If your parents or grandparents held Canadian citizenship, there’s a strong chance you could already be a Canadian citizen by descent, even if you were born outside Canada.
If this is the case, you will first need to apply for proof of citizenship before being able to request a Canadian passport. For some individuals, particularly those impacted by the first-generation limit (FGL), the path may also require applying for a discretionary grant of citizenship under the interim measures currently in place.
Today, we will discuss how to know if you qualify for a Canadian passport.
So, without further ado, let us begin!
Citizenship By Descent: Who Qualifies?
The first thing to know if you qualify for a Canadian passport, is whether you qualify for citizenship by descent or not.
If your parent or grandparent was Canadian, you may have automatically obtained Canadian citizenship at the time of your birth or adoption, even if that event occurred abroad.
This process, referred to as citizenship by descent, does not require a formal application at birth; it simply takes effect automatically.
Being a Canadian citizen means you are entitled to enter Canada at any time, regardless of whether you hold a Canadian passport. However, traveling with a Canadian passport makes the process of entering and exiting Canada much smoother and avoids complications at borders.
To confirm if you may have citizenship by descent, the federal government provides a tool called “Am I a Canadian?” This online resource helps individuals assess their status.
If you qualify, you can apply for a Canadian passport immediately after obtaining your citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship).
However, if your parents were also Canadian by descent, the FGL rules may affect you. In such cases, you may not have been granted citizenship at birth. Instead, you could be eligible for a discretionary grant of citizenship under Canada’s interim measures.
Lost Canadians And The FGL
The first-generation limit (FGL) on citizenship by descent has created a group of individuals referred to as lost Canadians. These are people who reasonably expected to be Canadian citizens but, due to restrictions in the Citizenship Act, either lost or were unable to secure citizenship.
Recognizing the difficulties caused by the FGL, the Government of Canada introduced interim measures in March 2025. These measures allow certain groups of lost Canadians to apply for discretionary citizenship grants.
Who Is Eligible Under The Interim Measures?
You may apply for a discretionary grant if you fall into one of the following four categories:
- Born or adopted before December 19, 2023, and affected by the FGL.
- Born or adopted on or after December 19, 2023, with a Canadian parent who had accumulated at least 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada before your birth or adoption.
- Born before April 1, 1949, and still impacted by the FGL rules.
- Formerly a Canadian citizen who lost status after failing to comply with retention requirements outlined in the former section 8 of the Citizenship Act.
For people who fall into one of these groups, discretionary grants provide a pathway to citizenship that otherwise would not have been possible under the FGL.
Steps To Apply For Proof Of Citizenship
Before you can apply for a Canadian passport, you must obtain proof of citizenship, also known as a citizenship certificate. This application can be submitted either online or by mail.
The application process typically involves the following steps:
Step 1: Obtain The Application Package
The package includes an instruction guide, a detailed document checklist, and the forms required to apply.
Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents
You will need to provide:
- The application form (CIT 0001)
- Two valid identity documents showing your name and date of birth (one must include your photo)
- One (for online) or two (for paper) identical passport-style photos
- Certified translations and affidavits for documents not in English or French
- A completed use of representative form (IMM 5476), if applicable
- Any other documents relevant to your specific circumstances
Step 3: Pay The Required Fee
The application fee for a citizenship certificate is $75 (non-refundable). Payment can be made online, or, if you have no internet access and live outside Canada or the U.S., directly at a Canadian embassy, high commission, or consulate. Always keep a copy of your payment receipt.
Step 4: Submit Your application
- If applying from within Canada or the U.S. by paper, you will receive an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) by email or mail.
- If applying by paper outside these regions, you’ll receive your AOR from the submission location.
- For online submissions, your AOR will appear in your online account.
Processing Times
Another thing to know if you qualify for a Canadian passport is the processing time once you submit your application.
Currently, the estimated processing time is five months, though this may vary depending on the complexity of your case. More documents or clarifications may be requested by IRCC if required.
For urgent needs, such as imminent travel, family emergencies, or employment obligations, IRCC offers urgent processing, but applicants must include a letter of explanation and supporting documents.
Once your application is approved, you will receive your Canadian citizenship certificate. This document is essential for moving forward with your passport application.
Applying For A Canadian Passport
After you’ve secured your citizenship certificate, you can apply for a Canadian passport either:
- By mail
- In person at a Service Canada location
Requirements Before Applying
- You must have a guarantor, who is a Canadian citizen and willing to verify your identity.
- You need two references, who are not family members but can confirm your identity if contacted.
Documents to include with your application:
- The passport application form (PPTC 153)
- Your citizenship certificate
- A valid identity document (e.g., driver’s license or foreign passport)
- Two identical passport photos
Your guarantor must sign the application form, one of your passport photos, and all supporting identity documents.
Fees and processing times
- A five-year passport costs $120.
- A 10-year passport costs $160.
When applying, you can choose your processing speed:
- 10–20 business days (standard processing)
- 2–9 business days (urgent service)
- Next business day (emergency processing, available only under special circumstances)
If you opted for standard service and did not pay for in-person pick-up, your passport will be mailed to you. Delivery by mail typically takes an additional five business days.
Key Takeaway
If you have Canadian lineage through a parent or grandparent, there’s a strong chance you may already hold citizenship by descent. But to enjoy the privileges of a Canadian passport, you must first secure proof of citizenship.
For those impacted by the first-generation limit, Canada’s interim measures provide a way forward through discretionary citizenship grants.
Once you have your citizenship certificate, applying for a passport is a straightforward process, giving you the freedom to travel easily and affirm your Canadian identity.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
