Guide for Paper Applications for a Citizenship Certificate for Adults and Minors (Proof of Citizenship) under Section 3 (CIT 0001)
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Before you apply
- Step 1: Gather your documents
- Step 2: Complete your application
- Step 3: Pay your fees
- Step 4: Submit your application
- What happens next?
- Need Help?
- Appendix A: Amendments to the Citizenship Act limit citizenship by descent
- Appendix B: Crown servants
- Appendix C: Name change
- Appendix D: Date of birth correction
- Appendix E: Legal parent at birth
This is not a legal document. The explanations and definitions are not legal definitions. In case of a discrepancy between the language in this document and the relevant legislation or regulations, the legal text in the legislation and regulations prevails.
For legal information, see the:
This information will help you complete the forms and guide you through the application process.
Overview
This instruction guide:
- is for paper applications that will be submitted by mail or at a Canadian embassy, high commission or consular office
- has information you must know before you submit your application
- explains how to fill out the application and gather your supporting documents
Read this instruction guide completely and then fill out each of the applicable forms in the application package.
The forms have questions that will help process your application.
Symbols used in this guide
This guide uses these symbols to draw your attention to important information:
Important information that you need to know to avoid delays or other problems.
Where to get more information.
Tips that will help you with this application.
Before you apply
Who may apply for a citizenship certificate?
Use this application if you:
- need to replace or update your citizenship certificate,
- want to pass down your Canadian citizenship to your child born outside Canada and you were born in Canada or naturalized before your child was born,
- were born outside of Canada and your legal parent at birth or biological parent was born in Canada or naturalized before you were born,
- need a document that proves your Canadian citizenship (such as to apply for a passport, job application, pension, Social Insurance Number, etc),
- think you’re a Canadian citizen and want to know for sure.
If you (or the child you are applying for) was adopted outside of Canada by Canadian citizens, you can only use this application for a replacement certificate. If your adopted child was never granted Canadian citizenship, you can apply for Canadian citizenship for an adopted person.
Note: If you’re filling out this application for your child (or minor who is under 18 years of age) then the instructions below relate to your child as the applicant. Complete the application as if you’re the child (or minor).
Replacing your certificate
Reasons why you need to replace your certificate (or card if issued before 2012)
- the information on the certificate is out of date
- there is an error on your certificate that needs to be corrected, or
- the certificate has been damaged, stolen, lost or destroyed
If your application is approved your current certificate will be cancelled.
You may not hold more than one valid certificate of citizenship or naturalization. You must return any original certificates you have with your application package. We must receive previous certificates before a new one can be issued. If you are replacing your electronic certificate (e-certificate), any printed or digital copies of your current e-certificate must be deleted and destroyed upon submission of your application. You must not download another copy of your e-certificate until a decision on your replacement is made.
If you need to regain access to your IRCC portal account to download your electronic certificate (e-certificate), follow the instructions to reset your password. You must have your Unique Client Identifier (UCI), application number and date of birth to access the e-certificate that was issued to you. Please review your IRCC messages for the required information. You can always regain access to your e-certificate if you are still allowed to have it.
Were you born outside Canada?
If you were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent who was also born outside Canada, you might not be eligible for citizenship by descent due to the first generation limit. See Appendix A: Amendments to the Citizenship Act Limit Citizenship by Descent for more information.
Are you a citizen of another country?
If you’re a citizen of another country and you have concerns about whether or not your citizenship status in that country may be affected by applying for a Canadian citizenship certificate, you should inquire with the embassy, high commission or consulate of that country.
Exception to citizenship by birth in Canada
Not all children born in Canada automatically become Canadian citizens at birth.
If, at the time of their birth, a child born in Canada has a parent who was
- a foreign diplomat,
- a representative or employee in Canada of a foreign government,
- an employee of a foreign diplomat, representative or employee, or
- an officer or employee of a specialized agency of the United Nations or another international organization,
then that child
- may not be Canadian at birth, unless the other parent was a Canadian citizen or permanent resident at the time of the child’s birth.
Step 1: Gather your documents
What documents do I need?
See the Document Checklist [CIT 0014] (PDF, 0.99 MB) to help you gather the documents you need.
You need to provide:
- clear and easy-to-read colour copies of your documents, unless otherwise stated
- translations of documents that are not in English or French
Note: If any of the required documents are missing, or the photocopies are of poor quality, your application may be returned to you.
