Frequently Asked Questions

Do I qualify if my Canadian parent or grandparent was also born outside Canada?

Many people can still qualify even if their Canadian parent or grandparent was born outside Canada. Eligibility depends on when each generation was born, how Canadian citizenship was obtained, and how the current Citizenship Act applies to your family history. A review of your family tree is usually required.

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Will IRCC accept baptism records instead of a birth certificate?

Sometimes. If a birth certificate is unavailable, IRCC may accept alternative documents, such as a baptism record, along with evidence explaining why the birth certificate cannot be obtained.
 

Can I still proceed with your services if I do not yet have all of the required documents?

Yes. Many clients begin before they have every document. We first determine what records exist, which documents are required by IRCC, what can be ordered from government archives, and whether alternate evidence may be accepted if records no longer exist.

 

I was previously told I don't qualify for Canadian citizenship. Should I apply again?

Many people who were previously told they were not eligible may now qualify because of changes to Canadian citizenship legislation. Even if you received a refusal years ago, it may be worthwhile to have your case reviewed under the current law.

Do you assist with supporting documents such as birth or marriage records?

Yes. We help clients identify which birth, marriage, death, baptism, adoption and naturalization records may be required. While clients obtain their own documents, we provide guidance on where to obtain them and which records IRCC is most likely to accept.

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Can I claim Canadian citizenship through my great-grandparent??

Possibly. Recent changes to Canada's citizenship laws mean some people may now qualify through a Canadian-born great-grandparent, even if they were previously told they were not eligible.

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How many generations can inherit Canadian citizenship?

There is no single generation limit that applies in every case. Eligibility depends on your family's citizenship history, when each generation was born, and how Canada's Citizenship Act applies to your specific circumstances. Every family history is unique and requires an individual assessment.

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Does my Canadian ancestor need to have been born in Canada?

No. Some people qualify through an ancestor who was born in Canada, while others may qualify through an ancestor who later became a Canadian citizen. Your eligibility depends on your family's citizenship history.

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My Canadian ancestor became a U.S. citizen. Can I still qualify?

Possibly. Whether this affects your eligibility depends on when your ancestor became a U.S. citizen, how Canadian citizenship laws applied at the time, and how citizenship was transmitted through each generation. This is one of the most common issues we assess during our reviews.

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My parent never claimed Canadian citizenship. Does that matter?

Not necessarily. Many people qualify for Canadian citizenship even though their parent never applied for proof of citizenship or obtained a Canadian passport. Eligibility depends on the law, not whether previous generations formally claimed their citizenship.

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Can my children qualify too?

If you are entitled to Canadian citizenship, your children may also have a claim depending on when they were born and how the Citizenship Act applies to your family's circumstances.

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Do I need to move to Canada??

No. Canadian citizenship by descent does not require you to live in Canada before applying.

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How long does Canadian citizenship by descent take?

Processing times vary depending on IRCC and the complexity of your application. Complete applications with the correct supporting documents are generally processed more efficiently than those requiring additional information.

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What if my Canadian ancestor changed their name?

A name change does not automatically affect your eligibility, but you will need documents that clearly link your ancestor's previous and current names to establish your family relationship.

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Do I need to pay taxes in Canada once I become a Canadian?

Not necessarily. Canadian citizenship alone does not create a tax obligation. You generally pay Canadian taxes only if you become a tax resident of Canada or earn income that is taxable in Canada.

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Can I apply myself?

Yes. You can apply for Canadian citizenship by descent on your own, but many people seek professional assistance when their family history is complex or they are unsure whether they qualify.

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What rights and privileges does Canadian citizenship by descent provide?

Canadian citizenship by descent grants you the same rights and privileges as any other Canadian citizen, regardless of where you were born. This includes the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada, apply for a Canadian passport, and benefit from universal healthcare. As a citizen, you’ll also be able to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections, run for office, and receive protection from Canadian consulates while traveling abroad. In short, citizenship by descent offers the full package—just like someone born in Vancouver, Halifax, or anywhere else on Canadian soil.

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Applying for a Canadian Passport After Receiving Proof of Citizenship

Once you've received your citizenship certificate, you're eligible to apply for a Canadian passport. Your citizenship certificate serves as your official proof, and it's a key document when you submit your passport application.

Here’s how to get started:

• Gather your documents: You’ll need your citizenship certificate, photo identification, passport photos that meet Canadian requirements, and the completed passport application form, which is available from Passport Canada.

• Submit your application: You can apply by mail or at a designated Service Canada office. Make sure to include all original documents and the applicable fee.

• Processing times: Passport processing times can vary based on your location and the method you use to apply. If you need your passport urgently, expedited services are available for an additional fee.

 

Once issued, your Canadian passport gives you access to consular services around the world as a Canadian citizen.