If you are born outside Canada & one of your biological/ legal parents were Canadian citizens at birth, then you are eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship. For this, you may submit proof of Canadian citizenship application to the government of Canada.
However, it is vital to note that Canada limits citizenship by descent to the firstborn outside the country or to a Canadian parent. However, you can apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate at any point in your life, irrespective if your parents are alive/ deceased.
Who Needs A Citizenship Proof?
Any Canadian citizen can obtain a Canadian citizenship certificate. However, the document is only necessary for people born outside Canada to at least one Canadian parent & naturalized Canadians.
Naturalized Canadians are people who applied for citizenship, completed the test, & took the oath. These individuals require a Canadian citizenship certificate, but they will receive this upon the naturalization process completion.
Proof of citizenship enables you to enjoy all the benefits of being a Canadian. In addition, this includes voting in federal elections, thus getting a social insurance number, access to universal healthcare, obtaining a driver’s license, & holding one of the most potent & significant passports in the world.
How To Apply For Canadian Citizenship Certificate?
To apply for a citizenship certificate in Canada, you need to download the application package on the IRCC website. The application fee is CAD 75.
It is vital to note that IRCC needs satisfactory evidence regarding your legal/ biological parents at birth to see if they were Canadian citizens or not.
Accepted evidence includes your parents:
- Birth certificate
- Canadian citizenship card
- Citizenship certificate
You can further apply to IRCC’s website. Once IRCC obtains your application, you will get an ‘acknowledgement of receipt’ & your file will be renewed & processed. In addition, you can check your application status online, as the processing times might vary based on your circumstances. Further, IRCC might also request additional information or documents.