Many individuals born abroad to Canadian parents or grandparents may not automatically qualify for citizenship under Canada’s current laws. However, thanks to interim measures, these individuals, often called “lost Canadians”, can apply now for a discretionary grant of Canadian citizenship, without waiting for upcoming amendments to the Citizenship Act.
This option gives affected people a chance to reconnect with their Canadian heritage and secure the rights that come with citizenship.
Under these interim rules, the list of required documents for a discretionary citizenship grant depend on two factors:
- Whether you apply online or on paper.
- Your personal circumstances (e.g., your parent’s status, your marital history, or past immigration status).
What Documents Are Needed For Canadian Citizenship?
To ensure your application is complete, applicants should carefully review two key resources before applying:
- The proof of citizenship application guide (separate versions exist for paper and online submissions).
- The proof of citizenship document checklist.
Together, these outline all the required documents and help applicants avoid common mistakes that could delay processing.
Documents Required For All Applicants
Every person applying for proof of Canadian citizenship must include the following in their application package:
- A completed Application for a Citizenship Certificate (CIT 0001).
- Photographs of the applicant that meet official specifications (two original copies for paper applications or one colour image for online applications).
- Two valid pieces of identification, with at least one containing the applicant’s photo.
- Proof of payment of the required application fee.
Additional Documents Based On Applicant Circumstances
Depending on individual circumstances, some applicants will also need to submit specific supporting documents.
| Situation | Required Document(s) |
| Applicant is using a representative (paid or unpaid) | Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476) |
| Applicant needs to declare a sex or gender change | Statutory Declaration – Request for a Change of Sex or Gender form |
| Applicant has changed their legal name | Proof of legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, court order, adoption order, or divorce decree |
Additional Documents Based On Citizenship Circumstances
In discussing the list of required documents for a discretionary citizenship grant, it is also vital to note that the documents vary further depending on the applicant’s unique path to Canadian citizenship. Below are three possible scenarios.
Scenario One: Applicants Born Abroad To Canadian Parents
If you were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent but never received:
- A Canadian citizenship certificate,
- A Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad (RBA), or
- A Certificate of Retention of Canadian Citizenship,
you must provide:
- Your foreign birth certificate issued by the appropriate government authority, listing your Canadian parent’s name.
- Proof that at least one of your parents is a Canadian citizen, which could include:
- Provincial or territorial birth certificate.
- Canadian citizenship or naturalization certificate.
- Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad (RBA).
- Certificate of Retention of Canadian Citizenship.
- British naturalization certificate issued in Canada or Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Other credible evidence of Canadian citizenship, as detailed under scenarios two and three.
If your Canadian parent’s name is not listed on your birth certificate, or you wish to add extra documentation, you should also provide:
- Birth records or supporting documents confirming your Canadian parent(s)’ names at the time of your birth (e.g., pre-birth orders, surrogacy agreements, or hospital records—note that adoption orders are not accepted here).
- An explanation of why your Canadian parent(s) are not listed on your birth certificate.
- An explanation or statement regarding changes or replacements to your birth certificate, or a declaration that you do not know why it does not list your Canadian parent(s).
Scenario Two: Former British Subjects Living In Canada Or Newfoundland & Labrador
If you were a British subject but never received a Canadian citizenship certificate, and you meet one of the following conditions, you may qualify:
- Lived in Canada as a permanent resident for five years before January 1, 1947.
- Lived in Canada for at least 20 years before January 1, 1947.
- Had your regular residence in Canada on January 1, 1947.
- Lived in Newfoundland and Labrador for five years before April 1, 1949.
- Lived in Newfoundland and Labrador for at least 20 years before April 1, 1949.
- Had your regular residence in Newfoundland and Labrador on April 1, 1949.
In this scenario, you must provide:
- A long-form birth certificate from the country where you were born.
- Proof of British subject status, such as a birth certificate or British naturalization certificate.
- Proof of landed immigrant status in Canada, such as an immigration document or stamped passport page.
- Proof of residence in Canada prior to January 1, 1947, or in Newfoundland and Labrador prior to April 1, 1949.
If you are a woman who was a British subject married before January 1, 1947, you must also include:
- Your marriage certificate.
- Information about your husband’s nationality before January 1, 1947, such as his birth certificate, citizenship/naturalization certificate, or immigration documents like visas or passports.
Scenario Three: Women Who Lost British Subject Status Through Marriage
If you are a woman who lost your British subject status due to marriage, you may apply for discretionary citizenship if you married:
- A man born or naturalized as a British citizen in Canada before January 1, 1947.
- A man born or naturalized as a British citizen in Newfoundland and Labrador before April 1, 1949.
Required documents include:
- A long-form birth certificate issued by the authority in your country of birth.
- Your marriage certificate.
- Proof of your husband’s nationality before January 1, 1947, such as his birth certificate, citizenship/naturalization certificate, or immigration/visa documents.
- Proof of British subject status, such as your own birth certificate or a British naturalization certificate (if applicable).
- Proof of permanent resident status in Canada, such as immigration documents or a stamped passport page.
The Application Process
As we’ve discussed the list of required documents for a discretionary citizenship grant, let us look at how the application process works.
Once you’ve identified the correct scenario and gathered all required documentation, you can submit your application for a discretionary grant of Canadian citizenship.
Applications must be sent to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). After reviewing your file, IRCC will:
- Confirm in writing whether the first-generation limit (FGL) applies to you.
- If you are impacted by the FGL, invite you to formally request a discretionary grant of citizenship.
At this stage, IRCC may request additional documents.
In certain cases, applicants may qualify for urgent processing if they meet the necessary conditions, such as travel for critical reasons or urgent proof of status.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a discretionary grant of Canadian citizenship can feel complex, especially given the variety of scenarios and documents required. However, with the right preparation and guidance, many individuals previously considered “lost Canadians” can finally reclaim their citizenship and access the rights, privileges, and identity that come with it.
If you believe you may qualify, seeking professional legal advice can help clarify your eligibility and strengthen your application.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
