The seven most common Canadian citizenship by descent questions lawyers get asked

If you're applying for a proof of Canadian citizenship certificate as a citizen by descent, you may have questions about the process that go beyond what's covered in IRCC's instructions.

We asked lawyers at Cohen Immigration Law about some of the questions they get asked the most from clients, and how they respond to these enquiries.

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1. What do I do if I'm missing some birth certificates in my lineage?

Answer: This is a common problem, particularly for older records. Prince Edward Island had no civil registry before 1906, for example, and Nova Scotia did not record births between 1877 and October 1908.

In case of missing or non-existent documentation, the first step is to reach out to the original authority as IRCC requires you to show evidence that you tried to get these documents. A no-record letter is one such example of what you can show.

When a direct birth or baptismal record can't be located, some applicants have supplemented their file with records connected to siblings or descendants of the ancestor in question. You can find more details on the process here.

It's worth noting that supplementary evidence like this can support a case, but it doesn't replace the primary chain of documents. In these situations, the key is pairing multiple government-issued records, alongside an explanation and proof of the applicant's attempts to obtain the official birth record.

2. Does a lawyer locate my birth certificate and other documents, or do I need to do that myself?

Answer: Immigration lawyers can advise on which documents are needed, how to go about locating a birth certificate and other documentation, and what alternatives IRCC accepts if one can't be found.

That said, clients are generally responsible for gathering their own documents. In some Quebec cases, a lawyer may be able to request a certificate or copy of an act on a client’s behalf.

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3. How do I handle unexplained name variants or typos across generations?

Answer: One way to tackle this would be to submit supplementary records that show that the name variation is tied to the same person. For example, showing marriage certificates, death certificates, or court-ordered name changes.

Immigration lawyers can assist with drafting explanation letters addressing name variances. This is usually referenced in a cover letter to help clarify the discrepancy for the reviewing officer.

4. From start to finish, how long does the entire process take?

Answer: It’s almost impossible to guarantee a timeline, since it depends on individual files, and complex cases can take more time to process.

That being said, in case of standard applications, confirmation of eligibility may take roughly one week. The process of collecting documents can take one to six months, and filing the application to IRCC can take a week.

The longest part is usually the wait time when IRCC is processing a file. As of July 2026, IRCC listed proof of citizenship processing at about 19 months, but processing times are updated regularly and may change.

Altogether, the process should take roughly 12 to 24 months (as of the time of publishing).

5. Can I request urgent processing, and if so, in what situations?

Answer: Yes, in certain circumstances. IRCC can expedite some proof of citizenship applications for reasons such as an urgent job or education deadline, a family medical emergency, or renouncing another citizenship by a fixed deadline.

A reputable immigration lawyer will be able to assess your individual situation, inform you about your chances of being granted urgent processing, and tell you how to apply for expedited processing.

Read our full breakdown of how urgent processing works and who qualifies.

6. Can I apply for proof of citizenship for my minor child?

Answer: Yes. This can make sense especially if your child is relying on the same line of descent, as much of the family research may overlap. Adopted children born outside Canada follow a different process and should not apply directly for a citizenship certificate.

One thing to be aware of is that children born on or after December 15, 2025, are subject to a new requirement under Bill C-3: their Canadian parent must show they had spent at least three years (1,095 days) in Canada before the child's birth or adoption in order to pass on citizenship. There is, however, a straightforward workaround, if parents choose to give birth to their child in Canada.

7. Given the backlog, is there any benefit to mailing multiple family members' applications together in one envelope versus separately?

Answer: IRCC’s paper guide allows multiple applications, including family members, to be mailed together in one envelope so they can be processed together. However, keep in mind that each application still needs its own complete supporting package or copies, as required by IRCC.

Mailing applications together is entirely a matter of personal choice, and there can be some benefits to doing so. One thing to watch for, though, is that if any single application in the package is deemed incomplete, IRCC will return the entire package, not just the application with the issue.

This article is provided for general information purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice.

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