Important information: Additional documents and information may be required when processing your application. As set out in the Citizenship Act and the Citizenship Regulations, No. 2, we may ask you for additional information or evidence to support your application.
Previous citizenship certificates
If this is not your first Canadian citizenship certificate you must return all original citizenship/naturalization certificates and any pink transmission copies that you have. Include these with your submitted application. If you are replacing your electronic certificate (e-certificate), any printed or digital copies of your current e-certificate must be deleted and destroyed upon submission of your application. You must not download another copy of your e-certificate until a decision on your replacement is made.
Important information: It is contrary to the Citizenship Regulations to have more than one valid citizenship or naturalization certificate. Failure to return any certificate or any pink transmission copy of a certificate will result in delays in processing your application. If, after you get your new certificate, you find a certificate that was declared lost or misplaced, you have to send it back to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Acceptable identity documents
Two pieces of valid identification are required to establish your identity. Both documents must show your name and date of birth. One must have your photo on it.
Examples of Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government-issued documents that can be used to establish identity:
- driver’s license
- age of majority card
- passport
- certificate of Indian status card
- health insurance identification card
- senior citizen’s card
- travel document
If you live outside of Canada and are not able to provide Canadian identity documents, you may provide foreign government-issued identity documents that are equivalent to the Canadian documents listed above. If your foreign identity documents are not in English or French, you must also include a translation and affidavit. See section Translation of documents.
Note: If you’re applying on behalf of a minor who does not have two pieces of identification, or does not have a photo ID, please include an explanation letter with the application.
Note: Birth certificates, Social Insurance Number (SIN) cards, bank cards, credit cards, and previous Canadian citizenship certificates are not accepted as personal identification for this application process.
Documents issued in Quebec
We do not accept birth certificates and marriage certificates issued in Quebec before January 1, 1994 in support of an application for a citizenship certificate.
If you need to replace your Quebec birth or marriage certificate because it was issued before 1994, contact the office of the Directeur de l’état civil du Québec.
Crown Servants
If one of your Canadian parents or grandparents was employed outside Canada in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, the federal public administration or the public service of a province or territory, other than as a locally engaged person, please refer to Appendix B: Crown servants.
Name change
If you need to change the name on your citizenship certificate or would like to use a different name than the one on your birth certificate, please refer to Appendix C: Name change.
Date of birth correction
If you need to change the date of birth on your citizenship certificate or would like to use a different date of birth than the one on your birth certificate, please refer to Appendix D: Date of birth correction.
Gender identifier change
Submit the Request form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier [IRM 0002] (PDF, 1.79 MB) if the applicant is applying for:
- their first citizenship certificate and their gender is different from what is on their birth certificate, or
- a replacement citizenship certificate and their gender is different from what’s on their current certificate
Note
Photographs
You must provide two (2) identical printed citizenship photos.
Print the Citizenship photo specifications page and take it to the photographer to make sure you get the correct size photo.
Do not staple, glue or otherwise attach the photo directly to the application.
Note: Your application will be returned to you if you do not include two (2) photos that meet the citizenship photo specifications.
Urgent processing
If you’re requesting urgent processing, you must provide proof. For information on urgent processing criteria and requirements, please consult the Help Centre.
Translation of documents
You must include the following along with any document that is not in English or French:
- the English or French translation; and
- an affidavit from the person who completed the translation
Translations may be done by:
- a person who is fluent in both languages (English or French, and the unofficial language), or
- a Canadian certified translator (a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada)
If the translation isn’t done by a Canadian certified translator, the person who completed the translation must provide an affidavit swearing to their language proficiency and the accuracy of the translation.
The affidavit must be sworn in the presence of:
In Canada:
- a notary public
- a commissioner of oaths
- a commissioner of taking affidavits
Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Consult your local provincial or territorial authorities.
Outside of Canada:
- a notary public
Authority to administer oaths varies by country. Consult your local authorities.
Important information: Translations must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by members of the applicant’s family. This includes a parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew and first cousin.
Note: An affidavit is a document on which the translator has sworn, in the presence of a person authorized to administer oaths in the country where the translator is living, that the contents of their translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of the original document. Translators who are certified in Canada don’t need to supply an affidavit.
Step 2: Complete your application
Note: It is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on these forms. The information you provide on your application will be subject to verification.
