Are You Eligible for a Canadian Passport Through Citizenship by Descent?
Many people living outside Canada are unaware that they may already hold Canadian citizenship by descent—simply because their parent or even grandparent was a Canadian citizen. If you qualify, you can secure proof of citizenship and later apply for a Canadian passport.
However, not all cases are straightforward. Some individuals may be affected by the first-generation limit (FGL), which restricts citizenship by descent beyond one generation. The Canadian government has introduced interim measures to provide discretionary grants of citizenship to certain groups of “Lost Canadians.”
Who May Already Be a Canadian Citizen?
- If your parent or grandparent was a Canadian citizen, you may automatically have citizenship by descent, even if you were born abroad.
- This means you have the legal right to enter and live in Canada.
- To confirm, you must apply for proof of citizenship (citizenship certificate).
- Once you receive the certificate, you can then apply for a Canadian passport.
Who Falls Under the First-Generation Limit (FGL)?
The FGL rule means that citizenship by descent is only passed to the first generation born abroad. If your parent was Canadian by descent (not born in Canada themselves), you may not automatically qualify.
But under interim measures announced in March 2025, you may still be eligible for a discretionary grant of citizenship if you are a “Lost Canadian.”
Categories of Lost Canadians Eligible for Citizenship Grants
- Born or adopted before December 19, 2023, and affected by the FGL.
- Born or adopted on/after December 19, 2023, with a Canadian parent who lived in Canada for at least 1,095 days before your birth/adoption.
- Born before April 1, 1949, and still affected by the FGL.
- Former Canadian citizens who lost their status after failing to comply with earlier retention requirements.
How to Apply for Proof of Citizenship
- Download and complete the application package (CIT 0001).
- Provide required documents:
- Two valid IDs (one with a photo).
- Citizenship photos (one for online, two for paper).
- Translations if documents are not in English or French.
- IMM 5476 form if using a representative.
- Pay the $75 fee online or at an embassy (if abroad).
- Submit your application online or by mail.
Processing time: About 5 months, though urgent requests may be expedited.
How to Apply for a Canadian Passport
Once you have your citizenship certificate, you can apply for a passport either by mail or at Service Canada.
Documents required:
- Passport application form (PPTC 153).
- Canadian citizenship certificate.
- Proof of identity (driver’s license, foreign passport, etc.).
- Two identical photos signed by your guarantor.
Fees:
- 5-year passport → $120
- 10-year passport → $160
Processing times vary depending on urgency (10–20 days standard, faster for urgent/emergency).
Key Takeaway
If your parent or grandparent was Canadian, you might already be entitled to Canadian citizenship. With proof of citizenship, you can obtain one of the world’s most powerful passports, opening doors to travel, work, and settlement opportunities worldwide.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
