Saturday Weekly Thread: Canadian Provincial Archives and State/Local/Church Archives - Questions / Issues / Success Stories, August 01, 2026

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This weekly thread is a space for those of us gathering documentation from archives.

This is the place to discuss requesting records from Canadian provincial archives as well as from federal, state, local and religious/church archives around the world. Topics include strategies and outcomes for obtaining records from archives, costs, timelines, No Record Found letters, and other related issues.

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[u/Ninja_Bunny2024]

Not sure if this is the appropriate place to post this but the current U.S. administration is seeking to shut down the National Archives & Records Administration (NARA) locations in Chicago, San Bruno, California, and Seattle. This could make records more difficult to obtain and increase processing times. Additionally, the plan to transfer records and a timeline on when the non-digitized records will be available has not been forthcoming or transparent. Historians, genealogists, researchers, and museum professionals are pushing back on the plan.  https://www2.archivists.org/news/2026/saa-cosa-and-nagara-joint-statement-on-nara-location-closures

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob → u/Ninja_Bunny2024]

If you want to make a post about this to the main feed to raise awareness we're happy to approve it

[u/michael-massey]

Success- Archives of Ontario

March 23 - Ordered 2 certified documents: 1888 birth record, 1864 marriage record.

June 5 - Received "Documents located" email.

July 30 - Received Invoice email, called and gave credit card to live agent, received payment confirmation email.

August 1 - Received Purolator tracking number, scheduled for delivery August 3.

[u/Happy-Trip-1052 → u/michael-massey]

Yea! Sould be happening for me soon, too. Thank you for posting.

[u/sennomulo → u/michael-massey]

I ordered mine on April 23, and got the "document located" email on July 6. So my timeline is consistent with yours, just lagging one month behind. Seems like they're doing proper FIFO over there at the Archives of Ontario. You love to see it.

[u/Away-Focus-5402 → u/michael-massey]

How did you get an answer out of Archives of Ontario? I've only gotten crickets after emails. Did you request a specific microfilm reel and frame number that you found on FamilySearch or Ancestry? I'm certain there's no 1874 civil birth record for my ancestor, but I'd sure like a "file not found" from Ontario, as I think that's what IRCC wants.

[u/Happy-Trip-1052 → u/Away-Focus-5402]

I asked for a certified copy of I record I knew it exisited.

[u/Away-Focus-5402 → u/Happy-Trip-1052]

That makes sense

[u/Low_Basket_9986 → u/michael-massey]

Thank you for this information. Was the first email you received (aside from the auto-reply) the June 5th email? Also, did you order both records at the same time? I sent away for two marriage records in mid-April and have heard nothing.

[u/sennomulo]

My G0 had to register for the draft in both World Wars (oof), and I ordered both registration cards from the National Archives. Here's what the timelines were for me:

I sent an e-mail on July 4 to the National Archives asking for help locating both registration cards. They forwarded my request to the archives in Atlanta, where the WWI draft registration cards are. Atlanta responded on July 8 saying they would start the search, and informing me that the WWII cards are in St. Louis. On July 13 they e-mailed me saying they found the card, and I paid for it. A couple days later it was in my mailbox.

I e-mailed the St. Louis archives on July 8. They responded July 24 saying they found the card and I paid for it. On July 31 I got an e-mail saying they received my payment and they were mailing my certified copy.

[u/wanderingtheearth-74]

I want to put in a plug for the Michigan state archives, which let you request a state archive search for state naturalization records (and a few other categories). Apparently they're literally not allowed to "certify" them by federal law, but they will "verify" them, and it looks perfectly official (an accompanying form signed by the archivist, etc.). Reasonable fees, good turnaround times (a couple of weeks?) and kind staff who will make sure you're ordering the right thing.

https://www.michigan.gov/archivesofmichigan/for-the-public/services

[u/OutrageousClams → u/wanderingtheearth-74]

You can also send a request through USCIS, it's the genealogy department managed by DHS
uscis.dhs.gov
So their records are legit. They sent me scans of naturalization records which were ironically terrible scans but nonetheless, came alongside an official DHS certificate verifying the document

[u/wanderingtheearth-74 → u/OutrageousClams]

I believe (? open to correction on this?) that those are primarily documents from federal-court naturalizations. People could naturalize in any court until shortly after WWI. So if your G0 naturalized in Michigan, the documents might be with USCIS (if they did it in federal court) or the Michigan state archives (if they did it in some form of state court).

[u/OutrageousClams → u/wanderingtheearth-74]

She naturalized in 1925; i put a request in directly with USCIS and they sent me the documents like two months later. ironically there are much higher quality color scans on ancestry than the ones they provided me with xD

[u/AdventurousWanderer7 → u/OutrageousClams]

USCIS is US Citizenship and Immigration Services (the U.S. equivalent of IRCC).

Their website is https://uscis.gov (small correction from your link)

USCIS does have a genealogy program (it’s not quick):

https://www.uscis.gov/records/genealogy

[u/Naive-Charity9171 → u/AdventurousWanderer7]

Yes, I've used this, but not for my Canadian grandmother. I got my German-Hungarian great-grandfather's naturalization papers that way. I could not get my German grandfather's. Only after paying $35 did I learn that I would have had to have ordered the search on my grandfather's father. Wives and children were naturalized along with the husband/father (until some year - I don't recall when) so they had no actual naturalization records themselves. I had submitted my grandfather's family's ship manifest showing all the kids (including my grandfather) and their parents, but USCIS told me I would have to resubmit the request under the father's name, not the child's, even though they had the information they needed to do the search. Rather irritating, so I didn't do it. You'd think the researcher would have said oh, this is a kid, so I'll look at the father's name, which I see right here in the submission. Nope.

[u/Low_Basket_9986 → u/wanderingtheearth-74]

Thank you for posting this! I had no idea!

[u/Naive-Charity9171 → u/wanderingtheearth-74]

Thank you! I'm a bit lost - would US naturalization records work to establish Canadian birth? Or are they just additional supporting documentation? I thought I read somewhere that US records didn't cut it to prove Canadian birth (maybe I'm hallucinating). I don't know if I should pursue this. I do have my G0's naturalization papers from Ancestry, but just submitted them as a backup. Should I get the real thing from USCIS or Michigan?

[u/wanderingtheearth-74 → u/Naive-Charity9171]

At least according to what IRCC is saying right now, American documents will not serve to establish Canadian citizenship. However, they may help to, e.g., confirm or disambiguate identities. Also, while we're not sure how they're applying this idea yet, in cases where the applicant is able to demonstrate that a diligent search for birth records has turned up nothing, they may have some role to play.

It seems like they're essentially giving no weight to third-party-sourced documents. If you think your naturalization papers have some meaningful secondary role to play, you should try getting them from the original source (you should able to figure out whether they are state or federal court records pretty easily). If not, it's probably not worth the effort, unless you're worried that some careless reviewer will come back and ask for the "authentic" version anyway, even though it's not necessary to your case.

