Dual Citizen Club
Countries/Canada/Citizenship by Descent

Canadian Citizenship by Descent: Complete Guide 2025

If you were born outside Canada to a Canadian citizen parent, you may already be a Canadian citizen. Learn how to prove your citizenship and get your certificate.

95%
Success Rate
3-8
Months Process
$100-600
Total Cost

Quick Eligibility Check

Answer these questions to see if you qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent

Were you born outside Canada to at least one Canadian citizen parent?
Was your parent a Canadian citizen when you were born?
If born after April 17, 2009: Is your parent NOT a Canadian citizen by descent?

What is Canadian Citizenship by Descent?

Canadian citizenship by descent allows individuals born outside Canada to Canadian citizen parentsto obtain proof of their Canadian citizenship. Unlike naturalization, this process proves you were already a Canadian citizen from birth - you're not becoming a citizen, you're proving you already are one.

🇨🇦 Key Benefits of Canadian Citizenship

  • Quick Process: Typically 3-8 months vs 5-7 years for naturalization
  • Low Cost: Only $100 CAD application fee
  • No Residency Requirement: Never need to live in Canada
  • Strong Passport: 185 visa-free destinations
  • Healthcare Access: Universal healthcare when in Canada

Canadian Citizenship Costs: Complete Breakdown

$170
Minimum (DIY)
$170 - $400
Typical Range
$1,700
Maximum (Full Service)

Detailed Cost Breakdown:

Citizenship Certificate Application Fee
Required

Government fee for proof of citizenship certificate

CAD $100 - this proves your Canadian citizenship from birth

$100
Document Collection
Required

Birth certificates, citizenship certificates, and relationship proof documents

Costs vary by province/country where documents are issued

$50 - $200
Document Authentication
Required

Notarization or certification of document copies

May need certified true copies from notary public or commissioner of oaths

$20 - $100
Professional Translation
Optional

Certified translation of foreign documents into English or French

Only needed if documents are not in English or French

$50 - $200
Legal Consultation
Optional

Immigration lawyer assistance for complex descent cases

Useful for complex cases or first-generation limit questions

$300 - $1,000
Express Processing
Optional

Urgent processing fee for faster application review

CAD $100 additional fee for urgent processing (when available)

$100

Important Cost Considerations:

  • First generation limit: if born after April 17, 2009, parent must not be Canadian citizen by descent
  • Much simpler and cheaper than naturalization pathway
  • Processing times are typically faster than naturalization applications
  • Certificate proves citizenship from birth, not naturalization
  • May need additional documentation if parent's citizenship status is unclear
  • Some historical cases may require more extensive documentation research

💡 Money-Saving Tips:

  • Order documents yourself instead of using agencies (save $200-500)
  • Do translations through certified freelancers vs law firms (save $300-800)
  • Apply directly to consulates rather than through services (save $1000+)
  • Research your family tree yourself before hiring genealogists
Check Your Eligibility Now

Canadian Citizenship by Descent Requirements

You Qualify If:

  • You were born outside Canada to at least one Canadian citizen parent
  • Your parent was a Canadian citizen when you were born
  • You can provide proof of your relationship to your Canadian parent
  • If born after April 17, 2009: Your parent is not a Canadian citizen by descent (first generation limit)

You Don't Qualify If:

  • You were born in Canada (you're already a Canadian citizen by birth)
  • Your parent was not a Canadian citizen when you were born
  • Born after April 17, 2009 and your parent is also a Canadian citizen by descent
  • You cannot prove the biological or legal relationship to your Canadian parent

Important: First Generation Limit (Born After April 17, 2009)

Canada introduced a "first generation limit" in 2009. If you were born after April 17, 2009, you can only get citizenship by descent if your Canadian parent was born in Canada or became a Canadian citizen through naturalization (not by descent themselves).

Example: If your parent got Canadian citizenship because their parent was Canadian (by descent), and you were born after 2009, you would not qualify for citizenship by descent.

Canadian Citizenship by Descent Process: Step-by-Step

1

Verify Eligibility

Confirm your parent was a Canadian citizen when you were born and first-generation limit rules

Time: 1-2 weeks
Cost: $0
2 documents needed

💡 Tip: First generation limit applies to those born after April 17, 2009

2

Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary birth certificates, citizenship documents, and relationship proof

Time: 2-6 weeks
Cost: $150
3 documents needed

💡 Tip: May need certified copies and translations if documents are in other languages

3

Complete Application

Fill out citizenship certificate application (CIT 0001) completely and accurately

Time: 2-3 hours
Cost: $0
2 documents needed

💡 Tip: Double-check all information for accuracy before submitting

4

Submit Application

Mail completed application with documents and fees to IRCC

Time: 1 week
Cost: $100
1 documents needed

💡 Tip: Application fee is $100 CAD. Use registered mail for security

5

Application Processing

IRCC reviews application and may request additional documentation

Time: 3-8 months
Cost: $0
1 documents needed

💡 Tip: Processing times vary. Check IRCC website for current estimates

6

Receive Citizenship Certificate

Receive proof of Canadian citizenship certificate by mail

Time: 2-4 weeks
Cost: $0
1 documents needed

💡 Tip: This certificate proves your Canadian citizenship from birth

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my parent was a Canadian citizen when I was born?

You'll need your parent's birth certificate (if born in Canada) or citizenship certificate. If your parent naturalized, you need the date they became a citizen to ensure it was before your birth date.

What is the first generation limit and does it affect me?

The first generation limit applies if you were born after April 17, 2009. It means you can only get citizenship by descent if your Canadian parent was born in Canada or naturalized (not by descent). If born before 2009, this limit doesn't apply to you.

How much does Canadian citizenship by descent cost?

The application fee is $100 CAD. Additional costs include document collection ($50-200), authentication ($20-100), and potentially translations ($50-200). Total costs typically range from $100-600.

How long does the process take?

Processing typically takes 3-8 months from application submission to receiving your citizenship certificate. This is much faster than the 5-7 year naturalization process.

Do I need to live in Canada to apply for citizenship by descent?

No, there is no residency requirement for citizenship by descent. You can apply from anywhere in the world and never need to live in Canada.

Ready to Claim Your Canadian Heritage?

Check if you qualify for Canadian citizenship through your Canadian ancestry