Follow these steps to complete your application form:
- Download the CIT 0001 form, Application for a Citizenship Certificate for Adults and Minors (Proof of Citizenship) Under Section 3 (PDF, 3.07 MB)
- Open the application form (PDF) from your computer
- Read the instructions at the end of the application form
- Fill out the form. You can either:
- fill it out electronically on your computer and then print it, or
- print the form and fill it out by hand
If possible, we prefer that you fill out the application form electronically. Filling out the form electronically ensures that your responses are easy-to-read and helps prevent errors.
Note: If you complete the application form electronically, remember that you must sign and date it after you print it.
Tips to help you complete your form
- If a section does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA”. If your application is incomplete it may be returned to you and this will delay processing.
- If you’re completing this application for a minor under 18 years of age, remember all questions are about the minor and you should answer as though you are the minor.
- If you need more space to answer any questions, use an extra sheet of paper and indicate the number and/or letter of the question you’re answering.
- All of your answers must be complete and true.
Depending on your situation, you may have to complete the Use of a Representative form
- You must complete the form if you have a paid or an unpaid representative (opens in a new tab).
- Download and complete the Use of a Representative Form (IMM 5476) (opens in a new tab).
Step 3: Pay your fees
Your fees
If more than one member of your family is applying for a Canadian citizenship certificate pay the fees all together.
Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid. The fee payment receipt must be included with this application.
Application (per person) | $CAN |
---|---|
Citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship) | 75 |
Explanation of fees
The following text describes the fees that are required and if they are refundable.
Processing fee
Amount: $75 for each person
Non-refundable once processing has begun, regardless of the final decision.
The only acceptable form of payment is online payment. If you send any other form of payment, we will return your application.
Note
How to pay the fees for your application
To pay your fees for your application you’ll need:
- a valid e-mail address;
- access to a printer (you’ll need to print the receipt), and
- a credit card, Debit MasterCard® or Visa® Debit card.
Visit the link below and follow these instructions to pay:
- Go to Online Payment.
- Follow the online instructions.
- At the end, click on the button to print the IRCC official receipt with barcode. Print two copies.
- Attach a copy of this receipt to your completed application.
- Keep the second copy of the receipt for your records.
Do not exit without printing the receipt! The printed receipt is your proof of payment!
Payment Issues
No fee included or insufficient fees
If you do not pay the full fees for your application(s) we will return your application(s). We will only start processing your application after you return it with the correct fees.
For immigration applications, see section 10 of the IRPR and for citizenship applications, see section 13 of the Citizenship Act for more information.
Overpayment
If you pay more than the fees needed for your application(s) we will start processing your application, and send you a refund as soon as possible.
Note: You don’t have to ask for a refund. It will be done automatically.
Note: If you’re eligible for a refund, we will issue the refund to the person indicated on the Payer Information section of the receipt (if a receipt is attached to a paper application or uploaded as part of an online application). If you paid directly within an online application (no receipt attached), or if there is no name indicated on the receipt, we will send the refund to the applicant.
Only online payments are accepted in Canada. If any other forms of payment are received, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will return your application.
Fee payment outside Canada and the United States
Use the following method of payment ONLY if:
- you’re living outside Canada and the United States, and
- you do not have access to the Internet.
If you cannot pay online, you must pay directly to the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate where you’re submitting your application.
- Visit the Pay your fees web page
- Select the country/territory where you’re paying from
- Select your application type
- Click on get payment instructions
- Bring your completed application and the correct fees to the consular office indicated
Note: Consular offices cannot accept:
- receipts for fees paid in Canada, or
- personal cheques
Step 4: Submit your application
Use a courier to submit your paper application
Due to the labour disruption at Canada Post, you need to use a courier to send us your application. Use one that offers tracking so you have proof your application was delivered.
Answer the following question to find out where to submit your application.
If you’re a parent or legal guardian applying for a minor child (under 18 years old)
Select the country or territory where the child lives:
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Andorra
- Angola
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Aruba
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Benin
- Bermuda
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bonaire
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- British Virgin Islands
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Burkina Faso
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
Are you applying to reclaim your child’s Indigenous name on their citizenship certificate?