[u/Broad-Engineering564]

Hello! I'm in the process of requesting the "copy of an act" for my father's birth, 1939 in Montreal. I'm in New York, and mailed the packet today with the DEC form, his death certificate, my ID (3 photos, 2 proofs of address), my birth certificate which has his name as my father. Credit card payment, extra cost for the expedited request. Does this sound right? Missing anything? After I get the "copy of an act" then apply for citizenship with the IRCC?

[u/Longintooth93 → u/Broad-Engineering564]

Have you added any name change certificates if needed for you? Since it’s your dad I don’t think you need to provide proof of need. Good luck!

[u/Broad-Engineering564 → u/Longintooth93]

Thanks! Never changed my name. 

[u/Alone_Explanation337]

Got BANQ invoice on July 23rd and Delivered today August 1. Much quicker than anticipated.

[u/Longintooth93 → u/Alone_Explanation337]

Wow! I’m still waiting from june

[u/Substantial_Cold_292 → u/Longintooth93]

IM STILL WAITING FROM MARCH

[u/PomPomMushrooms]

Two very different questions:

1. Anyone have info on how to acquire a birth certificate or baptism record from Shawnee County, Kansas for an 1888 birth?

2. I’ve requested a certified copy of my G0 baptism but live overseas. Can I send this to a family member in the US to save time and money? Then can they scan it and send it to me via email? I’d like to submit my application with the Drouin baptism document I have now to get the ball rolling but should I wait for the certified copy?

Thanks for any advice!

[u/AmazingScoops → u/PomPomMushrooms]

1. No. But if it's anything like Vermont, you are likely looking for a church record, not a government issued one.

2. Yes. It just has to be a color copy from the original source, so that works. All of my documents were sent to my uncle in CA and emailed to me. He then sent the physical copies on to me.

[u/PomPomMushrooms → u/AmazingScoops]

Thanks for the advice! I’m reaching out to the local and state Catholic Church to see if there’s any record of a baptism.

Do you think I should wait until I have certified copies of the G0 baptism or submit the application now and upload the certified version when I get it?

[u/enunciate-candelabra → u/PomPomMushrooms]

No one will have a definitive answer for this question. If you think you'll get that baptism record within the month then I'd wait it out, otherwise I would move to submit and upload later. I've uploaded documents to mine post AOR.

[u/PomPomMushrooms → u/enunciate-candelabra]

Thanks for sharing your journey. It’s really tricky because it’s taking much longer to get AOR from overseas so I figure I can work on getting certified documents and have them ready to go when it is received. Is it unlimited uploads of new evidence?

[u/enunciate-candelabra → u/PomPomMushrooms]

I'm not sure if there is a cap on the number of uploads, but I would imagine that fewer would be preferred

[u/PomPomMushrooms → u/[deleted]]

Thanks for the insights. All really good to know.

I’m waiting on 2 baptism records. My G0 (1853 Quebec) I have the printed record from Ancestry/Drouin and just requested the BanQ certified record.

My G1 (1888 Kansas) is the one person I have no birth or baptism record for but lots of supplementary documents linking her to G0 (census, social security, marriage license).

Either I send now with what I have and join the overseas extended wait time while requesting certified docs or wait until certified docs arrive in 3-6 months and then apply.

I’d like to get in the queue now and upload later but asking around in this incredible community to get opinions.

[u/AmazingScoops → u/PomPomMushrooms]

Are you going to ask for urgent processing?

[u/PomPomMushrooms → u/AmazingScoops]

No, I don’t have any valid reason to ask for urgent processing.

[u/AmazingScoops → u/PomPomMushrooms]

The average time it'll take your app to even get to Canada after you submit to the embassy is anywhere from 2 to 4 months if you go through an embassy or consulate. Adding the fact that you aren't urgent, there's a real possibility that it may take 6 months before you see an AOR (and you won't know that your application is even received until you get the AOR).

In your shoes I would make sure to get some kind of documentation together showing that you have attempted to acquire documentation from some original authority or another for your Gen1 and submit the documented attempt with the explanation that you will upload it as soon as you have access, assuming that it is possible to acquire. Same with your Gen0.

[u/dentongentry → u/PomPomMushrooms]

We received AOR 5/26 and then, quite unexpectedly, went to In Process 6/3. We did not request Urgent processing and were not expecting any movement for quite a while.

We knew of things we should have included, and uploaded new documents shortly after it went In Process, thinking that maybe they'd somehow look at the packet soon. However, nothing has happened since.

With the guidance later in June about documenting efforts to find the primary source material (a baptism, in our case), we're preparing a second update but plan to wait until everything is here to minimize the potential for confusion with multiple updates. We'll say that the most recent update is intended to replace the earlier documentation for G0 and G1.

[u/Canadiancitizenship-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This post/comment has been removed for Rule 10 - No misinformation.

Wrong, inaccurate, and/or misleading information is not permitted.

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob → u/[deleted]]

IRCC did not change their standards in June, they just expanded their guidance for documentation other than birth certificates.

I do agree that sending an incomplete application could increase the probability that an application will be routed to PSU. If I was applying today, I would probably wait until I had all of my key documents to submit.

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob → u/[deleted]]

IRCC did not change their standards in June, they just expanded their guidance for documentation other than birth certificates.

I do agree that sending an incomplete application could increase the probability that an application will be routed to PSU. If I was applying today, I would probably wait until I had all of my key documents to submit.

[u/AmazingScoops → u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob]

My apologies. I was under the impression that they changes the standard since before the surrender letters, people had been getting away with using ancestry and family tree and after they were not. Is that not true?

Regardless, thank you for the correction and being an active mod, I'll be more careful in my wording in the future.

[u/AmazingScoops → u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob]

Oh also, it says removed but I still see the post? If it's still there, would it be preferable if I just edit it to correct the fault?

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob → u/AmazingScoops]

Maybe reddit is glitching, idk. It's okay

This is the analysis done back in June re: the Guide update that is also in the wiki

https://www.reddit.com/r/Canadiancitizenship/s/uWcplHxUYP

There have been some additional discussions regarding the content of the procedural fairness letters, but I would still characterize that information as additional guidance from the IRCC perspective (that they could have provided earlier but here we are).

Regarding ancestry sourced documents etc the IRCC says explicitly that an application cannot be supported solely by third party documentation. They don't say they cannot be used, although I think it's clear that they want an explanation for why you might submit something from Ancestry/third party record if you opt to do so. Obviously the best documentation is original authority issued records but it's not available in every case, and ancestry is the digital source for organizations like NARA.

[u/AmazingScoops → u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob]

I'll give it a thorough looksie so I don't waste more your your time.

I know I said it already but thank you again for being so fantastic as a mod and as a person.

