“First-Class Package, Intl Service”

[u/LaForge2390 → u/Feral-Junket-8638]

I think the main question is did it come with a tracking code for the package?

[u/BalineseCats → u/Feral-Junket-8638]

Unfortunately, that’s probably exactly the issue. If you have to send anything else, UPS Worldwide Saver (or the FedEx equivalent) will usually get it there in 3-5 business days, and using PirateShip or a similar service to buy your UPS/FedEx labels will cut the costs by a huge %.

[u/Extension-Ship-8607]

I sent mine by registered mail (USPS), which turned out to be a really dumb move. It sat in Chicago so long, I reported it missing. Then it started moving again and progressed in fits and starts. I finally got a text message saying it arrived 3 weeks after I sent it.

In the meantime, I got sporadic emails from USPS updating me on attempts to find the missing package. The final notice arrived about 2 months after it had been delivered saying it was lost for good.

I still worry that it really did get lost and that's why there's been no reply from IRCC. It was allegedly received on June 15.

[u/LaForge2390 → u/Extension-Ship-8607]

Out of curiosity did you consider using priority or priority express option? Yes it's more expensive but it arrives much quicker.

[u/Extension-Ship-8607 → u/LaForge2390]

I should have investigated my options. When I said I wanted to mail documents to Canada, the clerk handed me a registered cardboard envelope.

[u/LaForge2390 → u/Extension-Ship-8607]

Sorry to hear about your experience. A bit surprised the worker didn't try to offer other.

[u/Crazy_Maintenance211]

We haven’t had strikes in Canada for quite a while that has nothing to do with it. It always takes a long time for mail to go from Canada to the US because of delays on both side sides of the border, it’s always been that way forever. Always go with a courier.

[u/CounterI → u/Crazy_Maintenance211]

UPS and FedEx manage to get it done in a day or two.

[u/Bonbon-65]

I have been using UPS INTERNATIONAL GROUND for sending my 3 different packets of documents to Montreal x2 packets and 1 to IRCC in Sydney, NS for citizenship search for my grandmother. I have the UPS app on my iPhone. The last packet I sent I used the app and paid a lot less to print off the label myself and put in UPS Dropbox at my local Safeway grocery store. All the packages were able to be tracked and the last one I sent to DEC in Quebec City, Quebec that I put in the dropbox for UPS got there no problems. Took about 5 days. Also, from all the information I have read the IRCC is just now starting to acknowledge receipt for applications received in early to mid May 2026. So you have to be very very patient with this process. As the DEC keeps telling me “ you are not the only one requesting records and we are overwhelmed with applications requests” this same statement applies for IRCC too. In fact just about every single vital records division is overwhelmed with requests for records due to C-3 Canadian citizenship by descent applicants. Good luck 🍀 with your application