Canadian citizenship by descent refers to the process of acquiring Canadian citizenship based on your lineage or ancestry. If you were born outside of Canada, but at least one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth, you may be eligible to claim Canadian citizenship by descent.
To be eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent, you must meet the following requirements:
To apply for Canadian citizenship by descent, you will need to gather certain documentation and complete the application process. Here are the general steps and documentation required:
Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for Canadian citizenship by descent, including being born outside of Canada and having at least one biological or adoptive parent who was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth.
Fill out the application form for Canadian citizenship. The specific form you need to complete depends on your age and whether you are applying from inside or outside of Canada. The application forms can be found on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Gather the following supporting documents to include with your application:
Submit the application. Send your completed application form, supporting documents, and payment receipt to the appropriate IRCC office. The address for submission can be found on the IRCC website. Keep copies of all documents for your records. Pay the required application fee at the time of submitting your application. The fee amount and payment methods can be found on the IRCC website.
In some cases, you may be required to attend a citizenship test or interview as part of the application process. This is to assess your knowledge of Canada and your ability to communicate in English or French.
If your application is approved, you will be invited to attend a citizenship ceremony where you will take the Oath of Citizenship and receive your Canadian citizenship certificate.
Canada generally allows for dual citizenship, so acquiring Canadian citizenship by descent does not require you to renounce your existing citizenship(s) in most cases.
No, Canadian citizenship is not automatically conferred if one of your parents is a Canadian citizen. You must apply for Canadian citizenship by descent and meet the eligibility criteria.
You will need to provide supporting documents that prove your parent’s Canadian citizenship and your relationship to that parent. This may include your birth certificate, your parent’s Canadian citizenship certificate or passport, and other relevant documents.
No, Canadian citizenship by descent is limited to one generation. If your parents are Canadian citizens, you may be eligible. However, if it is your grandparents who were Canadian citizens, you will not be eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent.
Yes, if you acquired Canadian citizenship by descent, you can pass on Canadian citizenship to your children, provided they were born either in Canada or abroad. The specific requirements will depend on the circumstances of your children’s birth.
No, if you were born in Canada but neither of your parents is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada at the time of your birth, you are not eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent. However, you may be eligible for Canadian citizenship through other means, such as by applying for citizenship based on residency.
Yes, Canada allows dual citizenship. So, if you acquire Canadian citizenship by descent, you can generally retain your original citizenship if your home country permits dual citizenship. It’s important to check the laws of your home country regarding dual citizenship.
You can apply for Canadian citizenship by descent whether you are inside or outside of Canada. The application process is generally the same, but the specific forms and instructions may differ slightly depending on your location.