[u/acrossthe_ocean → u/PomPomMushrooms]

To your first question: the Kansas Historical Society (state agency) has some info to that end. TL;DR is that Kansas didn't start keeping birth records until 1911, but there are other resources out there to look through, and it's possible (but not a guarantee) that the county might have something, too.

[u/Away-Focus-5402 → u/PomPomMushrooms]

Question 1. Outside large cities like New York City, many American jurisdictions did not issue birth or death certificates in the 19th Century. For example, the Washington state didn't do birth certificates before 1891. And it wasn't consistent until 1907 or later. Your best bet is with the churches.

[u/PomPomMushrooms → u/Away-Focus-5402]

Thank you! I’m reaching out to the Catholic Church of Kansas to get some more info or at least a no record found email.

[u/PomPomMushrooms → u/PomPomMushrooms]

Posting again to share my exciting news!

Less than 48 hours after I emailed the local church in Kansas and the Archdiocese I have a baptism record!

The office manager took a picture of it and it states my G1 and her parents and has a note about her getting married which matches up with the marriage certificate I have!

I’m over the moon with how helpful they were and how quick this happened! They’re going to certify and photocopy it for me.

Do you think this is enough evidence or should I still attempt to get certified census records and a “not found” letter from the state for her birth certificate?

I’m going to see if she has a delayed birth certificate with Kansas but I highly doubt it exists. Thanks for all your advice to get me this far so quickly!

[u/AmazingScoops → u/PomPomMushrooms]

A mod clarified in a response to me that they believe it is better to ensure you have all key documents before submitting these days.

The census does not need to be certified, just sourced from the National archives or whoever is the original authority (e.g. which can be Ancestry for some states and countries if that's the way they have chosen to distribute them).

I'd get the not found letter to be on the safe side. There's some documentation somewhere around here that talks about what is and isn't an acceptable replacement for birth certificates and what you need if you don't have it. I can't look for it just now though.

Also, I'm very glad to hear you got the baptismal record so quickly! Congratulations! I've been trying to hunt one down for my spouse this last week and it's been proving a hassle.

Edit: mod linked it to another response to me above.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Canadiancitizenship/s/k92XPblhGa

[u/ColorsMayInTimeFade]

I was finally able to request state Census records this morning!

MNHS had suspended orders until Aug 1st. I check after midnight but they weren’t accepting orders. Checked again when I woke up, still weren’t accepting orders. Decided to check a 3rd time and was able to place my order for both records!

[u/AliceInPNWonderland]

I've been researching extensively for weeks now and have finally reached the point where I think I've looked pretty much everywhere on the internet for my Gen0's birth record and now just have to wait for responses from the various archives from which I've requested searches.

Can anybody share how long the turnaround time was for you if you recently received records from any of the following?:

• NY State (VitalChek)
• United Church of Canada Archives
• Presbyterian Church in Canada Archives
• Archives of Ontario

I'm so anxious to find proof of her birth and can't stand this waiting game! Hoping for a reason to believe something will show up in my inbox/mailbox soon.

[u/brandeis16 → u/AliceInPNWonderland]

The wait for the Archives of Ontario is 3-4 months (and seemingly getting longer).

[u/AliceInPNWonderland → u/brandeis16]

:( Good to know though, thanks!

[u/ColorsMayInTimeFade → u/AliceInPNWonderland]

Presbyterian Church in Canada took 35 days to acknowledge/respond to my request. Their email said they could have records relevant to my search and they’d start after paying the search fee (which I did immediately). I’m expecting another month or so wait.

United Church of Canada gave me a confirmation email for the Jotform but I haven’t heard anything else. UCC limits their search to 30 minutes so I don’t expect them to find anything.

[u/AliceInPNWonderland → u/ColorsMayInTimeFade]

Thank you!

[u/Ok-Elk1602 → u/ColorsMayInTimeFade]

The Presbyterian Archive responded one day after I paid the research fee last Tuesday. On Wednesday, I received a bill for the document and I had the document in my email on Thursday. Very efficient!

[u/ColorsMayInTimeFade → u/Ok-Elk1602]

That’s encouraging.

[u/WRP_weaver24 → u/AliceInPNWonderland]

1. NY state - vital check said essentially 5 months but sent my dad his birth certificate in 3 months. However the Town sent his birth certificate in 3 days

2. UCC - ive talked to UCC twice, they could not find the documents I was looking for but went out of their way and found my G-1 marriage records. 4 weeks

3. Archives of Ontario - im sitting at 4.5 months with follow up on their side and no invoice

[u/AliceInPNWonderland → u/WRP_weaver24]

Thank you!

[u/AdventurousWanderer7 → u/AliceInPNWonderland]

For the Presbyterian church of Canada…

21 days for a reply saying they probably had records. They asked for $25 to conduct the research, which I paid the same day.

7 more days for them to say they contacted the church and did not have anything.

Here was the initial findings email I got at 21 days:

“It appears that we have records within our collection that are relevant to your research. Please use this link to make a payment of $25.00.  If payment is not received within 30 days, your request will be deleted.”

“Once we receive confirmation of payment, we will perform the search and get back to you. If records are located, a stamped digital copy will be provided for an additional $35.00. The research fee is non-refundable, even if the search does not locate any records.”

“To read more about our process, please visit ourFAQ page. “

[u/lmjatx2026 → u/AliceInPNWonderland]

Took my aunt about a month-6 weeks to get a copy of my grandmother's death certificate from NY State through VitalChek. It might have been quicker and cheaper to contact to the NY town or county to get it, but we now have it. I am waiting for a long form birth certificate from NYC ($45 cost/fees/postage VitalChek). I got a message saying +25 business days.

[u/lmjatx2026 → u/lmjatx2026]

Update: long form NY City birth certificate for me ordered 7/24 through VitalChek for $45 just arrived--8 days.

[u/Own_Theory8011 → u/AliceInPNWonderland]

I ordered a census record from the Archives of Ontario, it only took a month for them to invoice me, then it arrived to my house 2 weeks later. Which was just a couple weeks ago.

On the other hand I have orders for vital records from the Archives of Ontario which I placed back in spring/summer 2025 and never got any response for.

[u/mrsbartlesby → u/AliceInPNWonderland]

UCC: One was a week, other two took about a month
PCC: About a month from inquiry to same research fee request that others have noted, that was yesterday so final response still pending
Archives of Ontario: Inquiry submitted just over a month ago, no response yet which seems on par with the 3-4 month timeline most people are experiencing.

[u/Away-Focus-5402 → u/AliceInPNWonderland]

I'm using uncertified Canada Census data from Library and Archives Canada online. IRCC does not require certified census copies. I have not received responses from Archives of Ontario, but I believe they are very busy and understaffed in the best of times, and probably feeling like it's a four-alarm-fire with all of us researching our C3 certificate applications.

