Many people born outside Canada may still have a pathway to Canadian citizenship through their parents or grandparents. If eligible, they can apply for proof of citizenship and eventually a Canadian passport.
To get a passport, applicants must first have a valid document proving their Canadian citizenship. For those who inherited citizenship by descent, a Canadian citizenship certificate is required.
This article explains how one can get a Canadian passport through citizenship by descent, who can apply for a citizenship certificate, and who qualifies for a discretionary grant of citizenship under interim measures.
So, without further ado, let us begin!
Who Is Eligible For A Canadian Passport?
Canadian citizens can travel to and from Canada without a passport, but having one makes border procedures much smoother, especially during reentry. A passport simplifies immigration screening and is recognized internationally as a valid travel document.
Anyone born abroad to a parent born in Canada may qualify for citizenship by descent and can apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate as proof.
However, there is a key restriction to keep in mind, i.e., the first-generation limit (FGL). This rule means that if both you and your parent were born outside Canada and your parent obtained Canadian citizenship by descent from your grandparents, then you do not automatically qualify for citizenship.
Under current legislation, only the first generation of children born outside Canada to a Canadian citizen may claim citizenship by descent.
Temporary Measures For Those Affected By The FGL
The federal government introduced interim measures in March 2025 to help individuals impacted by the first-generation limit.
This followed a late 2023 Ontario Superior Court ruling declaring the FGL unconstitutional. After missing multiple deadlines to amend the Citizenship Act, the government announced temporary measures to ease the impact on affected individuals.
Under these measures, those meeting specific criteria can apply for a discretionary grant of citizenship under four eligible scenarios:
- Scenario One: People born or adopted before December 19, 2023, who have been affected by the FGL.
- Scenario Two: People born or adopted on or after December 19, 2023, affected by the FGL, and whose Canadian parent met the “substantial connection to Canada test” at the time of their birth or adoption.
- Scenario Three: Individuals born before April 1, 1949, and affected by the FGL.
- Scenario Four: People who lost citizenship due to unmet retention requirements under the former Section 8 of the Citizenship Act.
To meet the substantial connection to Canada test, a parent must have spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before the applicant’s birth or adoption.
How To Apply For A Discretionary Grant Of Citizenship?
In order to get a Canadian passport through citizenship by descent, one first needs to know how to apply for a discretionary grant of citizenship.
Well, those who meet one of the scenarios above can apply for a discretionary grant of citizenship.
The first step is to apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will review the application and determine eligibility.
If approved, the applicant will receive an invitation to request citizenship under subsection 5(4) of the Citizenship Act.
Once citizenship is granted through this discretionary process, the individual becomes a Canadian citizen and can then apply for a Canadian passport.
How To Apply For A Canadian Citizenship Certificate?
To begin, applicants must determine whether they should apply online or by paper application. The government website offers a quick questionnaire to guide applicants based on their circumstances.
The application process involves the following steps:
- Get The Application Package
Includes the instruction guide, document checklist (auto-generated if applying online), and required forms.
- Gather Documentation
Submit all primary and supporting documents relevant to your situation.
- Pay The Fee
The citizenship certificate application fee is $75. Include the receipt with your application.
- Submit Your Application
Applications should be sent to the designated office based on the applicant’s country of residence. IRCC provides details on where to submit.
Once approved, IRCC will issue a citizenship certificate, typically within seven months.
It’s important to note that this certificate is not a travel document. It simply confirms your status as a Canadian citizen.
A Canadian passport, however, serves as both an official travel document and proof of the legal right to enter and remain in Canada.
How To Apply For A Canadian Passport?
If you need to get a Canadian passport through citizenship by descent, here’s how you can apply for it.
Once applicants receive their citizenship certificate, they can apply for either a five-year or ten-year Canadian passport.
Applications can be submitted in person at a Service Canada location or sent by mail. The form required is PPTC 153, which can be downloaded online or collected in person.
Applicants will need the following:
- A guarantor and two references
- Canadian citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship)
- Proof of identity (such as a foreign passport)
- Two passport photos
Passport fees are:
| 5-Year Passport Fee | 10-Year Passport Fee |
| $120 | $160 |
Processing times typically range from 10 to 20 business days.
Upcoming Changes To The Citizenship Act
In June 2025, the federal government introduced Bill C3: An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2025) to address the first-generation limit.
Under this proposed legislation, Canadians by descent who meet the substantial connection test would be able to pass citizenship on to their children born abroad, extending eligibility beyond the first generation.
Bill C3 is currently at its second reading in the House of Commons.
To become law, a bill must:
- Pass three readings in the House of Commons
- Pass the Senate
- Receive Royal Assent
If enacted, this legislation would expand access to citizenship for many individuals with Canadian ancestry, making it easier to apply for proof of citizenship and a Canadian passport.
Why Do These Changes Matter?
The government’s decision to address the first-generation limit reflects a broader commitment to modernizing Canada’s citizenship laws. For many individuals with Canadian roots, this change could mean a direct pathway to citizenship, making travel, residency, and career opportunities more accessible.
With a valid Canadian passport, citizens can enjoy visa-free travel to many countries, easier access to consular services abroad, and guaranteed reentry to Canada.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