- Cape Verde
- Cayman Islands
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Chile
- China (People’s Republic of)
- Colombia
- Comoros Island
- Congo
- Costa Rica
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Denmark
- Djibouti
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Estonia
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Holy See
- Honduras
- Hong Kong SAR
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao SAR
- Macedonia
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mali
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Martinique
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia (Federated States of)
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Niger
- Nigeria
- North Korea
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestinian Authority (Gaza)
- Palestinian Authority (West Bank)
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- South Sudan
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syria
- Tahiti
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste (Timor oriental)
- Togo
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- Turkmenistan
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
Are you applying to reclaim your child’s Indigenous name on their citizenship certificate?
- Uruguay
- US Virgin Islands
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
If you’re applying for yourself
Select the country or territory where you live:
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Andorra
- Angola
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Aruba
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Benin
- Bermuda
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bonaire
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- British Virgin Islands
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Burkina Faso
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
Are you an Indigenous person applying to reclaim your Indigenous name on your citizenship certificate?
- Cape Verde
- Cayman Islands
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Chile
- China (People’s Republic of)
- Colombia
- Comoros Island
- Congo
- Costa Rica
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Denmark
- Djibouti
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Eswatini
- Estonia
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Holy See
- Honduras
- Hong Kong SAR
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao SAR
- Macedonia
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mali
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Martinique
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia (Federated States of)
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Niger
- Nigeria
- North Korea
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestinian Authority (Gaza)
- Palestinian Authority (West Bank)
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- South Sudan
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sudan
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syria
- Tahiti
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste (Timor oriental)
- Togo
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- Turkmenistan
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
Are you an Indigenous person applying to reclaim your Indigenous name on your citizenship certificate?
- Uruguay
- US Virgin Islands
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Where to submit your application if you’ve reclaimed your Indigenous name
To submit your application to apply for, update, or replace your citizenship certificate or card with your reclaimed Indigenous name:
- Gather your documents, including
- the completed application form
- either the eligibility form or the statutory declaration, depending on your situation
- your supporting documents (check what you need to reclaim your Indigenous name on your citizenship certificate or card)
- Put them in an envelope and
- label the outside with “CTA 17 – Proof” in large, dark letters
- address the envelope to:
Citizenship and Passport Cases Division
Case Management Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
300 Slater Street, 12th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
If you’re sending more than one application
If you are sending more than one application (for example, applications for family members, including siblings), you may send one receipt to cover all applications. Mail the receipt (if applicable) and all applications together in one envelope so that they will be processed together.
Note: If you’re sending more than one application, and one of the applications is incomplete, all the applications will be returned to you.
Sign the form
The application form must be signed and dated before it is submitted. If your application is not signed and dated, it will be returned to you.
Helpful reminders
Remember to use the Document Checklist [CIT 0014] (PDF, 0.99 MB) to find the scenario that applies to you and include the completed checklist with your application.
To avoid your application being returned to you make sure that you:
- answered all questions, or wrote “N/A” (not applicable) on the application form for any question or section that is not applicable to you
- returned all original Canadian citizenship/naturalization certificates previously issued to you and any pink transmission copies that you still have
- agree to delete and destroy all digital and printed copies of your current e-certificate upon submission of your application for a replacement
- included high quality colour copies of two (2) pieces of personal identification one of which must have your photo on it
- included your citizenship photo(s) according to the appropriate citizenship photograph specifications
- included high quality colour copies of requested documents, their translation(s) and an affidavit by the translator for any documents that are not in English or French
- provided a letter of explanation for any documents that are missing, not included or require further clarification with your application (i.e. birth certificates that have been changed or replaced).
- signed and dated the form. Before you send it, make sure that it is not stale-dated (dated more than 90 days before we receive it) or post-dated (dated into the future).
- paid the correct fees and included your receipt with your application.
What happens next?
After you submit your application
If you applied from within Canada or the United States:
If you provided an email address, you’ll receive an ‘acknowledgment of receipt’ email from us containing your ten digit Unique Client Identifier (UCI).
If you did not provide an email address, you’ll receive an ‘acknowledgment of receipt’ letter from us delivered by mail and containing your ten digit Unique Client Identifier (UCI).
If your application is incomplete, your application will be returned to you.
If you applied from outside Canada and the United States:
You’ll receive a receipt from the Canadian embassy, High Commission or consulate where you submitted your application.
If you provided an email address, you’ll also receive an ‘acknowledgment of receipt’ email from us containing your ten digit Unique Client Identifier (UCI).
Once your application is received and considered complete:
- Your application will be reviewed and processing will begin.