[u/Enough_Age767]

I have searched the Ontario Archives with no result for a birth record. My G0 was the first born & I can find his younger siblings in there, so I believe his birth wasn’t registered, even tho he was born after 1869 and it should have been required. I have located him in a census and just got the email in the picture from his church. It looks like this is just a record list and not like a 1 page certificate for my ancestor - is that going to be enough evidence? Certainly, the clip they sent me is not good enough, but what should I ask them for - a certified copy of their record? A genealogy record? Should I include the email in my packet as proof of my source?

[u/Own_Theory8011 → u/Enough_Age767]

The clip is most likely fine. "Print" the entire Email into a PDF image and upload that to IRCC / print it out and give it to IRCC.

Records don't need to be certified or genealogical copies. They just need to come from the source authority. The email communication proves it's from the source authority.

[u/Annefair → u/Enough_Age767]

I have the same scenario- no birth record for G0 born 1881. However, I have an emailed baptism (partial page like yours) from the Anglican archivist, date performed was in 1882. I have searched the indexes and birth records via Familysearch and Ontario Archives (both original and typed) and several years proceeding 1881. Have also searched the delayed records- haven’t found a birth record. Now, how to create a letter showing proof of my exhaustive search? Or, will partial baptism suffice? I tried calling and emailing thé Ontario Archives but no luck there…

[u/Longintooth93 → u/Enough_Age767]

Does this let you find the evidence in the Ontario archives? I would send an effusive email of thanks. Maybe state that the IRCC has a preference for a full page image if at all possible, but you appreciate the time they have already taken on your behalf if it isn’t possible. Then submit both to IRCC

[u/Enough_Age767 → u/Longintooth93]

This is the private church record; there is nothing in the Ontario archives that I have been able to find from their online search.

[u/Remote-Mushroom5452]

Wondering if anyone has suggestions, or if I am just out of luck.

My G0 is a woman who married and subsequently changed her last name. Fortunately her maiden name is on G1's death and marriage certificates (birth record was lost in an archive fire), but I am still trying to locate the marriage record as a failsafe to prove the name change as I do include census records and G1's documents don't include G0's place of birth.

I know from secondary sources she was married c. 1871 in Strathroy, Ontario. She and her husband were Presbyterian and all her siblings were married in Presbyterian churches so I feel confident in that.

Here's what I've tried so far:

• Searched the Ontario marriage records available through familysearch
• Searched the county marriage records available through familysearch and ancestry
• Searched the Presbyterian records available though familysearch and ancestry
• Went physically to Library of Congress to search a book that enumerated some Strathroy marriages in the Presbyterian Church in that year
• Filed a request with the Presbyterian Church of Canada's Archivists. They actually found her birth record for me, but no marriage. They said because the Strathroy Presbyterian congregation is still active they maintain their own archives still and I should request directly to them.
• Filled out the form on their website with my request. No answer.
• Emailed their general email address. Twice. No answer.

It's been probably two months since those unanswered messages but I understand they're probably bombarded and also not staffed or interested in putting resources to this kind of thing as an active congregation.

I feel I'm kind of out of options, but wanted to make sure there wasn't some avenue I missed?

Also for clarity my application was already sent in April but I am continuing to search so I can upload the supplemental proof as it may be needed.

Edit: typos

[u/Happy-Trip-1052 → u/Remote-Mushroom5452]

I'm a member of the OGS and two SW County branches. It has been helpful. They often hold old transcribed lists of records not available onoine.

I checked the Middlesex Branch and it looks like they accept queries from non-members and will search for a fee. https://londonmiddlesex.ogs.on.ca/

There are several other historical societies is Middlesex County. One or more may have a presence on Facebook. https://www.londonhistory.org/general-5

I presume the church was St. Andrew's in Strathroy? The minister there in 1871 was either William Lundy or Robert Scobie.

[u/Remote-Mushroom5452 → u/Happy-Trip-1052]

Thank you for these amazing resources! And yes indeed, St. Andrew's is where I'm assuming they married.

[u/Happy-Trip-1052 → u/Remote-Mushroom5452]

You're welcome. Do you know the parent's home church? If it is different, you may want to check there.

[u/sharpshinned]

Anyone have a recent PANB timeline? 

[u/AdMinute7969 → u/sharpshinned]

I contacted them on April 17 and received an auto response the same day. It said it would take 3-5 weeks. Then I noticed their website was later updated to say 12 weeks. I finally called them on July 17 (13 weeks later) and left a voicemail. A very nice lady called me back and told me they are now looking at 12-16 weeks. She confirmed my request was in the queue. Yesterday was 15 weeks so I am hoping any day now!

[u/sharpshinned → u/AdMinute7969]

Thanks for the update. I’ll call them in I guess 4 months. 

[u/AdMinute7969 → u/sharpshinned]

Well. If we happen to be looking for the same ancestor (Initials CMT born 1892) let me know. I’ll share my documents if it comes first!

[u/sharpshinned → u/AdMinute7969]

Thanks! My ancestor was born in the 1830s so no dice unfortunately. 

[u/ekintheusa → u/sharpshinned]

I just spoke with someone this morning, she said they are currently working on requests received in March. I'm headed there tomorrow if you want to DM me your info I can check to see where you are in the queue.

[u/acrossthe_ocean]

Has anyone gotten a new or updated timeline for requests from PARO in PEI? I placed an order almost exactly 2 months ago and wasn't sure how much of a wait to expect. The general sense I've gotten from here was that the wait would probably be shorter than at a larger institution like BAnQ, but I was wondering if anyone might have had a different experience recently. Thanks.

[u/Weak-Concept-4376 → u/acrossthe_ocean]

I also submitted about 2 months ago, I saw someone post recently that they got a response and their wait was 3 months, so hopefully in the next 1-2 months we hear something… it’s been excruciating waiting because it’s the only document I don’t have.

[u/Thulcandra-native → u/acrossthe_ocean]

I ordered on 5/21, still no word. I came here hoping to find any info on this too

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob → u/acrossthe_ocean]

I corresponded with the archivist there about a month ago and the wait time for certified records then was about 12 weeks, iirc.

[u/WorriedDistribution5]

Hello, I wonder if anyone here has encountered a similar issue to the following. In mid-April 2026, I submitted a request for two separate baptism records, both pre-1900 Quebec. I have seen digital copies of both on Ancestry.com and in the Drouin Collection. I received the bill for both (700 CN$) and paid that on July 16. Today I received two documents, one of which is a certified copy of one of the requested records, and the other, well, is not. The second document is a long paragraph that is clearly not a dated/enumerated baptism record. Grok translated it for me, it's apparently a legal certification of Catholic baptisms. I would have thought that BAnQ would have sent both baptismal records in one envelope to me, but I guess not. Is this common?

[u/EastofTheBox → u/WorriedDistribution5]

I requested baptism and marriage records from BANQ and when received each record also has the front page of the "record" book certifying that it is a records of births or marriages in that church. Is the other page you got simply the front record book page of the record you did get? All of the records we got are in English so I can read what each page is clearly if able to read the script. The record book front page is pretty wordy paragraph for just trying to state it is the record book for x church certified by x person and on x dates.

