A Canadian citizenship certificate is one of the most important documents for anyone claiming Canadian citizenship, and it is also integral to qualify for a Canadian citizenship certificate.
It is an official record issued by the Government of Canada that acts as undeniable proof that you are a Canadian citizen.
For individuals born outside Canada, this certificate can serve as confirmation of citizenship if one of their parents was already a Canadian citizen by birth or naturalization before their birth.
Although Canadian citizenship may be automatically passed down in certain cases, proof in the form of a certificate is essential when applying for a Canadian passport or demonstrating your status to government bodies, employers, or educational institutions.
It is important to note that a Canadian citizenship certificate itself is not a travel document, i.e., you cannot use it in place of a passport for international travel. Instead, it is meant strictly as evidence of citizenship status.
This article explores the impact of the first-generation limit (FGL) on citizenship by descent, upcoming legislative changes, and the step-by-step process for applying.
So, without further ado, let us begin!
Who Can Apply For A Canadian Citizenship Certificate?
The first thing to find out if you qualify for a Canadian citizenship certificate or not is who can actually apply for the citizenship certificate.
Well, if you were born outside Canada and at least one of your parents, whether biological or legal, was born in Canada or became a naturalized Canadian before your birth, you are very likely a Canadian citizen already. In this case, you are entitled to apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate.
This process is referred to as citizenship by descent. Under Canada’s current law, it is automatic at birth if one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth.
However, there is an important restriction known as the first-generation limit (FGL). Under this rule, only the first generation of children born abroad can claim citizenship by descent. Children of citizens who themselves were born abroad generally do not inherit Canadian citizenship automatically.
Apart from individuals applying through descent, Canadian citizens may also apply for a replacement or updated citizenship certificate if their original was lost, stolen, damaged, or if details such as their legal name or personal information have changed.
Changes To The First-Generation Limit (FGL)
Another thing to know if you qualify for a Canadian citizenship certificate or not is the changes to the First-Generation limit.
Well, the FGL has long been a source of difficulty for families abroad. Many individuals, despite having strong ties to Canada, are unable to inherit citizenship due to this limitation.
Recognizing these challenges, the federal government introduced interim measures on March 13, 2025, designed to give certain people impacted by the FGL another pathway to citizenship.
These measures allow individuals to request a discretionary grant of citizenship, provided that their Canadian parent meets what is called the “substantial connection to Canada” test.
What Is A Substantial Connection?
A parent is considered to have a substantial connection if they lived in Canada for at least three years (1,095 days) before their child’s birth or adoption.
Building on this, Bill C-3, introduced on June 5, 2025, proposes to eliminate the FGL altogether for children whose parents satisfy the substantial connection test. If passed, this would grant automatic citizenship to thousands of people who currently remain excluded.
The bill has gone through its first reading in Parliament but must pass two additional readings, gain approval from both the House of Commons and the Senate, and receive royal assent before becoming law.
Exceptions To The First-Generation Limit
While the FGL applies broadly, there are some important exceptions. Certain children born abroad are exempt if, at the time of their birth, their Canadian parent was serving Canada in specific roles.
This includes children whose parents were employed abroad as:
- Members of the Canadian Armed Forces
- Employees in the federal public administration
- Workers in the public service of a province or territory
The same exemption applies if the child’s Canadian grandparent held such a position at the time of the parent’s birth or adoption.
How To Apply For A Canadian Citizenship Certificate?
Before submitting an application, IRCC provides a helpful tool called “Am I a Canadian?”. This online tool offers preliminary guidance on eligibility for Canadian citizenship. While it does not provide a definitive answer, it is a useful first step for individuals uncertain about their status.
To receive official confirmation, however, you must apply for proof of Canadian citizenship by submitting a citizenship certificate application. Applications can be filed either online or by paper submission.
Step 1: Obtain The Application Package
The first step is downloading the official application package from IRCC’s website. It includes the instruction guide, document checklist, and required forms. Following this package carefully is crucial to avoid errors or delays.
Step 2: Gather And Prepare Your Documents
Applicants must provide:
- A signed and dated Application for a Citizenship Certificate (CIT 0001)
- Two valid pieces of government-issued ID (one with a photo) such as a passport, driver’s license, or health card
- Two identical photos taken by a commercial photographer (online applications require just one) that meet IRCC’s photo specifications
- Translations and affidavits for any documents not in English or French
- A signed Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476) if using a representative
- Additional documentation depending on personal circumstances, as outlined in the application package
If you cannot provide a required document, include a letter of explanation. For sections of forms that do not apply, simply write “Not applicable” or “NA.”
Step 3: Pay The Application Fee
The fee for a Canadian citizenship certificate is $75 per person. For families, all fees should be paid together. Payment can be made online, or in certain cases at a Canadian embassy or consulate.
Be sure to include the payment receipt in your application and keep a copy for your records.
Step 4: Submit The Application
For paper applications submitted from Canada or the US, IRCC will send an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) by email or mail, containing a 10-digit Unique Client Identifier (UCI). Applicants outside these regions receive an AOR from their local embassy or consulate.
For online applications, the AOR will be available in your online IRCC account.
Processing Times
At present, the processing time for citizenship certificates is at least five months. However, additional time may apply in the following cases:
- Applicants living outside Canada or the US (add 3–4 months)
- Minors living abroad whose applications are processed in Sydney, Nova Scotia (add 6–8 months)
More complex cases may require extra documentation or clarification, which can extend the timeline further.
Urgent Processing
IRCC allows applicants to request urgent processing in limited situations, such as:
- Needing access to social benefits
- Employment or education requirements
- Avoiding harm or hardship due to race, religion, or sexual orientation
Requests for urgent processing must include a letter of explanation and supporting documents. However, even with urgency, IRCC does not guarantee delivery within a specific time frame.
Applying For A Discretionary Grant
Another integral thing in finding out if you qualify for a Canadian citizenship certificate or not is how you can apply for a discretionary grant.
For those impacted by the FGL, interim measures introduced on March 13, 2025 provide access to discretionary grants of citizenship.
The process begins by submitting a citizenship certificate application as usual. If IRCC determines you are ineligible due to the FGL, they will:
- Send a letter confirming the restriction applies
- Invite you to submit a request for a discretionary grant of citizenship
You may then be required to provide more information about your parent’s connection to Canada. Only once invited can you formally apply for this grant.
When You Do Not Need A Citizenship Certificate?
Not everyone needs to apply for a citizenship certificate. For example:
- Children born in Canada automatically gain citizenship at birth, with their birth certificate serving as proof.
- Naturalized Canadians receive a citizenship certificate when they become citizens, so they do not need to reapply.
The main exceptions are children of foreign diplomats, who may not receive citizenship at birth in Canada.
Final Thoughts
A Canadian citizenship certificate is an invaluable document for proving your citizenship status, especially for those born abroad. While the first-generation limit creates challenges for some, recent government measures and proposed legislative changes may significantly expand access.
Whether you are applying for the first time, replacing a lost certificate, or exploring your options under the FGL changes, understanding the process is the key to success.
If you are uncertain about your eligibility, tools like “Am I a Canadian?” and professional legal consultations can provide clarity.
With careful preparation, proper documentation, and awareness of timelines, securing your Canadian citizenship certificate can be a smooth and rewarding process, thus, opening doors to passports, opportunities, and peace of mind.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
