Proof of Citizenship

The Citizenship Act imposes a first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. This means that individuals born outside of Canada to a Canadian parent may not automatically acquire Canadian citizenship if:

• Their Canadian parent was also born outside of Canada to a Canadian parent.

In December 2023, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled that the first-generation limit is unconstitutional for many individuals. However, the court has suspended this ruling until December 19, 2024, which means that the current regulations remain in effect until further notice.

There are several ways to become a Canadian citizen without needing to apply. In such cases, you might still want to obtain proof of citizenship. Sometimes, you may believe you’ve already acquired Canadian citizenship but later find out that you haven’t. In those situations, you could be eligible to apply for citizenship.

You are likely a Canadian citizen if you:

• Were born in Canada.
• Became a citizen due to changes in the Citizenship Act.
• Applied for and received Canadian citizenship (naturalized).
• Acquired Canadian citizenship as a minor when a parent or legal guardian applied on your behalf.
• Were born outside of Canada, and at least one of your parents (either legal or biological) was:
  • Born in Canada, or
  • Naturalized before you were born.

You are likely not a Canadian citizen if you:

• Were born in Canada to foreign diplomats.
• Had your citizenship revoked.
• Renounced your Canadian citizenship and didn’t apply to regain it.

You are not automatically a Canadian citizen if you:

• Marry a Canadian citizen.
• Are adopted by a Canadian citizen.
• Have your refugee claim accepted.
• Have lived in Canada as a permanent resident for many years.
• Were born outside Canada to Canadian parents on or after April 17, 2009, and neither parent was born or naturalized in Canada.

You retain your citizenship if you were a Canadian citizen prior to the changes to the law in 2009 and 2015.