Citizenship Certificate

Passing Citizenship to Your Children

Citizenship is not only something you apply for — it can also be passed down.

If you were born outside Canada but have a Canadian parent, you may already be a Canadian citizen. In this case, you don't apply for a citizenship grant. Instead, you apply for a Citizenship Certificate (Proof of Citizenship).

This certificate is official proof that you are already a Canadian citizen by descent.

Who Is Eligible?

You may qualify for a citizenship certificate if:

You were born outside Canada
At least one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth

This is called citizenship by descent. In most cases, Canadian citizenship can be passed down to the first generation born outside Canada.

Can Citizenship Be Passed to Grandchildren?

In general, Canadian citizenship by descent is limited to one generation born outside Canada. This means:

If you were born in Canada — your child born abroad is usually a citizen
If you were born abroad to Canadian parents — your child born abroad may not automatically receive citizenship

Immigration laws can be complex, and exceptions or legislative updates may apply depending on individual circumstances. That's why reviewing each case carefully is important.

Recent Update: In 2024, Bill C-71 amended the Citizenship Act to restore Canadian citizenship to certain individuals (and their descendants) who were previously excluded by the first-generation limit. If you believe you may be affected by these changes, contact us for an assessment.

Why Is a Citizenship Certificate Important?

If you qualify for citizenship by descent, the certificate allows you to:

Apply for a Canadian passport
Prove your Canadian citizenship officially
Access rights and services available to citizens

Without the certificate, even if you are legally a citizen, you may not be able to exercise your rights fully.

Citizenship Certificate