- Some applications may require more time for processing. In these cases, you’ll be contacted for more information or asked to supply additional documents.
- If your application is approved, you’ll receive a citizenship certificate:
- if your mailing address is inside Canada or the United States, you’ll receive it by mail
- if your mailing address is outside Canada and the United States, the Canadian embassy, High Commission or consulate where you submitted your application will contact you
For more information
Current processing times
You can check current processing times on the Application processing times webpage.
Important information
Updating your contact information
While your application is in process, you must tell us if you change your address, e-mail address, or telephone number. Use the Change your address tool to give us your new contact information.
Checking application status
Use the Check your application status tool and follow the instructions provided
If you live outside Canada and the United States, you can also contact the Canadian embassy, high Commission or consulate where you submitted your application.
Note: If you do not want your application status to be available online, you can remove your application status information from the Internet.
Protecting your information
Your personal information is:
- available to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it to provide the services to you, and
- not disclosed to other organizations except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act or the Citizenship Regulations.
For more information about the protection of your data, visit the Frequently Asked Questions/Help Centre.
Quality Assurance Program
Our quality assurance program randomly chooses applications for a special review. If chosen, we’ll ask you to attend an in-person interview where we will:
- review and verify the original documentation you submitted,
- verify that the information you provided on your application form is accurate, and
- request additional supporting documentation, up to and including DNA to confirm parentage, if we’re not satisfied with the documentation on file.
Note: We will notify you in writing if your application is chosen.
Need help?
If you need help, you can find answers to your questions by visiting the Help Centre.
Appendix A
Amendments to the Citizenship Act limit citizenship by descent
On April 17, 2009, the rules for Canadian citizenship changed for persons born outside Canada to Canadian parents, and who were not themselves already Canadian citizens when the rules changed.
Canadian citizenship by birth outside Canada to a Canadian citizen parent (citizenship by descent) is now limited to the first generation born outside Canada.
This means that, in general, persons who were not already Canadian citizens immediately before April 17, 2009 and who were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent are not Canadian if:
- their Canadian parent was also born outside Canada to a Canadian parent (the person is therefore the second or subsequent generation born outside Canada), or
- their Canadian parent was granted Canadian citizenship under section 5.1, the adoption provisions of the Citizenship Act (the person is therefore the second generation born outside Canada)
Exception to the first generation limit in 2009
The first generation limit on claims of citizenship by descent through a parent did not apply to a person born outside Canada in the second or subsequent generation if:
- at the time of the person’s birth, their parent was employed outside Canada in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, the federal public administration or the public service of a province or territory, other than as a locally engaged person (a crown servant);
Persons born to a Canadian parent who are not eligible for citizenship by descent due to the first generation limit may apply for and obtain permanent resident status and subsequently submit an application for a grant of citizenship under section 5 of the Citizenship Act.
Persons born to a Canadian parent on or after April 17, 2009 who are not eligible for citizenship by descent due to the first generation limit may be stateless. Those persons may apply for a grant of citizenship under subsection 5(5) of the Citizenship Act. For further information, consult the page on Citizenship grants: Statelessness.
Note: Some naturalized Canadian citizens who had a Canadian parent became Canadian citizens by descent by operation of law under these amendments and this could impact their eligibility to pass on Canadian citizenship to children born outside Canada to them or adopted by them.
Amendments to the Citizenship Act extending citizenship
On June 11, 2015, citizenship was extended to more persons who were born before the Canadian Citizenship Act took effect on January 1, 1947, as well as to their children who were born outside Canada in the first generation. Specifically, the amendments gave Canadian citizenship to persons who were born or naturalized in Canada as well as to those who were British subjects ordinarily resident in Canada on January 1, 1947 (April 1, 1949, in the case of Newfoundland and Labrador), but who were not eligible for Canadian citizenship when the Canadian Citizenship Act took effect. The amendments also retroactively gave Canadian citizenship to the children of these persons, as well as to children of parents who became citizens on January 1, 1947 (or April 1, 1949), but who did not themselves become Canadian citizens on those dates.
On June 19, 2014, the exception to the first generation limit to citizenship by descent was extended to children born outside Canada whose grandparent, at the time of the child’s parent’s birth or adoption, was employed outside Canada in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, the federal public administration or the public service of a province or territory, other than as a locally engaged person.
Extension to the exceptions to the first generation limit in 2014
The first generation limit to on claims of citizenship by descent through a parent does not apply to a person born outside Canada in the second or subsequent generation if:
- the person is born to a Crown servant or,
- at the time of their parent’s birth or adoption, the person’s grandparent was employed outside Canada in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, the federal public administration or public service of a province or territory, other than as a locally engaged person (a crown servant).
Note: Some naturalized Canadian citizens who had a Canadian parent became Canadian citizens by descent by operation of law under these amendments, which and this could impact their eligibility to pass on Canadian citizenship to children born outside Canada to them or adopted by them. If you think that this may apply to you and you would like more information, consult the Help Centre at the end of this guide.
Appendix B
Crown servants
The table below will help you to determine if proof of employment is required to demonstrate that one of your Canadian parents or grandparents was employed outside Canada in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, the federal public administration or the public service of a province or territory, other than as a locally engaged person at the time of your birth or at the time of your parent’s birth or adoption.
Questions |
If your answer is: |
1. Was your Canadian parent born in Canada or granted citizenship, also known as naturalization, (except for a grant of citizenship under the adoption provisions) before your birth? |
YES. This section does not apply to you. Submit your application. NO. Proceed to question 2. |
2. Was one of your Canadian parents a Crown servant (employed outside Canada in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, the federal public administration or public service or a province, other than as a locally engaged person) at the time of your birth outside Canada? |
YES. This section does apply to you. Proof of your parent’s employment at the time of your birth is required. Refer to the section below on “Acceptable proof of employment as a Crown servant”. NO. Proceed to question 3. |
3. Was one of your grandparents a Crown servant (employed outside Canada in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, the federal public administration or the public service of a province, other than as a locally engaged person), at the time of your Canadian parent’s birth or adoption outside Canada? |
YES. This section does apply to you. Proof of your grandparent’s employment at the time of your parent’s birth or adoption is required. Refer to the section below on “Acceptable proof of employment as a Crown servant”. NO. This section does not apply to you. Submit your application. |
Acceptable proof of employment as a Crown servant
The employment document must be issued by the responsible authority (the employer) and contain the following information:
- Your parent or grandparent’s name; and
- Start date, employment duration and title of the position they held in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, the federal public administration or the public service of a province or territory; and
- Transfer date, employment duration and title of the position they held outside Canada in or with the Canadian Armed Forces, the federal public administration or the public service of a province or territory.
Current and retired Government of Canada employees who have worked abroad and are applying for proof of citizenship need to confirm their posting by contacting the Compensation Department and asking for proof of employment. The proof of employment needs to contain the information mentioned above.
Appendix C
Name change
This section applies to you if:
you’re applying for your first citizenship certificate and the name you wish to appear on your citizenship certificate is different than the name on your birth certificate,
or
- you’re applying for a replacement certificate and the name you wish to appear on your citizenship certificate is different than the name on your previous certificate.
Consult the information below to determine the documents that are to be included with your application.
If you have legally changed your name within Canada
Then you must submit a copy of the change of name document issued by a Canadian province or territory, or by the appropriate foreign-state authority. The document must show both your previous and amended names.
The following documents are accepted:
- Legal change of name document
- Court order specifying name change
- Adoption order
The following documents are accepted for changes to family name only:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Registration or declaration of union issued by civil authorities
- Revocation of declaration or annulment of union issued by civil authorities
- Registration for common-law relationship, in provinces that permit changes of name for common-law relationships under their provincial/territorial law
If you have legally changed your name outside Canada and are residing in Canada
Then you must provide a copy of the following documents:
- A foreign passport or other national authoritative documentation amended to reflect the new name;
- A document that links your previous name to your new name, such as a foreign marriage certificate (with an official translation); and
- A document in the new name from Canadian provinces or territories (ex. driver's license, health card, age of majority card, senior citizen’s identification card, or social service card)
If you have legally changed your name outside Canada and are residing outside Canada
Then you must provide a copy of the following documents:
- a foreign passport or other national authoritative documentation amended to reflect the new name;
- a document that links your previous name to your new name, such as a foreign marriage certificate (with an official translation) or other foreign legal change of name document issued by foreign authorities; and
- an authoritative national or state/province (or equivalent) issued photo identification document issued in the country or state/province in which you reside that displays the new name, such as:
- a foreign passport or other travel documents, if you’re a dual citizen;
- a state/provincial (or equivalent) identification card.
