Guide CIT 0496 - Application to renounce Canadian citizenship – R7.1 (for certain persons who acquired citizenship under amendments to the Citizenship Act in 2009, 2015 or 2025)
Table of Contents
Overview
Application package
This application package has:
- an instruction guide, and
- the forms you need to fill out.
The instruction guide:
- has information you must know before you submit your application, and
- explains how to fill out the forms and gather your supporting documents.
Read the instruction guide completely and then fill out each of the applicable forms.
The forms are designed with questions that will help the processing of 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.
Note: Tips that will help you with this application.
Before you apply
What happens if I renounce my Canadian citizenship?
If you renounce your Canadian citizenship, you lose all the rights and privileges of being a Canadian citizen and will have no status in Canada. This means that if you wish to return to Canada permanently, you will have to apply for a permanent resident visa. If you wish to return to Canada temporarily, (i.e., to visit, work or study) you will have to apply for a temporary resident visa, if applicable.
You must return any Canadian citizenship certificates in your possession. For further inquiries, see the “How to contact us” section at the end of this guide.
Who may use this application?
This application is for a person who automatically acquired Canadian citizenship due to amendments to the Citizenship Act in 2009, 2015, or 2025 and who wants to give up their Canadian citizenship under section 7.1 of the Citizenship Regulations.
Note: If you did not acquire Canadian citizenship automatically in 2009, 2015, or 2025 you must complete the Application to Renounce Canadian Citizenship under Subsection 9(1).
To know more about who became or did not become a citizen automatically in 2009, 2015, or 2025 consult the page on Changes to citizenship rules in 2009, 2015, or 2025.
Note: Persons who are Canadian citizens because they were born outside Canada after February 14, 1977 to a Canadian parent, other than an adoptive Canadian parent, as a result of the 2009 amendments are not eligible to give up their citizenship under section 7.1 of the Citizenship Act. These persons should refer to the Application to Renounce Canadian Citizenship under Subsection 9(1).
Assessing your eligibility
To renounce your Canadian citizenship using this application you must:
- have acquired Canadian citizenship automatically in 2009, 2015, or 2025 under one of the paragraphs of the Citizenship Act listed below,
- be a citizen of another country or, if the application is approved, will become a citizen of another country, and
- not be prevented from understanding the significance of renouncing citizenship by reason of a mental disability.
The following will help you to determine under which paragraph you are a citizen and the documents required to renounce your citizenship.
Under the Citizenship Act, a person is a Canadian citizen as a result of the 2009, 2015, or 2025 amendments, if they:
Under 3(1)(b):
- were born outside Canada between February 14, 1977 and December 15th, 2025 to a parent who is a Canadian citizen, and had, before December 15th, 2025, never been a citizen due to the previous first generation limit; or
- were born outside Canada before December 15th, 2025 to a parent who had lost citizenship because they did not retain their citizenship before their 28th birthday under section 8 of the 1977 Act, and had, before December 15th, 2025, never been a citizen; or
- were born outside Canada after February 14, 1977 to a parent born before January 1, 1947 (or April 1, 1949 in the case of Newfoundland and Labrador) who, as a result of legislative amendments to the Citizenship Act on June 11, 2015, is a citizen under one of paragraphs 3(1)(k) to (n) (see below); and
- had, before June 11, 2015, never been a citizen.
Refer to scenario 1, 2 or 3 in the checklist for required documents.
Under 3(1)(f):
- were formerly a citizen;
- ceased to be a citizen for any reason other than:
- renunciation of citizenship under specific provisions of the 1947 Canadian Citizenship Act or renunciation under the 1977 Citizenship Act;
- revocation of citizenship under specific provisions of the 1947 Act or revocation under the 1977 Act; or
- failure to retain citizenship under the 1977 Act.
- has not resumed citizenship since its loss.
Refer to scenario 1 or 4 in the checklist for required documents.
Under 3(1)(g):
- were born outside Canada between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977, inclusive;
- acquired citizenship automatically as a result of legislative amendments to the Citizenship Act on April 17, 2009, June 11, 2015, or December 15th, 2025;
- at the time of the birth, one of their parents was a Canadian citizen or parent acquired Canadian citizenship automatically as a result of legislative amendments to the Citizenship Act on April 17, 2009, June 11, 2015, or December 15th, 2025; and
- had, before acquiring citizenship automatically as a result of legislative amendments to the Citizenship Act on April 17, 2009, June 11, 2015, or December 15th, 2025, never been a citizen by way of grant before these dates.
