Invalid proofs of Canadian citizenship

You can’t use the following documents to prove your Canadian citizenship:

•  citizenship record letters
•  commemorative certificates
•  some birth certificates

 Citizenship record letters

If you apply for a search of citizenship records, the record letter you receive is not a valid proof of Canadian citizenship.

 Commemorative certificates

The commemorative certificate that came with your citizenship card is not a valid proof of Canadian citizenship (even though it has the date you became a Canadian citizen).

 Some birth certificates

Your Canadian birth certificate doesn’t prove your citizenship if when you were born:

• none of your parents were a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada and
• at least 1 of your parents worked for a foreign government/international organization

We also don’t accept DND 419 birth certificates as proof of citizenship.

If you can’t use your birth certificate as proof of citizenship, apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate.