Canadian citizenship by descent refers to citizenship acquired at birth by individuals born outside Canada to at least one Canadian parent. Unlike many countries, Canada does not automatically issue a citizenship document to persons born abroad — you must apply for a Citizenship Certificate, which is the official proof of your Canadian citizenship status. The certificate is not a grant of citizenship; rather, it confirms citizenship you already hold.

The rules around citizenship by descent were significantly changed by Bill C-71, which received Royal Assent in January 2024. The bill addressed the long-standing ‘Lost Canadians’ issue — situations where individuals lost citizenship or were denied it due to historical laws — and extended citizenship to additional generations born abroad. Understanding whether you qualify under the rules as amended by Bill C-71 requires a careful analysis of your parents’ and, in some cases, grandparents’ citizenship status at the time of your birth.

Eligibility Requirements

• Canadian citizenship can be passed down to children born abroad to at least one Canadian parent
• First generation born abroad: automatically Canadian citizens if one parent was a Canadian citizen at birth
• Second generation born abroad: previously limited (lost-Canadians issue); Bill C-71 changes (enacted 2024) restored citizenship to some second/third generation abroad
• Must apply for a Citizenship Certificate (proof of citizenship) if born outside Canada to prove status
• Note: Bill C-71 changes complex; citizenship by descent now extended to additional generations abroad under certain conditions
• Stateless adults born to Canadian parents may apply ($123 fee for right of citizenship only)

Who Qualifies for Citizenship by Descent

The general rule, both before and after Bill C-71, is that children born outside Canada are Canadian citizens if at least one parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of the child’s birth. However, the complexities arise with subsequent generations born abroad:

First generation born abroad: If you were born outside Canada and at least one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth (either born in Canada or naturalised), you are a Canadian citizen by descent. This applies regardless of where your parent lives or lived.

Second generation and beyond — Bill C-71 changes: Before Bill C-71, the second generation born abroad rule applied, meaning children of Canadians who themselves were born outside Canada did not automatically inherit citizenship. Bill C-71 (enacted 2024) extended citizenship retroactively to additional persons who were previously excluded, particularly those who lost citizenship under older laws or were part of what is commonly called the ‘Lost Canadians’ situation. Persons in the second generation or beyond who believe they may qualify under Bill C-71 should seek a professional assessment of their specific circumstances.

Note that Bill C-71’s provisions are complex and fact-specific. Not all second-generation-abroad individuals automatically qualify — the new rules apply in specific circumstances related to how and when the Canadian parent acquired their citizenship. A regulated immigration professional can assess whether the post-C-71 rules work in your favour.

How to Apply for a Citizenship Certificate

To prove your Canadian citizenship by descent, you apply for a Citizenship Certificate using IRCC’s Application for a Citizenship Certificate (CIT 0001). The certificate is the official document you will use as proof of citizenship for passport applications, government registrations, and other purposes.

1. Determine your eligibility — confirm that at least one parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth. If your case involves a grandparent or is affected by Bill C-71, confirm your eligibility under the current rules.
2. Gather supporting documents: your birth certificate (showing parentage), your parent’s proof of Canadian citizenship (their citizenship certificate, Canadian passport, or birth certificate if born in Canada), and any marriage certificates if a name change is involved.
3. Complete the application form CIT 0001 and prepare two photographs as per IRCC’s citizenship photo specifications.
4. Pay the $75 CAD government fee and submit your application to IRCC.
5. Await processing: as of late 2025, citizenship certificate applications take approximately 10 months.

Document Checklist

Ensure your application package includes:

• Your birth certificate (showing your name and your parents’ names)
• Your parent’s proof of Canadian citizenship (citizenship certificate, Canadian passport, or for Canadian-born parents, their birth certificate)
• Marriage certificate if your parent changed their name
• Two photographs per IRCC specifications
• Application form CIT 0001
• Government fee of $75 CAD
• For Bill C-71 cases: additional documentation establishing how and when the Canadian parent acquired their citizenship

How VGIS Helps

Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308, assists individuals in assessing citizenship by descent eligibility, particularly in complex generational situations involving Bill C-71, historical citizenship loss, or cases where citizenship status is uncertain. VGIS can review your family’s citizenship history, identify whether the post-C-71 provisions apply, and prepare a complete application package.

For a professional assessment of your citizenship by descent claim, book a paid consultation at vgis.ca/book-consultation/.

Fees & Costs

Fee Component	Amount (CAD)
Government Fee	$75 (citizenship certificate / proof of citizenship)
Biometrics	Not applicable

Fees current as of 2026. IRCC may update fees periodically — confirm on the official source link below before paying.

Key Documents Required

• Parent’s proof of Canadian citizenship (citizenship certificate, passport, or birth certificate if born in Canada)
• Applicant’s birth certificate (showing parentage)
• Marriage certificate (if parent changed name)
• Application for Citizenship Certificate (CIT 0001)
• Photos as per specifications
• Proof of identity

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I automatically a Canadian citizen if I was born abroad to a Canadian parent?

If you are the first generation born abroad (your Canadian parent was born in Canada or naturalised before your birth), you are likely a Canadian citizen. However, citizenship is not automatically documented — you must apply for a Citizenship Certificate to have official proof. If you are a second generation born abroad, the answer depends on the specific circumstances and whether Bill C-71 applies to your situation.

What did Bill C-71 change about citizenship by descent?

Bill C-71, enacted in January 2024, extended Canadian citizenship retroactively to additional persons who were previously excluded, including some second and third generation born abroad. It addressed the ‘Lost Canadians’ issue — individuals who lost citizenship or were denied it due to older laws. The provisions are complex and fact-specific; not everyone in the second generation automatically qualifies.

How long does it take to get a Citizenship Certificate?

As of late 2025, IRCC’s processing time for citizenship certificate applications is approximately 10 months. This is the standard processing time — there is no expedited option for most applicants. If you need proof of citizenship urgently (e.g., for a passport application), discuss your timeline with a regulated immigration consultant.

What if my parent was born in Canada but I cannot find their birth certificate?

Alternative evidence of a parent’s Canadian birth or citizenship can include a Canadian passport, military service records, old landed immigrant documents, or provincial vital statistics records. IRCC accepts various forms of evidence if the primary document is unavailable. A regulated immigration professional can advise on what substitute evidence is acceptable for your specific case.

Can I apply for a Canadian passport before receiving my Citizenship Certificate?

Passport Canada requires proof of citizenship to issue a Canadian passport. In most cases, you need a Citizenship Certificate. However, if you were born in Canada, your birth certificate may suffice for a first-time passport application. For citizenship by descent cases, the Citizenship Certificate is generally required. Contact Passport Canada directly for the most current requirements.

Official Government Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship/become-canadian-citizen/eligibility/already-citizen.html

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Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and IRCC policies change frequently. For advice specific to your case, please book a paid consultation with our licensed RCIC-IRB. VG Immigration Services Inc. — Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308.