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Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

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Get the forms and documents

To apply for citizenship as a stateless person, you must complete the required forms and include the supporting documents that apply to your situation.

On this page

Before you start

All documents must be clear and easy to read. If we can’t read the information on your forms and documents

  • we may return your application
  • it may take us longer to process your application

  1. Complete the application forms

    Download and complete these forms. Each form has detailed instructions.

    Check the instructions for each form to make sure you have completed it correctly before you include it with your application.

  2. Gather the required documents

    These documents are required for all applications:

    A copy of your birth certificate Always required

    We’ll use a copy of your birth certificate to prove your date of birth, place of birth and parentage.

    Personal identification documents (1 regular, 1 with photo) Always required

    Provide copies of 2 types of personal identification (ID) documents.

    • Prepare 1 copy per document.
    • If there’s information on the front and back of the document, copy both sides.

    Each ID document must have your

    • name
    • date of birth

    One of your ID document must also show your photo.

    Examples of types of ID you can use
    • a permanent resident (PR) card
      • If you use your PR card, the second ID document must be issued by the Canadian (federal) government, or a provincial or territorial government.
      • For example, you can submit copies of a PR card and a health card issued by a Canadian province.
      • You can use a valid or expired PR card.
    • a driver’s licence
    • a health card
    • a senior citizen ID card
    • an age of majority card
    • a foreign ID document (issued by the foreign government)
      • If the document is not in English or French, provide a certified translation.
      • Submit the translation along with a copy of the document in the original language.
    • the page of your passport or travel document that includes your
      • name
      • photo
      • date of birth
      • place of birth
      • document number
      • issue date
      • expiration date

    Two citizenship photos Always required

    Provide 2 identical and printed colour photos that follow our specifications.

    Proof of a parent’s Canadian citizenship at your birth Always required

    You must include proof that one of your parents was Canadian when you were born. Proof can include a copy of your parent’s

    • birth certificate
    • citizenship certificate
    • registration of birth abroad certificate
    • certificate of retention

    Proof that you have always been stateless Always required

    You must provide documents that show you’ve never held any citizenship or nationality. These can include

    • a letter from the country or territory where you were born and where you lived stating that you have never been a citizen or national there
    • a letter or similar document from every country or territory of your parents’ citizenship or nationality (other than Canadian) confirming that you didn’t gain citizenship or nationality through them

    Proof of your physical presence in Canada Always required

    You must have been physically present in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the 4 years immediately before you apply.
    Gather documents to show your physical presence, such as

    • entry or immigration documents (for example, a temporary resident permit or immigration visa)
    • travel documents from the Red Cross or International Organization for Migration
    • a Canada Revenue Agency notice of assessment
    • school records (for example, transcripts or letters confirming attendance)
    • health records with dates of care received in Canada
    • immunization records for your children

  3. Gather the supporting documents you might need

    Depending on your situation, you may have to submit more supporting documents, such as

    • a use of a representative form
    • a name change document
    • a date of birth correction document
    • change of sex or gender identifier request

  4. Prepare translations

    If any document is not in English or French, you must provide a translation along with the document in the original language. The document you provide depends on your translator.

    If you have a certified translator

    A certified translator is a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada.

    • The translator will seal or stamp the translated document.
    • The seal or stamp will have a membership number that we can verify (to make sure the translator is certified).

    If your translator is certified, provide the English or French translation of the document. The translator must

    • translate the content in the same order as on the original document
    • translate all the text showing on the original document, including the letterhead, fine print and stamps
    • include the date the translation was done
    If you don’t have a certified translator

    You can also use an uncertified translator. The person must be fluent in both languages (the original language of the document and English or French).

    The uncertified translator can’t be

    • the applicant (you)
    • your parent
    • your guardian
    • your sibling
    • your spouse
    • your common-law or conjugal partner
    • your grandparent
    • your child
    • your aunt or uncle
    • your niece or nephew
    • your first cousin

    If your translator is uncertified, include both of the following documents:

    • the English or French translation
      • The translated content should be in the same order as on the original document.
      • The translation must contain all the text showing on the original document, including the letterhead, fine print and stamps.
      • Include the date the translation was done.
    • an affidavit (sworn statement) from the translator
      • This statement confirms the translator’s language skills and the accuracy of the translation.

    The translator must swear an oath for the affidavit in the presence of an authorized person. The choice of authorized person depends on where the translation is done.

    Translated in Canada

    The translator can swear the oath in front of

    These options may vary by province or territory. If you’re not sure, consult your local provincial or territorial authorities.
    Translated outside Canada A notary public may be able to authorize the affidavit, depending on the country. If you’re not sure, consult your local authorities.

  5. Apply when you’re done

    When you’ve completed the application forms and gathered all your documents, you’re ready to pay and submit your application.

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2025-09-11