Who Can Apply for a Canadian Citizenship Certificate?

A Canadian citizenship certificate is an official proof of your Canadian citizenship issued by the Government of Canada. While many people assume their birth certificate or passport is enough, this certificate is especially important for those born outside Canada. 

It confirms your status as a citizen and is often required when applying for a Canadian passport, government benefits, or jobs that require proof of citizenship. However, it is not a travel document, meaning you cannot use it to cross borders. Instead, it serves as reliable evidence that you are officially recognized as a Canadian.

Who Can Apply for a Canadian Citizenship Certificate?

If you were born outside Canada but have at least one biological or legal parent who was either born in Canada or became a naturalized Canadian before your birth, you may already be a Canadian citizen. In this case, you can apply for a citizenship certificate to prove your status.

This is known as citizenship by descent. However, Canadian law restricts this to the first generation born abroad. In simple terms, if your parents are Canadian citizens by descent, you do not automatically inherit citizenship. This restriction is called the First-Generation Limit (FGL).

Apart from proving descent, you may also apply for a new citizenship certificate if your original one was lost, stolen, or damaged, or if you legally changed your name.

Changes to the First-Generation Limit (FGL)

The FGL has been a subject of debate for years. On March 13, 2025, Canada introduced interim measures allowing people affected by the FGL to apply for discretionary grants of citizenship. To qualify, the Canadian parent must show a substantial connection to Canada, meaning they lived in Canada for at least three years before the child’s birth or adoption.

Additionally, Bill C-3, introduced in June 2025, proposes removing the FGL entirely. If passed, children of Canadian parents who meet the substantial connection requirement would automatically become citizens. However, the bill is still under review and not yet law.

Exceptions to the FGL

Some people are not affected by the FGL. If your parent or grandparent was working abroad as a Crown servant at the time of your birth or adoption, you may still qualify. 

This includes service in:

• The Canadian Armed Forces

• The federal public service

• The public service of a province or territory

How to Apply for a Canadian Citizenship Certificate

The application process is straightforward:

1. Get the application package – Includes the guide, checklist, and forms.

2. Collect your documents – Such as government-issued ID, photos, translations (if needed), and completed forms.

3. Pay the $75 fee – Payment can be made online or through Canadian embassies abroad.

4. Submit the application – Either online or by mail. You will receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) once IRCC accepts your application.

Processing usually takes at least five months, though cases outside Canada or involving minors can take longer. Urgent processing is possible but only in exceptional circumstances like employment, education, or health needs.

Who Does Not Need to Apply

Children born in Canada are automatically citizens, and their birth certificate is enough proof. Naturalized citizens also receive a certificate when they take their oath. The only exception is children of foreign diplomats, who do not get Canadian citizenship at birth.

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