How to Apply for Proof of Canadian Citizenship

Published: February 7, 2022

Canadian citizenship is becoming even more valuable amid growing uncertainty around the world.

The pandemic has disrupted all facets of our lives and there is great political uncertainty in developed and developing countries alike.

Enter Canadian citizenship.

Acquiring Canadian citizenship offers a variety of benefits including being able to live and work in one of the world's best and most stable countries. You are able to raise your family in a country that offers universal healthcare, high quality education, a stable political and financial environment, great job opportunities, among a host of many other benefits. Being a citizen gives you access to a Canadian passport which allows you to pursue visa free travel to 185 countries.

It is for these reasons that Canadians seek to pass their citizenship status to their children that were born abroad. Similarly, children with Canadian parents often go on to apply for Canadian citizenship themselves.

An experienced Canadian immigration lawyer can help you apply for , also known as a Canadian citizenship certificate. Prior to the pandemic, it took the Canadian government about five months to process an application but this is now taking longer due to delays caused by the pandemic. Hence, it is beneficial to go ahead with the application process now so you can enjoy the benefits of Canadian citizenship as quickly as possible. One of the major benefits of hiring an experienced lawyer is they can help you avoid mistakes and unnecessary delays by ensuring you submit the strongest possible Proof of Citizenship application possible.

How can I apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate?

Generally speaking, Proof of Citizenship applications are submitted by adults who had a parent born in Canada who thought they were eligible for Canadian citizenship but were never sure. In addition, such applications are submitted by Canadian parents on behalf of their children that were born abroad, or submitted by the children themselves.

IRCC requires evidence that at least one biological or legal parent was a Canadian citizen when the child was born. Examples of evidence include the parent's birth certificate, citizenship card, or citizenship certificate.

The total Canadian government application fee is $75 CAD.

IRCC will then review it to make sure it is complete. You will then receive an "acknowledgment of receipt". If your case is complicated, IRCC may need to contact you to get more information or documents. IRCC may also need more time to process complicated cases.

Once IRCC approves your application, they will send you a Canadian citizenship certificate.