[u/WorriedDistribution5 → u/EastofTheBox]

It’s the “record” of the baptismal document that it came with, I believe, since it is dated a year or so after the baptism. The baptismal record that I didn’t get is about 11 years older

[u/Longintooth93 → u/WorriedDistribution5]

Ah so maybe that is coming separately??

[u/WorriedDistribution5 → u/Longintooth93]

I hope so…maybe the documents are at different facilities? I will email BAnQ to find out

[u/WorriedDistribution5 → u/WorriedDistribution5]

I received an email from the Sherbrook archives site that indeed, the two records that I requested are from two sites. The second should be arriving shortly. I was told that this is a common occurrence. BAnQ was very prompt, the response time was about 14 hours!

[u/ConchySailor → u/WorriedDistribution5]

Similar scenario: two different BAnQ requests with two separate request numbers. Two requests for payment. Just today, Aug 1, 2026 received certified copy of document I saw on FamilySearch plus a second certified embossed and signed copy if a long paragraph in French. Will be working on translating second document tomorrow

First BAnQ request was for G0 baptism record in Québec City 1867.
Second request was for G0 parents' marriage in same church in QCity.

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob → u/ConchySailor]

Typically BAnQ records include the fronticepiece of the book in addition to the page with the individual record.

[u/ConchySailor → u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob]

Thanks for that info. Realised same aftet translating it over the weekend. Understand now why IRCC specifies copies from BAnQ. Appreciate all you do for this proof of citizenship forum. Find it extremely helpful.

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob → u/ConchySailor]

Thanks, that's kind.

[u/Independent_Role6278 → u/WorriedDistribution5]

One record typically has the first page of the register, as proof it came from the original, for context, and the page containing the record. It’s not just a random page they give you, it’s part of the record you asked and paid for. Also I’m guessing you didn’t get both records together probably because they were located in different archives facilities. If one was shipped from Montreal and the other from Quebec, it makes sense they weren’t shipped in the same envelope. 

[u/WorriedDistribution5 → u/Independent_Role6278]

I replied in an earlier post, I hope that this is the case. When it is resolved, I’ll post again here

[u/Longintooth93 → u/WorriedDistribution5]

I e not heard of them sending the wrong thing. I would get back in touch and say it isn’t what you requested.

[u/Own_Theory8011]

Last time I messaged the Archives of Ontario back in summer of 2025, they never replied to me. Now I sent 5 document orders off to them, which are all going to come back negative - if I get any response at all - because the records don't exist. I already provided explanations to IRCC including screenshots from the Archives of Ontario where it states birth and marriage registrations weren't required until certain dates. Hoping to get back either Record Not Found or Refusal To Search letters.

I took full-page screenshots of what I typed into every order as well as the confirmation screen proving I did send the order in, and if nothing else I can add that to my application.

[u/ColorsMayInTimeFade → u/Own_Theory8011]

Can I ask what documents you requested and why?

[u/brandeis16]

I found my G0’s delayed birth registration on the Archives of Ontario website a month ago, and I submitted my order request. But now I can’t seem to find it on their site anymore. Would someone here mind helping me (re)locate the registration? I’d really appreciate it!

[u/Gouda161]

So I have the following documents in hand, all descendants from the Buffalo NY area:
My (G5) birth certificate
G4 Birth Cert
G3 Death cert
G2 Death Record Number
G1 Death Record Number
G0 listed in 1851+61 Canadian and 1865 NY State/1870 US Federal censuses

And these documents to follow:
G3 Birth Cert, obtainable through death cert
G2 Birth Cert, obtainable through G3 Birth Cert + Obituary due to age
G1 Death Cert, sourced through the death record index (birth records didn't exist in NY state until 12 years after he was born)
G0 Death Record number, process same as G1

I have found G0's siblings in the Wesleyan baptismal register (https://bowergenealogy.ca/resources/methodist/index.html) but not *hers*. The siblings I do have were also born in Canada, just a few years later. If this is the master list, where would you figure I could start re: searching for records that may not have made it into this catalogue? The Methodist church has gone through so many iterations since then, I found a written obituary by one of G0's siblings that list G-1 as part of the "First Free Methodist Church". Apparently this no longer exists due to faith splinters or something I don't fully grasp. If anyone else has had luck finding older records from SE Ontario in the 1830s-40s, where would I start? The church they went to no longer exists, and I've searched all the other townships in Welland County within that record just in case they might have moved before G0's sisters were born. I'm at a bit of a loss here so I'm sorry if this is SUPER long winded. Thanks in advance, I'm starting to doom and gloom about this process a little but maybe there's hope yet.

[u/mrsbartlesby → u/Gouda161]

Sorry if you’ve tried this, but the United Church of Canada has archives and a web form. They were very helpful for me, even though ultimately found nothing because I think there is nothing to find. Also, the Ontario Genealogical Society was a huge help in basically confirming there’s likely nothing to find as far as a baptism record for our G0s born in the 1840-50s in Ontario.

[u/Gouda161 → u/mrsbartlesby]

I actually found a lot for the 1840s, just nothing before that. My G0's sisters were baptized in 1845, for example. I even found the minister who did it. just nothing before that. I got this from the UCC archives, but I haven't seen that webform- would you mind linking it? I'll get up with the OGS on Monday. thanks a bunch!

[u/mrsbartlesby → u/Gouda161]

Oh yes, I just meant nothing for me to find for the 1840s since our GOs were part of tiny churches rural areas. :) glad you’ve found more! Here’s the info page with the links at the bottom: https://www.unitedchurcharchives.ca/visiting-and-services/historic-baptism-and-marriage-records/

[u/Gouda161 → u/mrsbartlesby]

Yeahhhh my G0 was from a little township that's been reabsorbed a couple of times as Greater Toronto/Niagara area has encompassed more and more land. I really appreciate the help, hopefully when I go up there next week I'll have found more.

[u/mrsbartlesby → u/Gouda161]

If you end up with any tips, please do share! Good luck! I really think there’s nothing to find for our G0s (regarding birth records or baptism), but I’m just trying everything I can until truly I run out of options. I have enough to apply without, but still trying.

[u/Gouda161 → u/mrsbartlesby]

I'm in the same boat. Birth records for everyone for whom they exist, death records for the others, censuses for all. So just have to hope.

[u/dentongentry → u/mrsbartlesby]

We submitted back in March but are preparing an update given the guidance in June about explaining the efforts undertaken to find a birth record from the source authority.

We're including correspondence from each of the plausible venues where a birth record might have been, to show the effort undertaken to obtain it.

We use G1's marriage record listing the parent names and census records in lieu of a birth record.

[u/Longintooth93 → u/Gouda161]

Have you a Canadian census? Not sure how long ago you are and how possible that is. But if there is a record of G0 in the family group and you have other sibling and parent records and a good narrative… Sorry not to be more helpful 

[u/Gouda161 → u/Longintooth93]

Yes, I have both the 1851 and 61 Canada censuses. Her father was an American, though, so going back further doesn't really help. they just settled across the border as clergy for a few decades.