Refer to scenario 5 in the checklist for required documents.
Under 3(1)(k):
- were, before January 1, 1947, born or naturalized in Canada;
- ceased to be a British subject before that date;
- did not become a citizen on January 1, 1947; and
- you had, before June 11, 2015, never been a citizen.
Refer to scenario 6 in the checklist for required documents.
Under 3(1)(l):
- were, before April 1, 1949, born or naturalized in Newfoundland and Labrador;
- ceased to be a British subject before that date;
- did not become a citizen on or before April 1, 1949; and
- you had, before June 11, 2015, never been a citizen.
Refer to scenario 6 in the checklist for required documents.
Under 3(1)(m):
- were, on January 1, 1947, a British subject neither born nor naturalized in Canada;
- were ordinarily resident in Canada on that date;
- did not become a citizen on January 1, 1947; and
- you had, before June 11, 2015, never been a citizen.
Refer to scenario 7 in the checklist for required documents.
Under 3(1)(n):
- were, on April 1, 1949, a British subject neither born nor naturalized in Newfoundland and Labrador;
- were ordinarily resident there on that date;
- did not become a citizen on or before April 1, 1949; and
- you had, before June 11, 2015, never been a citizen.
Refer to scenario 7 in the checklist for required documents.
Under 3(1)(o):
- were born outside Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador before January 1, 1947 to a parent who became a citizen as a result of legislative amendments to the Citizenship Act on June 11, 2015 and is a citizen under paragraph 3(1)(k) or (m);
- did not become a citizen on January 1, 1947; and
- you had, before June 11, 2015, never been a citizen.
Refer to scenario 8 in the checklist for required documents.
Under 3(1)(p):
- were born outside Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador before April 1, 1949 to a parent who became a citizen as a result of legislative amendments to the Citizenship Act on June 11, 2015 and is a citizen under paragraph 3(1)(l) or (n);
- did not become a citizen on or before April 1, 1949; and
- you had, before June 11, 2015, never been a citizen.
Refer to scenario 8 in the checklist for required documents.
Under 3(1)(q):
- were born outside Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador before January 1, 1947 to a parent who became a citizen on January 1, 1947 under the Canadian Citizenship Act ;
- did not become a citizen on January 1, 1947; and
- you had, before June 11, 2015 or December 15, 2025, never been a citizen.
Refer to scenario 8 in the checklist for required documents.
Under 3(1)(r):
- were born outside Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador before April 1, 1949 to a parent who became a citizen on April 1, 1949 under the Canadian Citizenship Act;
- did not become a citizen on or before April 1, 1949; and
- you had, before June 11, 2015 or December 15th, 2025, never been a citizen.
Refer to scenario 8 in the checklist for required documents.
Step 1. Gather documents
What documents are required?
Refer to the Document Checklist (CIT 0501) for the list of the required documents.
Note: If any of the required documents are missing, or photocopies are not clear, your application may be returned to you.
Note: Additional documents will be required during the processing of your application.
Name change
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 are 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.
Important information: You cannot request a change of an adopted person’s name after Part 2 of the application has been submitted.
If satisfactory documentation is not provided with the application to support the request for a change of name, the name that appears on the citizenship certificate will be the name listed on the adoption order.
Gender change
If you need to change the gender on your citizenship certificate or would like to use a different gender than the one on your immigration document, complete and submit the Request form for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier (IRM 0002) (opens in new tab) with your application.
Documents issued in Quebec
The following documents issued in Quebec before January 1, 1994 are not acceptable documents in support of an application for a citizenship certificate.
- baptismal certificates;
- birth certificates; and
- marriage certificates.
For more information. If you are currently in possession of one of these certificates you must obtain a new document by contacting 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 A: Crown servants.
Certified true copies
To have a photocopy of a document certified, an authorized person must compare the original document to the photocopy and must print all of the following on the photocopy:
- “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document”;
- the name of the original document;
- the date of the certification;
- the name of the authorized person;
- their official position or title; and
- their signature.
Who can certify copies?
Only authorized people can certify copies.
Important information: Certifying of copies must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by an applicant’s parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin.
People authorized to certify copies include the following:
In Canada:
Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Check with your local provincial or territorial authorities to learn who has the authority to certify.
Outside Canada:
- a notary public
Authority to certify international documents varies by country. Check with your local authorities to learn who has the authority to certify in your country.
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 (if they are not a certified translator).
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:
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.
Note
Photographs
You must:
- provide one (1) citizenship photograph;
- print the Citizenship Photo Specifications page and take it to the photographer to make sure you get the correct size photo;
- follow the steps explained on the form; and
- not staple, glue or otherwise attach the photo directly to the application.
Step 2. Complete the application
Filling out the application
Follow the step-by-step instructions to complete the application form.
The following are the forms that must be filled out and submitted:
- Application to Renounce Canadian Citizenship – R7.1 (for certain persons who acquired citizenship under amendments to the Citizenship Act in 2009, 2015, or 2025) (CIT 0496) (opens in new tab)
- Document Checklist - Application to Renounce Canadian Citizenship - R7.1 (for certain persons who acquired citizenship under amendments to the Citizenship Act in 2009, 2015, or 2025) (CIT 0501) (opens in new tab)
- Use of a Representative (IMM 5476), if applicable (opens in new tab)
- Addendum A: Applicant’s Additional Parent(s) Information and Authorization (CIT 0556), if applicable Available soon
Optional:
Note: It is a serious offence to give false or misleading information on these forms. The information you provide on your application may be subject to verification.
Step 3. Fees
There is no fee for this application.
Step 4. Mail the application
Use a courier to submit your paper application
Due to the labour disruption at Canada Post, consider using another courier to send us your application. Use one that offers tracking, so you have proof your application was delivered.
Find out how to check if your application has been received.
Where to mail the application
For applicants living inside Canada and the United States
Mail your completed application in a stamped envelope to the address shown below:
(Your Address)
(Your Postal Code)
Case Processing Centre – Sydney
Renunciation (R7.1)
P.O. Box 12000
Sydney, NS B1P 7C2
Canada
Or
For applicants living outside Canada and the United States
Once you have completed all the sections of your application and gathered all required documents and photo, submit your application to the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate closest to your home.
If you are sending more than one application
If you are sending more than one application (for example, applications for family members), send all applications together in one envelope so that they will be processed together.
Note
Reminders…
- The application must be signed and dated before it is mailed. If your application is not signed and dated, it will be returned to you.
- Applicants 14 years of age and older must sign the application.
- All parents must sign the application for a minor (under 18 years of age).
- An explanatory note with supporting evidence must be provided if any parent is unable to sign, or if a legal guardian signs the application for a minor.
- Your application will also be returned to you if it is stale-dated (dated more than 90 days before we receive it) or it is post-dated (dated after you mailed it).
- Make sure to use the Document checklist (CIT 0501) and include it and all required documents and photograph with your application.
- If you have appointed someone to act as your representative, you have included the Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476).
What happens next?
- Once your application is received in Sydney, Nova Scotia and is considered complete, it will be reviewed and processing will start.
- Some applications may encounter delays and require more time for processing. In these cases, you will be contacted for more information or asked to supply additional documents.
- If you are sending an application from outside Canada and the US, through a consular mission, allow sufficient time for your application to be received at the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia, as mail service can vary between countries. If you reside in the US, send your application directly to the Case Processing Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia,
- If your application is approved, you will receive a renunciation document which will show the date you ceased to be a Canadian citizen.
Important information
Updating your contact information
During the application process, you must advise us of any change of address, telephone number or email address by:
- Go to Change address; or
- see “Need Help” at the end of this Guide.
Checking application status
In Canada and the United States
You may Contact Us or go online to see the current status of your application:
- Click on Check application status, and
- follow the instructions provided.
To obtain details on how to remove your application status information from the Internet, visit the “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQ) section.
If you are outside Canada and the United States:
Contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your region.
Your personal information
Your personal information is:
- available to IRCC and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it in order to provide the services to you, and
- not disclosed to anyone else except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act and the Citizenship Regulations.
For more information. You can obtain additional information on the protection of your data by visiting the Help Centre.
Quality Assurance Program
Our quality assurance program randomly chooses applications for a special review. If chosen, we will ask you to attend an interview with an IRCC official to:
- verify that the documentation and any other information you submitted is accurate,
- verify that your application has been completed properly.
Note: We will notify you in writing if your application is chosen.
For more information
Current processing times
You can check current processing times on the Application processing times webpage.
Need help?
If you need help, you can find answers to your questions by visiting the Help Centre.
Appendix A
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.
