Crisis in Lebanon: First-generation limit on Canadian citizenship

If you were born to a Canadian parent while outside of Canada, you may have a right to Canadian citizenship.

However, the first-generation limit on Canadian citizenship means that you may not automatically be a Canadian citizen if

• you were born outside Canada
• your parent was born outside Canada to a Canadian parent (your grandparent was a Canadian), and
• you don’t have another Canadian parent who
  • was born in Canada, or
  • became a naturalized citizen  (opens in a new tab) before you were born

If you left Lebanon due to the ongoing crisis, and you believe you may be affected by the first-generation limit, you can find out

• if the first-generation limit affects you
• what you can apply for (including urgent applications for proof of citizenship, if applicable)

Find out if you’re affected by the first-generation limit.

Apply for an open work permit, a study permit or to extend your temporary resident status in Canada

If you left Lebanon on or after September 29, 2024, and were in Canada with valid temporary resident status, you and your eligible immediate family members may have been able to apply for a fee-exempt

• open work permit
• study permit
• extension to your temporary resident status in Canada
• temporary resident permit (if you currently have a valid temporary resident permit in Canada and need to apply for a new one)

Find information about what happens after you’ve applied and how to contact us.