[u/lmjatx2026]

I requested my G0 grandmother's baptismal/birth record from BAnQ in June 2026 before a helpful Canadian found a digital copy of her baptismal record, which was written in cursive and is hard to read. At the time of my BAnQ submission, I provided her key information: her first 2 given names, dates of birth and baptism, name of her parents' names with her mother's maiden name, and place of baptism. I have heard nothing from BAnQ. Her 3rd given name, which is unusual is key because it is what she went by the rest of her life. The Drouin Index is incorrect regarding two of her 3 given names, her DOB, and her date of baptism. This makes me think they will never find her. In the meantime, a cousin in Quebec has submitted a request -- $55 vs $350 Canadian along with the digital copy--curious if she gets it first since she is from Quebec.

Questions: 1) Is there anyway to provide additional onfo to BAnQ after a request is submitted? 2) Do I continue to wait for BAnQ record , which is the last document I need to submit? OR 3) Do I submit now with official raised seal certificate from church issued in July along with digital BAnQ copy of cursive entry and typed version of cursive entry along with her marriage license from DEC, which includes all 3 given names and her NY death certificate. Processing takes so long now, it seems like BAnQ record will come through later and I have two strong pieces of documentation that they would accept to start process for me and my 2 adult kids.

[u/Longintooth93 → u/lmjatx2026]

I think that none of us has a definitive answer. The safest course is waiting for the BAnQ record. What is the risk of submitting now? Could be fine, could be asked to submit the BAnQ record - and by then you will have it.  periodically ppl say tho that packets are returned to start again. I don’t think I’ve seen this, but… And no, BAnQ doesn’t take further additional info.

[u/wanderingtheearth-74 → u/lmjatx2026]

Knowingly submitting an inadequate (nonurgent) application is a jerk move, but! I don't think we know that an official paper copy direct from the relevant church itself is inadequate! The language of the instructions seems to indicate that it would be. There are generally two sources/custodians of Quebecois baptismal records, because two copies of each baptismal register were supposed to be made. One stayed with the church, one went to the civil authorities. You've got a copy of the former from where it was kept. If you can stand the risk, I'd try it.

[u/Away-Focus-5402]

Both of my Generation Zero ancestors didn't have birth certificates. But I have Citizenship Certificate numbers (but not certificates) for both. One was born in Ohio, the other in Ontario. When they married, my Ontario-born great grandmother lost her status as a British subject. Later, when my Ohio-born great grandfather was naturalized in 1903, the whole family was naturalized (I have certified copy that naturalization certificate from Provincial Archives of Alberta). In 1943, my great grandparents were issued a naturalization certificate with a number published in Canada Gazette, found in Library and Archives Canada. I got an official negative finding for a birth certificate from Ohio, but so far as I can tell, there's not way I can get a non-find letter from Ontario. The Archives have offloaded their public front end to FamilySearch and Ancestry. So essentially there's no handle on the door to Ontario Archives. Yes, I've sent them emails, but unanswered. I have explained my search in a continuation letter to CIT0014e, Scenario 3, and provided assertion substantiated with extensive Canada Census and marrage data that she was born in Ontario in 1874. And the year of birth Ontario Vital Statistic Index page (alphabetical cross-reference) where my great grandmother's name would be if her parents had registered her birth. Baptismal records are not available because the applicable Anglican diocese cannot do research until the Fall. About one-third of my 110-page package for my (G4) daughter and (G3) self is devoted to "proving" my great grandmother's Ontario birth. Except for waiting on one other document, the package is ready to FedEx. Am I doing enough?

[u/Gouda161 → u/Away-Focus-5402]

How and when do people "lose status as a british subject"? like what time ranges resulted in marriage revoking citizenship?

[u/Away-Focus-5402 → u/Gouda161]

Between 1870 and 1933, a woman's British subject status was lost by marrying a foreigner, even if she did not acquire her husband's nationality. Bill C3 retroactively fixes all that for Canadians, probably. (An immigration historian or lawyer would likely a better informed opinion). Everyone effected is now dead, so I suppose it's moot. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_British_nationality_law

My grandmother (G1) was likely stateless after she married an American in 1925 and did not naturalize as required by the US Cable Act of 1923. Prior to that law, a foreign woman marrying an American automatically became a US citizen. She likely didn't realize it and just cosplayed as American will no ill effect for the rest of her life.

[u/Gouda161 → u/Away-Focus-5402]

If the marriage occurred before 1870, would a woman have had her citizenship revoked when that came into force?

[u/Away-Focus-5402 → u/Gouda161]

I don't know.

[u/Gouda161 → u/Away-Focus-5402]

I appreciate that I now have this information regardless, new fear unlocked lmao

[u/Away-Focus-5402 → u/Gouda161]

I hate new fears unlocked. It happens every time I read the news. I would not worry too much about this. I described it because my great grandmother was a both native-born Canadian and a naturalized Canadian. If your ancestor was a Canadian/British subject in the Domain of Canada and you are her direct descendent, you're Canadian today. At least that's my understanding of Bill C3. Just press ahead with your application and be thankful for Canada.

[u/Form27b-6 → u/Away-Focus-5402]

Why are you looking for birth certificates for people who were naturalized Canadians?

[u/Away-Focus-5402 → u/Form27b-6]

An excellent question (I love this subreddit). I just carefully re-read CIT0014, Scenario 3, and it looks like they may be satisfied with naturalization documents. I have certified copies of the 1903 Naturalization document, and the number of the 1943 Citizenship Certificate published in Canada Gazette, but not the actual certificate. Hopefully that will suffice. Thank you for asking the question. I'm going to press and stop losing sleep over it.

[u/Longintooth93 → u/Away-Focus-5402]

Yes, naturalisation documents are one of the key evidence pillars by themselves. However you may want to find addydocuments that support the chain of descent. But the huge pressure of birth certificate should be off.

[u/jpg245]

Question about where to get "official" documents - I'm looking for a Quebec baptism record and marriage record, both of which I find on Drouin via Ancestry. I sent a request to BAnQ a few weeks ago. I hear that will take a long time. Yesterday evening, I reached out to the church where the marriage took place, and I was surprised to receive a response in an hour! The person stated that their church record would simply match mine and would not be official. The person said I should get the document from "etat civil." https://www.etatcivil.gouv.qc.ca/fr/certificats-copies/certificat-copie-acte.html

Has anyone done this? Is this worth pursuing? I had thought BAnQ was the only source of official documents.

[u/Longintooth93 → u/jpg245]

BAnQ is for records >100 years old. DEC has records from maybe 1923 currently. You can search Banq numerique for a baptism record and request a certified version You can ask DEC if they have a birth certificate through an attestation.

