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.