Canadian citizenship rules change for those born outside of Canada

CIC News
Published: January 28, 2009

As of April 17, 2009, Canada's Citizenship Act will be amended.  The new law now limits Canadian citizenship to the first generation born abroad to Canadian citizens.

All individuals born in Canada are granted citizenship, as are people born abroad who undertake the Canadian citizenship process and are approved.

Previously, individuals who were born abroad to Canadian parents were granted Canadian citizenship and would apply for a citizenship certificate as evidence.  The new law alters this.

One of the elements of the April 17 amendments to the Citizenship Act restricts the granting of citizenship for children born abroad to Canadian parents.  Now, only the first generation of children born abroad to Canadian citizens will be accorded Canadian citizenship.

Once the law comes into effect, children born abroad to Canadian parents in the second or subsequent generations will not become Canadian citizens automatically at birth.  Moreover, those who are born abroad in the second or subsequent generations before the new law is implemented, who are not already Canadian citizens, will not automatically become a citizen under the new law.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Top Stories
IRCC’s application backlog shows steady increase over the summer
New Brunswick Critical Worker Pilot: Who are the employers and what positions do they hire for?
Express Entry: 1,613 candidates invited in draw for PNP candidates
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Express Entry
Express Entry: 1,613 candidates invited in draw for PNP candidates
Rural road with fall foliage
October 2024: State of the Express Entry pool
A group of people walking through a popular square in Canada.
How many ITAs has Canada issued through Express Entry this year vs. last year?
A view of a mountain through fall leaves.
IRCC issues 4,000 ITAs to Canadian Experience Class candidates in latest Express Entry draw
A view of a river in Canada during a summer day, with kayaks and canoes making their way through.
Link copied to clipboard