Are you living outside Canada and wondering how to prove your Canadian citizenship?
To prove you’re a Canadian citizen, you can apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate from the government. This certificate, along with a Canadian birth certificate, is accepted as proof of citizenship by Passport Canada.
You can apply for the citizenship certificate anytime, whether or not your Canadian parent is alive.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to obtain your citizenship certificate and explore the countless benefits of being a Canadian citizen.
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Eligibility for Canadian Citizenship Certificate
You can apply if you:
- want to pass down your Canadian citizenship to your child born outside Canada.
- Aims to provide proof of Canadian citizenship for various purposes (passport, job, pension, social insurance number, etc.).
- For replacing lost, destroyed, or stolen certificates.
- Updating certificates due to legal name changes.
Certificate for Individuals Born in Canada
A provincial or territorial birth certificate is sufficient to prove Canadian citizenship.
Eligible individuals can apply for a citizenship certificate.
Certificate for Individuals Born Outside Canada
A person is likely a Canadian citizen if at least one parent was born in Canada or became a naturalized Canadian citizen before the person’s birth.
Required Documents:
- Your parent’s birth certificate
- Your parent’s Canadian citizenship card
- Your parent’s citizenship certificate
Applications can be verified through the “See if you may be a citizen” page or the “Am I a Canadian?” tool on the IRCC Website.
Special Cases
Adopted Children Born Outside Canada
Adopted children born outside Canada are not automatically Canadian citizens. Parents need to apply for their child’s Canadian citizenship certificate.
Minors who are Permanent Residents
Parents of minor permanent residents should not directly apply for a citizenship certificate.
Instead, they should apply for their child’s Canadian citizenship through naturalization or grant of citizenship.
How to Apply For Canadian Citizenship Certificate
Applying Online
You can apply online for a Canadian Citizenship Certificate. To do so:
- Log in to your online account.
- Choose between an electronic certificate (e-certificate) or a paper certificate.
- Provide a valid email address in the application form.
You can apply online if you
- Born on or after February 15, 1977.
- Became a naturalized Canadian citizen on or after April 17, 2009.
You can also apply online If you were born outside of Canada to a parent who was:
- Born in Canada on or after February 15, 1977.
- Granted Canadian citizenship on or after April 17, 2009.
Applying for Your Child (Under 18 Years Old):
If you’re a parent applying on behalf of a child (under 18 years old), you can apply online if:
- Your child was granted Canadian citizenship on or after April 17, 2009, or
- One of the child’s parents was:
- Born in Canada on or after February 15, 1977.
- Became a naturalized Canadian citizen on or after April 17, 2009.
Application Process:
- Apply online on behalf of your child.
- You can only submit applications for 3 children at the same time.
- You must be the child’s biological or legal parent at birth.
- The reason for applying must be the same for everyone (e.g., all children need to replace lost certificates).
Applying on Paper
If you cannot apply online, you can opt for a paper application. Here’s what you need to do:
Get the Application Package:
- Download and print the instruction guide, forms, and document checklist.
- Ensure you have clear and easy-to-read color copies of all documents.
- If documents are not in English or French, provide translations by a professional translator (family member translations are not accepted).
- Include a sworn statement (affidavit) from the translator.
Pay the Application Fee:
- Pay your fees online, following the specified methods of payment based on your location.
- Note that fees are non-refundable once the application process begins.
- If submitting multiple applications, you can pay all fees together.
- If you need help, check the payment instructions.
Things to Remember:
Citizenship by descent is limited to the first generation born outside Canada to a Canadian parent. Grandparents or extended family in Canada do not make you eligible.
If you were born abroad and adopted by a Canadian after your birth, unfortunately, you are not eligible for Canadian citizenship.
Tracking Your Application:
- After submitting your application, you will receive an “acknowledgement of receipt” from IRCC.
- You can check the processing status of your application online. Processing times vary, so be patient.
- Sometimes, IRCC may request additional information or documents from you to verify your application.
Benefits of Canadian Citizenship:
Obtaining your Canadian Citizenship Certificate is a significant step. Once you have it, you can enjoy various benefits, including:
- Voting rights: As a Canadian citizen, you have the privilege of participating in federal elections and shaping the future of the country.
- Social Insurance Number (SIN): With your Canadian citizenship, you can easily obtain a SIN, which is crucial for various legal and financial activities.
- Universal healthcare: Canada’s healthcare system is accessible to all citizens, ensuring you receive necessary medical care when needed.
- Driver’s license: You can apply for a driver’s license, giving you the freedom to travel and commute with ease.
- Powerful passport: A Canadian passport is highly respected and accepted worldwide, offering you the ability to travel hassle-free.
If you have any questions or need assistance during the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. Good luck, and welcome to the Canadian family!