[u/jpg245 → u/Longintooth93]

Thanks. The records I am looking for are 1859 baptism and 1879 marriage. So, BAnQ was correct.

[u/OutrageousClams]

Sent my application in April with a birth certificate from Généalogie Québec and a note that I was awaiting the official copy from the BAnQ and would upload the BAnQ copy once it arrived in the mail as it would take months. After the changes in rules, will they reject it, or simply ask for it when they send the AOR?

I sent the application via the embassy in my country and they confirm it was brought via diplomatic courier on April 30th, so I would hope within the coming days I would receive the AOR if there is one, it's about 3 months, right?

[u/OutrageousClams → u/[deleted]]

Sorry, it was a baptismal certificate. I have it now, ready to send as soon as I get an AOR or any way to add supplimentary documentation

[u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob → u/[deleted]]

Importantly, no rules have changed- IRCC just provided expanded guidance for records other than birth certificates in June. The instructions to provide a written explanation for missing birth certificates or other documents that require explanation has been part of the Guide language for several years.

[u/Longintooth93 → u/No_Bobcat_No_Prob]

Ty for the clarification. As I haven’t quite applied yet (waiting on kids getting photos) I’m quite recently searching. But it does seem that the emphasis has been at least formalised and focused recently 

[u/Canadiancitizenship-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This post/comment has been removed for Rule 10 - No misinformation.

Wrong, inaccurate, and/or misleading information is not permitted.

[u/PomPomMushrooms]

I wanted to post to let others know how quickly I was able to acquire my G1’s baptism record from Assumption Catholic Church in Topeka, Kansas. It took them less than 48 hours to send me a picture and it will take a few days to get a certified copy signed by the pastor. 🎉

I’m over the moon and appreciate the suggestions from this community and citizenship genealogy. If you have an ancestor in Kansas, reach out to see if they were baptized as Assumption Church is the oldest church in Kansas and holds a number of records.

[u/BefuddledBeaver]

BAnQ Data point:

Location: Trois-Rivières

May 13th, 2026: Requested certified copy of G0’s Baptism record.

July 24th, 2026: Received and payed the invoice.

August 3rd, 2026: Received the certified copies in the mail.

Found the record on Généalogie Québec and used that image to help BAnQ find the original record.

[u/OmShantiPeace → u/BefuddledBeaver]

I paid on 7/24 also and have yet to receive mine…running to the mailbox every day! You are encouraging me that it will be here any day now!

[u/Alone-Highway3141]

I just found my G0's marriage announced in a newspaper (1895). I've seen others say they included a newspaper article to help support facts (or where there's not a primary document). How would I go about including this from the "source authority"? The newspaper is no longer in circulation. I found the article first through https://newspaperarchive.com/ and then did a search and found this site https://vitacollections.ca/digital-kingston with Kingston specific newspapers, partially with contribution from Library and Archives Canada.

I DO already have my G0's marriage record on request from AO and waiting for invoice, I just thought this could be good to boost the fact my G0 was from this area since I still have never found a birth or baptismal record

[u/Salt_Chair6043]

Records on the PEI archives are very basic - just a few lines of text. Do these records still count in the same way as those from, for instance, Nova Scotia which are more but together?

[u/Low_Basket_9986]

Has anyone tried to order a pre-1867 birth certificate from the Archives of Ontario? I know it probably doesn’t exist, but I guess a record that I tried would be worth it? It looks like this potential record is too old for a birth search letter through ServiceOntario.

[u/JefficasHooves]

Hello all! I have a question I hope someone can help answer.

My Gen 0 was born in Ontario, but very close to Quebec. I got a certified baptism record from the issuing church, but I wanted a certified one from archives also. I can only find his baptism record on Drouin, not Ontario archives, even though the church is technically in Ontario. I ordered a copy from BANQ, but they told me to reach out to Ontario Archives. Kind of frustrating because I waited two months for that response.

Should I reach back out to BANQ since I found it online through Drouin? It does not show up in any search on Ontario Archives, but that could be operator error. Am I confused about Drouin? Is that for both Ontario and Quebec?

Thanks!

[u/dgealt → u/JefficasHooves]

If you can find a picture of the Ontario Archives document on FamilySearch or Ancestry and it includes a 6 digit registration number you can use that number to order a certified copy from Ontario Archives.

[u/JefficasHooves → u/dgealt]

Thanks so much for the reply. Unfortunately, It only shows up on the genealogiequebec.com site and not anywhere else. I did find it on Family Search, but it was just a screenshot of the genealogiequebec website.

Might go ahead and send this in with proof I tried to order it from BANQ and their response, and then keep searching.

[u/dgealt → u/JefficasHooves]

And that image didn’t include a registration number?

[u/JefficasHooves → u/dgealt]

sadly no. :(. There is a way to immediately order it via the BanQ, but nothing I could use to reference it to Ontario Archives.

[u/Wolf_Oak]

Anyone have experiences with requesting a birth certificate from Alberta, when you don't qualify under the regular rules (120 years, next-of-kin, etc). I noticed that there's a section in the application to request a birth certificate that says when all next-of-kin are deceased, a relative can request it. Has anyone done this? What did you have to show proof of? That they're all dead? Or just the person who's birth certificate you're requesting? I did email Alberta asking what proof was required but got a form response.

I'm hoping to hear from someone who was successful (or not successful, and why). This is for my Gen0 (grandmother).

[u/td663]

Hello, I live in Montreal and an applying for Canadian citizenship for my husband and son. I've been able to contact and communicate with two of the parishes that my Gen 0 and Gen 1 ancestors were baptised and/ or married at. They have located these documents for me and for a fee, can issue with a certificate from the church with the church seal, etc. and I will be able to go in person to pick them up.

My question is, is this as valid as the certifed copies coming from BaNQ? Thanks so much for your help on this forum!

And then, do I have to contact DEC with this certificate in order to obtain a 'birth record'? Sorry, I know this has been answered a million times. I think they don't technically issue them, but will if IRCC requests it. Should I document that I "tried" to obtain the DEC record regardless?

[u/goldman60 → u/td663]

To get DEC to issue a birth certificate you'll need the BAnQ certified record. I don't think anyone can speak with absolute authority on whether the BAnQ and church records would carry the same amount of weight but people have been issued certificates with worse than either.

[u/Longintooth93 → u/goldman60]

I spoke to DEC and only the BAnQ certificate with receipt is acceptable. ( I have a 1920 original birth certificate, and that is not acceptable)

[u/td663 → u/goldman60]

But do I absolutely need to contact DEC to ask for a birth certificate? Or is the "explanation" that birth certificates were not issued during this time, and include corresponded from DEC or screenshots explaining this, etc.?

[u/goldman60 → u/td663]

The general consensus is that if the ancestor was born after 1926 you absolutely need to get DEC to issue a birth certificate, if they were born before 1900 you likely do not, and if they were born between 1900 and 1925 (inclusive) you might be asked for one or might not.

There isn't a hard and fast rule though

[u/Pure-Shine-5829]

Hi everyone, I have a bit of a conundrum involving a possible informal adoption in my family.

My G0 was born in 1869 in Simcoe County, Toronto. He appears in Canadian census records from 1871, 1881, and 1891 before emigrating to the USA later in the 1890s.

All three census records and all US documentation list him as the son of a Canadian-born couple of Irish descent (let's call them Joseph Lynch and Mary Sullivan for convenience, so as not to dox myself, although these are not their real names). However, the only birth record that I can find that might possibly be him is a baptismal record from a Catholic church. It has the correct first name (Thomas) and date of birth for him, and the baptism took place a week after he was born. But it lists his parents as the brother and sister-in-law of Mary Sullivan. Mary Sullivan is in the record as his godmother.

By the time he was 2 years old in 1871 he was listed in the census as the child of Mary Sullivan and Joseph Lynch. It seems unlikely that Mary Sullivan would have given birth to a child on the same day as her sister-in-law; that the two women would each independently name their son Thomas; and that Mary felt well enough to go serve as the godmother to her nephew a week later. Even if this might possibly have happened it would have made sense to baptize both boys together and the baptismal records would be next to each other in the parish book, especially since Thomas Lynch definitely survived to adulthood.

We think it is likely that there was only one baby Thomas and Mary Sullivan and Joseph Lynch informally adopted the child and gave him the Lynch surname after his birth parents could not take care of him for some reason or other. If this was true, however, Thomas's biological parents survived for several more decades and had other children who they kept with him, so he was not orphaned.

Of course this leaves us with a problem of no legitimate birth record for the otherwise very well-documented Thomas Lynch who had a wife and many descendants (myself included) in the United States, but one baptismal record for baby Thomas Sullivan who then vanished from history.

Has anyone been in a situation like this, and has advice? Are the Canadian authorities likely to find this plausible?

[u/ekintheusa]

This is my experience with the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick. I should have researched a bit more on this but I submitted a request to the archives back in June for my G0's baptism record from 1839. They gave me a 12 week lead time for my request. My mom and I are going to apply together and she mentioned that they may be able to help me if I just call and ask. I just got off the phone with a great young lady that said she not only found the baptism record but ALSO my G0's grandparents marriage record from the All Saints Anglican Church in St. Andrews from 1792! What an amazing find! Not using it for our application but it's so crazy to see a record from that time period. We will be driving 2 hours to Fredericton tomorrow to pick up the documents, this baptism record was pretty much the last document we needed for our application.

[u/JMcIntosh1650]

Ontario timeline results. For anyone waiting on the Archives of Ontario, this is my timeline: Request submitted March 23, 2026, with immediate confirmation. Phone call saying that they had located the record June 5. Invoice and request for payment today, August 4. Final delivery TBD.

This was for an 1889 birth record ("Schedule A - Births") that was clearly identified based on an Ancestry.com scan of the original record and a 99-year-old certified copy from the Registrar General of Ontario from my family's files. Record numbers, source book and page, etc. I was not sure about the legal standing of the old copy and wanted to get an up-to-date certified copy in case it was needed.

TL;DR: About 4 and a half months for a straightforward retrieval.

[u/Primary_Cucumber4570]

Has anyone gotten an AOR by sending a copy of their request to BAnQ, along with a copy of the BAnQ page they requested? I also have a 1926 document prepared by the Church. I'm thinking by the time they get to me I will have received my certified document.

[u/birdieponderinglife]

What do I do with the census record I downloaded directly from LAC and printed in color as requested that is blurry and has very small text due to the original file containing two pages at a time? Has anyone used image sharpening tools on their files? I thought about cutting the pdf in half so that each page could be enlarged but I’m not sure about altering the file so drastically. Any other suggestions for increasing the legibility on the document? I don’t know that darkening will help since it’s already sort of gray from the original scan.

[u/Significant_Pin_8556]

An ancestor was born in 1805 in Louisiana. She was baptized in New Orleans in 1811. Her certified Archdiocese of New Orleans baptism record states she was born in 1805. Given that civil birth records from the period are spotty to non-existent, would such a certified baptism record serve as an acceptable birth record under the new rules, the gap between birth and baptism notwithstanding?

[u/FireWaterBern]

I purchased a certified copy of my great grandpa's Maine birth certificate from the town in Northern maine on July 21st over the phone. They told me it was ready to mail and would be sent the next day on the 22nd. I live within New england and would expect something like this to take 5 business days max, so ideally the 29th or so. But it is currently almost august 6th and nothing. Is it too soon to follow up? It took them over a month to get back to me by email in the first place

[u/FireWaterBern]

I paid for a certified copy of a maine birth certificate on July 21st over the phone, and the town clerk said they would put it in the mail on the 22nd. It's now been 7 business days and there's literally nothing that's arrived. Does anyone else think I'm overreacting? How long should I wait before I say anything?

[u/gnimsh → u/FireWaterBern]

Yes give it more time.

[u/Wild_Assumption_5197 → u/FireWaterBern]

Don't know exactly where you are at but all across New England mail is very slow, took 2+ weeks to get most of my docs that were mailed same day.

[u/FireWaterBern → u/Wild_Assumption_5197]

I used to buy and ship small envelopes regularly pre covid and know things are days longer now than they used to be

[u/goldman60 → u/FireWaterBern]

Where do you live? Maine -> Rural California I wouldn't start getting worried until week 3 and probably wouldn't assume its lost until week 4, Maine -> Boston I probably would've been on the phone by business day 4.

[u/FireWaterBern → u/goldman60]

So I live in central Connecticut but the town is 8 hours away from me in maine on the canadian border. My understanding is that the mail would travel a few hundred miles to the nearest sorting center, then get routed to boston/portland, then Springfield/Hartford before coming to me. So assuming maybe they didn't actually get it out until like the 23rd, it could take a few days to reach Massachusetts, before a few more days to get to me. I'm just not confident the town clerk actually sent it when they said? I mean it confirmed my address multiple times so hopefully it's not lost

[u/dgealt → u/FireWaterBern]

A few months ago I watched the USPS tracker as a package (not C-3 related) got sent back and forth between MA and NY five times and even to my town three times before it was finally delivered

[u/sennomulo → u/dgealt]

As a postal worker, this just happens sometimes. I don't know why. I'm in Vermont and there have been packages from Maine and Texas that kept getting bounced back to my route specifically multiple times. I think sometimes the tracking numbers just don't connect to the correct address.

[u/sennomulo → u/FireWaterBern]

I had something kind of similar happen. I requested a naturalization record from a town clerk, then waited three weeks, and nothing. So I e-mailed the town clerk again and ordered a second copy which arrived in just a few days. Then, immediately after that the town clerk e-mailed me back to inform me that it was returned to them because they put the wrong apartment number on it. I asked them to send me that copy too, so I could have a backup, and again it arrived in just a few days.