You can get citizenship if your parent is Canadian

Daniel Levy
Updated: Aug, 23, 2023
  • Published: May 26, 2022

May 23 to May 29 is Citizenship Week in Canada where we celebrate what it means to be Canadian from the rights and freedoms we enjoy, to the responsibilities we share, and the diversity that makes us strong. For those of you who had at least one Canadian parent, you might be a citizen even if you were born abroad.

Canada allows biological and legal parents to pass citizenship to their children who were born outside of the country, provided at the time of the child's birth the parents were first-generation Canadians. Once Canadian citizenship has been passed down, it cannot be passed down again. So if you were born abroad to Canadian parents, your children will not automatically get Canadian citizenship if they were born abroad as well.

If this describes one of your parents, you may already be Canadian. In order to prove it, you need to get a proof of citizenship, which is also called a citizenship certificate.

Get a Free Legal Consultation on Applying for Proof of Canadian Citizenship

How to get proof of citizenship

In order to prove that one of your parents is Canadian, you will need to submit evidence such as your parent’s birth certificate, citizenship card, or citizenship certificate. You will also have to pay an application fee of $75 CAD.

Once IRCC confirms your application is complete, it will provide you with an “acknowledgment of receipt”. Then, if IRCC approves your application, you will get a Canadian citizenship certificate.

You can apply for proof of Canadian citizenship at any age. Also, you can submit the application whether your Canadian parent is alive or deceased.

With the proof of citizenship document you will be able to call Canada home. You can get a Canadian passport, vote in an election, and enjoy the host of privileges that come with being Canadian.

An experienced immigration lawyer can submit a complete and accurate Proof of Citizenship application on your behalf.

Get a Free Legal Consultation on Applying for Proof of Canadian Citizenship

© CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.

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
Related articles
How long does it take for Canada to process visa applications from India?
A picture of a Canadian visa
I’m coming to Canada on a TRV. Can I bring my family with me?
A happy family of three relaxing in the lounge and being playful together
Maximising your time in the Express Entry Pool
A man working in front of a laptop while looking at satisfied and content.
IRCC application backlog slowly shrinking despite higher number of applications
Colourful autumn leaves on a country road.
Top Stories
Canada’s non-permanent resident population is 2.2 million people
How long does it take for Canada to process visa applications from India?
Canada invites 500 French-speaking candidates in category-based Express Entry draw
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Express Entry
Canada invites 500 French-speaking candidates in category-based Express Entry draw
Waterfall near Victoria on Vancouver Island.
Canada releases 2022 Annual Report on Express Entry
Children playing together in colourful natural park on autumn day
What counts as eligible work experience for immigration through Express Entry?
Business people having a meeting in a tech company
Express Entry: Canada has first ever draw for transport occupations
IRCC has held its first ever Express Entry draw for transport occupations.
Link copied to clipboard