You might be eligible for Canadian citizenship if you were born outside of Canada & at least one of your legal/ biological parents at birth were Canadian citizens.
Proof of Canadian citizenship enables you to enjoy all the benefits of being a Canadian. It includes voting in federal elections, getting a SIN (social insurance number), access to universal healthcare, obtaining a driver’s license, & holding one of the world’s most powerful passports.
To prove citizenship, you can submit a proof of Canadian citizenship application to the government. This is also known as applying for a citizenship certificate.
This citizenship certificate & the birth certificate are the only two documents accepted by Passport Canada as proof of citizenship.
Moreover, you can apply for a citizenship certificate at any time, irrespective of whether your parents are alive or deceased.
How To Apply For Canadian Citizenship Certificate
You can apply for a citizenship certificate on the official website of IRCC.
However, you must provide proof that at least one of your legal/ biological parents at birth was a Canadian citizen.
The proof can include:
- Your parent’s birth certificate
- Your parent’s citizenship card
- Your parent’s citizenship certificate
It is vital to note that Canada limits citizenship by descent to the first-generation born outside Canada or to a Canadian parent. Thus, you will not be eligible if only your grandparents or other extended family is in Canada.
Moreover, if you were born abroad & adopted by a Canadian after your birth, you aren’t eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.
Further, you can submit an application & evidence online provided that your Canadian parent was born in Canada on/ after February 15, 1977, or was offered citizenship on/ after April 17, 2009. Otherwise, you must submit a paper application.
Once IRCC obtains your application, you will get an ‘acknowledgement of receipt’ & your profile will be reviewed & processed. In addition, you can check the processing status of your application online. However, the processing times might vary depending upon the individual circumstances. IRCC might also request additional information/ documents.