If you have applied and obtained an amendment to your Record of Landing, or Confirmation of Permanent Residence due to errors made by Canadian immigration officials when recording your name, then you must submit a copy of the amendment or a letter confirming the change of name.
Important information: Once processing of your application has begun a name change can only be made due to an administrative error made by the Department, or a legal change of name.
If you’re reclaiming your Indigenous name
If you’ve reclaimed your Indigenous name, you can change the name on your citizenship certificate or card. To do that, apply for a new citizenship certificate. There will be no cost for this change until May 30, 2026.
When you apply, include either an “eligibility form” or a “Statutory Declaration”, depending on your situation.
Include an eligibility form [IRM 0004] (PDF, 1.8 MB) if you either
- amended your birth certificate, or
- obtained a legal change of name document.
Include a Statutory Declaration [IRM 0005] (PDF, 1.8 MB) if you
- are applying for a free replacement certificate, or for a first time certificate, and
- can’t amend your birth certificate or obtain a legal change of name document
- You’ll also need to include proof that you can’t obtain these documents (for example, a rejection letter from your province or territory).
We’ll use these forms to determine if you’re eligible for a free replacement certificate.
You can apply normally if you’re applying for your first citizenship certificate and you:
- reclaimed your indigenous name, and
- have an amended birth certificate or legal change of name document
Learn more about our response to Call to Action 17.
Appendix D
Date of birth correction
The date of birth on your citizenship certificate will be the same as the one shown on your previous citizenship certificate, if you had one, or your birth certificate or foreign passport unless:
- for former permanent residents of Canada, you have corrected your date of birth on your immigration document, or
- you have legally changed it, or
- you’re requesting a different date of birth for your citizenship certificate and you can provide supporting documents.
- If you’re a former permanent resident of Canada, and your date of birth has been corrected on your immigration document
- Then you must provide a copy of an approved Request to Amend Immigration Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)
- If you have legally changed your date of birth by a provincial/territorial court order
- Then you must provide a copy of provincial/territorial court order changing your date of birth and
- completed questionnaire Request to Correct a Date of Birth for a Permanent Resident Document or Citizenship Certificate [IRM 0003] (PDF, 2.4 MB)
- If you’re residing outside Canada and you have legally changed your date of birth by court order outside Canada
- Then you must provide a copy of foreign court order changing your date of birth and
- completed questionnaire Request to Correct a Date of Birth for a Permanent Resident Document or Citizenship Certificate [IRM 0003] (PDF, 2.4 MB)
- If you did not change your date of birth by a provincial/territorial or foreign court order and you’re a former permanent resident and your date of birth has not been corrected on your immigration document
- Then you must provide a copy of a refused Request to Amend Immigration Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688) and
- completed questionnaire Request to Correct a Date of Birth for a Permanent Resident Document or Citizenship Certificate [IRM 0003] (PDF, 2.4 MB) and
- documents to support your new date of birth.
Important information: You cannot request a change in your date of birth after your application has been submitted. If satisfactory documentation is not provided with the application to support the date of birth requested, the citizenship certificate will reflect the date of birth indicated on your previous citizenship certificate, if you had one, or your birth certificate or foreign passport.
Important information: If you do not have a court order changing your date of birth and you were formerly a permanent resident of Canada, you must first request an amendment to your immigration document before requesting a different date of birth on your citizenship certificate.
For more information. For information on amending your immigration document
Refer to the guide Request to Amend the Record of Landing, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Valid Temporary Resident Documents (IMM 5218)
Features
Appendix E
Legal parent at birth
Before July 2020, only biological parents could pass down Canadian citizenship to their children. Biological parents are those with a genetic or gestational connection to their child.
As of July 2020, non-biological parents can pass down their Canadian citizenship to their children who were born outside Canada if they’re the child’s legal parent at birth.
There are some exceptions for both parents (see Appendix A).
A legal parent at birth
- is the biological or non-biological parent listed on a child’s original birth certificate or birth record issued at the time of their birth.
- does not include parents who adopted a child after they were born or legal guardians.
Birth records include pre-birth orders, court orders, surrogacy agreements, hospital records, etc.
To respect the requirements of the Citizenship Act, if you were born outside of Canada and adopted by Canadian parents, you can apply for Canadian citizenship for adopted persons.
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