Canadian Citizenship Through Grandparent Rule: What You Need to Know
Ottawa, September 2025 – If you have a grandparent who was born in Canada, you may be eligible for Canadian citizenship—and eventually a Canadian passport—even if neither you nor your parents were born in Canada.
Thanks to new interim measures introduced in 2025, individuals with Canadian grandparents but parents born abroad may apply for a discretionary grant of citizenship, opening new opportunities for thousands worldwide.
Who Qualifies for Citizenship Through Grandparents?
1. If Your Parent Was Born in Canada
- Your parent automatically became a Canadian citizen at birth.*
- You can apply directly for a Canadian citizenship certificate.
- Even if your parent has passed away, your right to apply remains valid.
*Some rare exceptions apply.
2. If Your Grandparent Is Canadian but Your Parent Was Born Outside Canada
- The first-generation limit applies—your parent is Canadian by descent, but you are not automatically considered Canadian.
- Under the 2025 interim measures, you may still apply for a discretionary grant of citizenship, provided you can prove your grandparent’s Canadian citizenship.
- Once approved, you’ll receive a citizenship certificate, which allows you to apply for a Canadian passport.
How the Discretionary Grant of Citizenship Works
- You must first apply for a citizenship certificate.
- IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) will review your file.
- If eligible, IRCC will:
- Send a confirmation letter, and
- Invite you to request a discretionary grant of citizenship.
Example Case: Saransh
- Born in the U.S., to a mother also born in the U.S.
- Her grandmother was a Canadian-born citizen.
- Sarah’s mother is Canadian by descent (first generation), but Sarah herself is second generation and not automatically Canadian.
- Under 2025 measures, Sarah can apply for citizenship by proving her grandmother’s status.
Steps to Apply for a Canadian Citizenship Certificate
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Get Application Package | Includes instruction guide, forms, and checklist |
| 2 | Pay Application Fee | $75 fee, paid online; receipt must be kept |
| 3 | Submit Application | Submission location depends on country of residence |
Applying for a Canadian Passport
Once you receive your citizenship certificate, you can apply for a Canadian passport.
Required Documents:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (certificate).
- Proof of identity.
- Two passport photos.
Fees: Vary by validity (5-year or 10-year passport).
Why This Matters
- These interim measures offer a path to citizenship for the second generation born abroad, something previously restricted.
- It allows more families with Canadian heritage to reconnect with Canada.
- Successful applicants gain access to the rights and benefits of Canadian citizenship, including international travel with a Canadian passport.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
